A current and updated anti-virus program on you computer, PC or laptop is essential to ensure that you are protected from most malware, computer viruses, spyware and adware (Click here for an explanation)
However, anti-virus programs are not 100% fool-proof and you can still accidentally pick-up viruses from opening e-mails (especially email attachments), visiting websites, installing new or updating existing programs, browser add-ons or applications.
Computers, PCs and Laptops using the most popular operating systems “OS” such as Microsoft's XP, Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8 are the most vulnerable to picking up viruses.
Computers, PCs and Laptops using Apple Macintosh (OSX) or Linux operating systems are less likely to be infected by viruses and as such do not generally require anti-virus software. However, they can still pick up adware and spyware through browsers such as Chrome and Firefox.
If your anti-virus program has expired or is out-of-date YOU WILL PICKUP viruses, malware and adware no matter how careful you are,
… so ensure you update your virus definition database regularly by renewing your paid subscription or installing a reputable anti-virus program such as the paid AVG Internet Security or the equally as good AVG Free edition
Your Anti-Virus program may “warn” you that your computer has been infected but cannot always remove them, even though you will probably see a message informing you that the virus has been “deleted“, “removed“, “healed” or “quarantined“.
Whenever you see such a message it is advisable to reboot your machine, update your virus definitions and run a “full-scan” of every file on your machine. This will take many minutes or many hours depending on how much data you have on you machine.
There are some viruses called “worms” or “trojans” that are very clever and cannot be removed in this way. The only way to remove such programs is to use a clean “boot-disk” that examines each file on your machine without starting windows.
How to remove 99% of computer viruses, malware and adware for FREE
Click here for detailed instructions on how to remove 99% of malware and computer viruses for FREE using the AVG Rescue CD/DVD or bootable USB
What is the difference between a “Computer Virus”, “Malware”, “Adware” and “Spyware”?
“Malware” (short for malicious software) is software used to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems.
Malware includes computer viruses, ransomware, worms, trojan horses, rootkits, keyloggers, dialers, spyware, adware, malicious BHOs, rogue security software and other malicious programs; the majority of active malware threats are usually worms or trojans rather than viruses. (See Wikipedia definition here)
The difference between the FREE and PAID versions of the same anti-virus program?
The “paid” version of an anti-virus product usually offer two main additions to their “FREE” version.
What can I do if I do not have the confidence or the technical expertise to remove the malware/virus myself?
If you live in Western Australia, please bring your computer, PC or laptop to our office and we will be happy to remove the virus for a small fee. You can contact us here. Otherwise contact your nearest virus removal specialist.
The IT Guys recommend AVG anti-virus products. Click on the banner below to purchase.
Written by John Kirkby
