Computers have become almost indispensable today. But a computer is after all a machine and it too needs care to remain functional all the time. So wherever Internet technology comes into picture, computer security is a subject of major concern. Read ahead to know how to get rid of computer viruses.
Before we get cracking on how to get rid of computer viruses, let's understand what is a computer virus after all? Computer viruses are malicious programs that start operating anonymously from any location in your system. Like biological viruses, they also replicate themselves and spread from one workstation to another in a network. They are primarily responsible for sudden deletion and
corruption of files. Besides, they hamper the security of important documents stored in your system and crash your system's RAM (Random Access Memory). But then how do you come to know about computer virus symptoms? Signs such as an extremely slow system, abrupt reboots, blue error screens, a lot of undefined and random errors and a large number of pop up windows opening simultaneously indicate a possible virus or a spyware attack! There are different types of computer viruses such as spyware, adware, Trojan horses, web bugs and worms which also harm your computer. They self infest without the knowledge of your system and corrupt its sensitive data.
Methods to Get Rid of Computer Viruses
Following are methods adopted to get rid of computer viruses:
Methods to Get Rid of Computer Viruses
Following are methods adopted to get rid of computer viruses:
Choosing anti virus software: Generally an antivirus software is a part of your system as it is pre installed. But the market offers you better choices always. Some of the leading anti virus software include:
- McAfee
- Norton (A Symantec product)
- AVG
- Avast
Using online anti virus software and rescue disks: Computer viruses also upgrade as anti virus programs. At times, they do not let you access the anti virus software installed in your system. So what do you do? There are a few online virus scanning software that provide free online tools to tackle risky situations:
- McAfee scanner - Most recommended
- Avast Virus cleaner
- Trend Housecall
- Kaspersky online virus scanner
- Panda Activescan
Using anti spyware software: Spyware are a high security risk to your system. These programs spy on your system, steal important information and alter your system configuration. Signs of spyware attacks can be confirmed with unusual changes in web browsers, search engines, random error messages and a very slow system. The best remedy to this problem is installation of a sturdy anti spyware software. There are many free spyware removal programs available in the market, which can be used to get rid of computer viruses. Some of the best recommended anti spyware are:
- Windows Defender
- Webroot
- Spybot search and destroy
- Defensenet
- Bazooka
Using anti adware software: Adware are annoying programs that are responsible for the uncontrolled number of pop up advertisements clogging your web browsers. Not only do they slow down your system, but at times self install unnecessary software without the knowledge of the system. For removal of adware, Lavasoft's Ad-adware is the best!
Using firewall to get rid of computer viruses: Firewalls are either hardware or software and sometimes a combination of both. They regulate network traffic by monitoring port activity of the system based on a set of pre-defined security policies. These policies list IP addresses and ports to be blocked or allowed based on the risk proposed. Some of the best firewall products available in the market are:
- Online Armor Personal Firewall
- Comodo Internet Security
- Little Snitch
- Zone Alarm Free Firewall
- PC Tools Firewall
- Ashampoo Firewall
So, whenever there is a slightest doubt of a possible virus attack, there are some immediate action items to confirm your doubts!
- Stop working. Save the necessary documents and close all the windows.
- Don't start deleting files frantically assuming the worst. Stay calm and take a backup of all the important data.
- Run your anti virus software immediately. In case it asks for any updations, update the software and run it.
- If problems persist there is a possibility that the system is under a virus/spyware attack.
- Browse intelligently. Internet is a web of networks. Hence the system is always prone to virus attacks. Do not visit sites that might be a source of malicious software.
- Be careful when going for free software downloads as most of them may contain spyware.
- Maintain secure browser settings every time you access your system. Nowadays, every browser gives users the convenience to adjust browser security settings. Go to Tools and access the security tab to alter browser settings if needed. You may also adjust the settings such that cookies get stored only for secure websites.
- Firewalls are a must for your system when it comes to network security. However nowadays, Apple's MAC OS and Windows XP have inbuilt firewall programs.
- Read online license agreements, privacy statements and security warnings before you download any software. Agreeing under sheer carelessness and ignorance can invite malware. In such cases, consult IT service center or make use of a search engine to check if any form of malware has been reported for the software you want to download. These measures will prevent your system from getting infected with spyware carriers like Kazaa and Grokster.
- Do not open unsolicited email attachments containing word documents and power point presentations. These are gateways to install virus in your system. Also, be cautious while clicking on online messages claiming to alert you about your system security risk. Most of the times, they are links for installation of spyware.
- Spyware threat is obvious in case of peer-to-peer file-sharing services. So it is advised not to download any executable files from such shared connections.
- Last but not the least, update anti virus and firewall software regularly. Most of them today are self programmed to update themselves after a specific duration.
