The Problem

Protection from malicious viruses and malware isn't an option anymore, it's absolutely essential.

There are over 4 million virus threats that are currently flagged by current antivirus programs. And that number increases by over 2,000 new threats every day. Depending on the virus/spyware, the effects can range from annoying to destructive. The worst infections can delete files on your hard drive, make your computer inoperable, and even send your personal and financial information to people who will abuse it. Even a mild infection can reduce the speed of your computer and Internet connection.

In the past you could only catch a virus/spyware by actually opening a file or running an application. Now you can become infected simply by going to a web site or opening an email.

The problem with today's viruses and especially spyware is that there's no one program that's good enough to remove and/or prevent all of them. There are some decent antivirus programs and there are some decent anti-spyware programs but so far no one has created one program that can do both effectively. Also, some programs are better at removal while others are better at prevention.

The Cure

Basically, if your computer is doing anything out of the ordinary I would suggest scanning your computer with any of the following FREE anti-virus/malware programs. It's best to do this soon after a virus infection because your virus problem will get worse and harder to fix over time. If you wait too long you could lose your internet connection or worse, you may not be able to boot into Windows.

Malwarebytes (this is my favorite)

SUPERAntiSpyware

IObit Security 360

Be sure to run the Update after you install the above programs so the virus definition files are current. Then run the scan, usually the Quick Scan is sufficient and only takes 10-15 minutes.

After you run any of the above, if it found any threats have the program remove them, reboot and run the program again and insure it doesn't find anything the second time. If it does then try the next program in the list. You need to be sure your computer is clean. Viruses are like mice, you never have just one.

Hopefully, after running the above program(s) you've taken care of the problem.

If you're still having problems, give me a call at 612-308-0978. I can insure your computer is clean and take measures to help prevent future infections. I charge $50 for virus/spyware removal and prevention services (the Geek Squad charges $299 for this service).  

Prevention

There are no silver bullets when it comes to antivirus software. There are far too many threats created every day for any one company to keep up with them all. And even if your antivirus software is good at detecting viruses that doesn't mean it's good at removing them. That's why I don't believe in paying for antivirus programs like McAfee and Norton.

It is important to have antivirus software installed on your computer but you must also use common sense and keep your operating system and other software installed updated. Here's my list of do's and don'ts:

1. Turn on Automatic Updates in Windows and set them to install automatically. Also insure the Windows firewall is enabled.

2. Install an antivirus program that updates its definitions at least once daily (see my recommendations below).

3. Don't install any free software from the internet unless it's from www.download.com. Download.com guarantees no viruses or other malware will come along for the ride. And before you download that torrent or free MP3 stop and reconsider. Is it worth a computer infection?

4. If you're still using Internet Explorer, stop! I recommend using Google Chrome instead. It's faster and more secure.

5. Be careful where you surf on the internet. A vast number of virus infections today are spread by unscrupulous web sites. All you have to do is visit the website and a script can run to infect your PC. The best advice I can give is to be careful where you surf. Even Facebook and other popular social websites have been infected so always think before you click any links in them.

6. Don't click on links from MSN Messenger or other instant message programs unless you're certain they're legit.

7. Use caution and common sense before clicking links or opening files in your email. Don't even watch that video someone sent you until you scan the file first. I hope you're starting to see the pattern here. Be careful when clicking any link or opening any file! If in doubt error on the side of caution.

8. Don't click on links in emails from your bank or the government that ask you to give any personal information. If in doubt call them instead.

The virus/malware business is a very lucrative business so don't expect them to fold up shop and go away any time soon. It's their job to infect your computer. It's your job, not your antivirus program's job, to keep them off so you have to use caution and common sense.

The free antivirus programs I recommend are AVG Anti-Virus and AntiVir. In addition to installing either one of those I would recommend adding another layer of defense. For this I've been using Panda Cloud. It's light on resources and is good at keeping viruses from installing on your PC.

If your computer is acting strange or your antivirus program tells you that you have a virus then install and run Malwarebytes (listed under The Cure).

Good luck and happy computing!

Bert Moen

Computer Recovery Services

www.bmoen.com