Tag Archives: programs
Handling Computer Viruses
A computer virus is software that is capable of creating a lot of problems to your computer programs and files. It can even affect your hard disk as well. These viruses travel through the Internet from computer to computer. Some of them can even be used to extract information from your computer illegally with the intent to sell. With all your personal information, identity theft becomes easy.
Often times your computer will begin doing weird things and stop running like it usually does when it has acquired a virus. Some signs of this can be your computer is reacting slower, freezing up frequently, runs and then restarts itself many times, some programs are not running at all and the it does not recognize disks or disk drives in the computer. You will also see some strange programs that were not there in the computer before, which you did not install.
You should run an anti-virus program to see if you do have a virus and where it is located. Sometimes your computer shows signs of having a virus, but this may also be due to other hardware failures that your computer is having and it may not have anything to do with computer viruses.
Removing computer viruses is not an easy task. Even experts need the help of removal tools. It is therefore very important to have the latest anti-virus updates on your computer. These programs have been created to stop most of the viruses from getting through, before they enter your computer in the first place. Of course, once you have a virus, you will have to try and get rid of it without losing too much of your data in the process. This also applies to the memory on your hard drive.
Prevention is perhaps the best solution to computer viruses. There are a few things that you can do to make sure that you dont get viruses in the first place. First, keep your firewall on at all times. This will help keep unwanted programs out. Secondly, keep your system completely up-to-date to be able to handle the latest viruses efficiently. Next, make sure you have a good anti-virus software and that it is not expired. Now make sure to use antispyware software to protect your computer as well. Make sure you have all the information on these products and tools to keep your computer healthy at all times.
Antivirus Software Just Isn't Enough
There’s no excuse for not using an antispyware program these days. Having one of these programs can help with spyware infestations. Whereas antiviral programs have a definitions database which focuses primarily on malicious programs, antispyware programs concentrate on ad-based trojans and malware. Makers of antispyware are able to focus more in depth on the latest adware-based attacks. Antivirus makers don’t have that luxury and need to focus on more broad targets and may run a step or two behind catching the latest spyware threat.
There are a few very good free antispyware programs. Namely, MalwareBytes, Superantispyware, and Spybot Search&Destroy. The only problem with these freeware versions is that they don’t offer real-time or scheduled scanning. In other words, they only help with removal after your computer has been hit with a piece of malware; however, MalwareBytes and Superantispyware do offer paid versions which have these features and more. In addition, paid versions may offer a few more bells and whistles such as registry backup and repair and USB protection.
The other type of antispyware many people use is the purchased kind. Brands of this kind include Webroot’s SpySweeper, iS3’s StopZilla, and PCTools Spyware Doctor. All of these make for excellent antispyware programs not just for removal but also prevention. With features such as scheduled scans, real-time protection, web browser protection, and more, this type of software should keep you safe from an attack before it happens. Much like antivirus software, antispyware software has a set of definitions that are regularly updated which scan for the latest threats. Be sure to check often for updated definitions to ensure your computer’s safety.
How do you know which version is best for you? Much of your decision should be based on your familiarity and experience with the internet. If you are familiar with how viruses and spyware are transmitted and don’t visit so-called ‘social’ sites and if you are able to identify legitimate emails and their attachments as being harmful, perhaps the free versions of antispyware will suffice. Just be sure to run regular scans with them to ensure your computer is free from malware.
With today’s vast selection of antispyware and antivirus software; whether it be subscription-based, paid, or free, you should be able to protect your computer and personal data from harmful internet threats. If you still aren’t sure which product to use, bear in mind that many vendors offer free trial downloads of their software. Don’t get caught without adequate protection.
Antivirus Software Just Isn't Enough
There’s no excuse for not using an antispyware program these days. Having one of these programs can help with spyware infestations. Whereas antiviral programs have a definitions database which focuses primarily on malicious programs, antispyware programs concentrate on ad-based trojans and malware. Makers of antispyware are able to focus more in depth on the latest adware-based attacks. Antivirus makers don’t have that luxury and need to focus on more broad targets and may run a step or two behind catching the latest spyware threat.
There are a few very good free antispyware programs. Namely, MalwareBytes, Superantispyware, and Spybot Search&Destroy. The only problem with these freeware versions is that they don’t offer real-time or scheduled scanning. In other words, they only help with removal after your computer has been hit with a piece of malware; however, MalwareBytes and Superantispyware do offer paid versions which have these features and more. In addition, paid versions may offer a few more bells and whistles such as registry backup and repair and USB protection.
The other type of antispyware many people use is the purchased kind. Brands of this kind include Webroot’s SpySweeper, iS3’s StopZilla, and PCTools Spyware Doctor. All of these make for excellent antispyware programs not just for removal but also prevention. With features such as scheduled scans, real-time protection, web browser protection, and more, this type of software should keep you safe from an attack before it happens. Much like antivirus software, antispyware software has a set of definitions that are regularly updated which scan for the latest threats. Be sure to check often for updated definitions to ensure your computer’s safety.
How do you know which version is best for you? Much of your decision should be based on your familiarity and experience with the internet. If you are familiar with how viruses and spyware are transmitted and don’t visit so-called ‘social’ sites and if you are able to identify legitimate emails and their attachments as being harmful, perhaps the free versions of antispyware will suffice. Just be sure to run regular scans with them to ensure your computer is free from malware.
With today’s vast selection of antispyware and antivirus software; whether it be subscription-based, paid, or free, you should be able to protect your computer and personal data from harmful internet threats. If you still aren’t sure which product to use, bear in mind that many vendors offer free trial downloads of their software. Don’t get caught without adequate protection.