Steps to Secure Home Computer Security

Implementing a computer security on your home system plays a great role in protecting your PC from various online threats like spyware, malware, virus, worms and many more. Everyday, new and more aggressive viruses get launched on the Internet, and while you do your best to diligently update your anti-virus, do not ever underestimate the kind of havoc it will wreak on your system. Bottom line is, whether you use the Internet or not, you will still need an efficient antivirus software that will detect each and every virus infecting your system.

How can you maintain a good antivirus program?

First you need to buy or download an antivirus protection for your system from the huge range of antivirus software available so as to ensure that your PC is little protected. Then it completely depends on you what all benefits you are using out of it for protecting your system. You should always scan your programs, files, and folder once a day to detect the entire virus, but most of the antivirus comes with Auto generated scan so that whenever you start your computer it will automatically start scanning your each and every folder and throw the detrimental viruses out of your system.

Avoid opening a wary and unknown folder

Be aware of the folders or emails which can put your Personal Computer in trouble by just opening it. This might sound tricky, but it is true. Many hackers endeavor to hoax you by fetching the sensitive date in the middle before reaching to the desired position. The best thing you can do is delete the email which is not being sent by the known recipient and always try to read the information sent by known person before clicking on the attached files. If you face any doubts regarding opening up any attached file then you must contact the person who sent that file to you at that moment only for betterment of your system.

How can you boost the security of home computer?

If you are using windows in your computer system then you must be thinking of getting windows updates for your Personal Computer. Many developers create patches for the windows to make it run efficiently without any intrusion. You can also twirl the option of automatic updates so that your computer starts downloading and establishing whenever you indicate it. You can even check their website for the most up-to-date program updates.

Protect your home computer with best cloud antivirus protection software. There are many websites available on Internet that offers best free antivirus protection download services safely.

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Some Basic Things You Need to Learn About a Computer Virus

Computer viruses are malignant software that is designed to affect the functions of the computer that it is downloaded into and it can be derived from, or transported through, information technology (IT) networks and storage media such as USB sticks, CDs, and others. The term was coined by Leonard Adleman, a computer specialist and molecular biology expert who saw a distinct similarity with how a computer virus works with that of its biological counterpart. You must remember that the term "virus" is not a catch-all phrase for malware in general. They are different from computer worms in that they directly attack the very system of the computer, while worms merely multiply by themselves and be distributed while leaving the original program intact. Fortunately, a free antivirus download can easily deal with the problem, but sometimes your PC can be so infected that you need to reinstall the OS altogether.

Such is the prevalence and nature of computer viruses that it is projected by Sophos that they number around 95,000, although according to the WildList Organization, only a thousand or more are active these days given the fact that antivirus companies do tend to overestimate their cleaning capabilities. A greater part of this number is dedicated to attack Windows-based computers, most of which can be remedied simply with a free antivirus download. Some are made to infect other OS platforms such as Linux and Unix but they are very rare. Other programs such as OS/2 and Netware that offer less tempting targets for viruses and FreeBSD which are primarily designed on security see less frequent attacks.

However, recently there has been an increase in infections to newer programs such as the Mac OS 9. Whatever the OS and kind of virus that is involved, these malware are often incurred by computer enthusiasts who unwittingly download them into their PCs or laptops, and most cause havoc to the OS program that was originally running smoothly. But this is not the case with Core War, a pioneering program developed and used in Bell Laboratories in 1970 and considered to be the prototype of the computer virus. It has all the hallmarks of virus programming: Core War instructs the OS to hunt and take down other programs other than its own while protecting itself and its copies from retaliatory attempts from hostile programs. It can replicate, regenerate, transfer from one memory area to another, and get rid of opposing software by taking them to less friendly areas. The program that has the most surviving number of replicates wins. This breakthrough was followed by a computer application that was published by the "Scientific American" in 1984 explaining in detail how to create smaller-sized programs that can directly affect their hosts; this in turn was superseded by the "Brain" virus program created for the ARPANET in 1986, which is noted for the tongue-in-cheek inclusion of the virus programmers' own personal details within its source code.

A virus is created to integrate itself within the host program. It will be activated once that program is run or through a set timetable and will cause any number of actions such as displaying an innocuous message to the gradual degeneration of the host computer's functions to the total deletion of every critical data in the computer. One type of virus is the so-called "logic bomb" that replaces the boot-up program with one of its own; it generally does not do any harm to the computer itself. Another type is the macro virus that affects the macros generated in Microsoft Office programs. Both types can be easily dealt with a paid or free antivirus download. With the popularity of the Internet came the ever-increasing threat and spread of modern computer viruses. However, the trend still appears to affect only those computers installed with Windows; other systems that are less popular such as those based upon UNIX seemingly are less at risk.

When a new virus is discovered, its naming follows a convention that gives it a specific term. Dealing with them has been the task of many antivirus companies for some years now. Be they free or paid antivirus programs, they try to get rid of viruses through three ways: Attempt to recover damaged files by taking off the viral program, quarantine or isolate offending files for future recovery and so that they cannot harm unaffected files, and erase affected files. Increasingly, antivirus companies have banded together to work towards the prevention and spreading of new viruses.

It always pays to be informed when dealing with computer viruses. And with the right tools such as a paid or free antivirus download to help you out, you can be sure that you can keep your computer secure from them.

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Getting Rid of the Windows Optimization Center Malware From Your Computer

Malicious computer hackers have unleashed another dangerous and crippling viral program known as the Windows Optimization Center. It is just like any run-of-the-mill false antivirus software program in that it appears to protect your computer but in truth has already compromised it. These types of malware have been around for a while now and more and more computers have fallen victim to them. Thus, it is important not to have them infect your computer and have them terminated once you suspect of their existence, something that most malware removal tools that pass the best antivirus reviews are more than capable of doing.

The Windows Optimization Center viral program masquerades as a "legitimate" antivirus application that has an unsuspecting user downloading it into a computer and infecting it without his or her knowledge. This happens when your computer lacks the realtime protection of a firewall or you have left it with no defence against rogue Internet intrusions, has spurious program files downloaded in it or has accessed a potentially dangerous website. When the virus program gains access into your computer, it clones itself and wreaks havoc to your OS and everything associated with your computer. It will then initiate an ostensibly needed scan of your computer system for possible infected files and compiles a test result of the scan; then posts an advertisement that asks you to buy the upgraded version of the software program. In truth, the upgrade is as false as the original and it only leads to more aggravation on your part.

Such advertising is frowned upon by antivirus reviews who rate the best-performing antivirus removers available. While the Windows Optimization Center is enabled, it duplicates system program copies and hard disk data for anything pertinent to hackers; primarily this would come in the form of personal data of the user, which interested hackers would then sell off for a tidy profit. To eliminate it, you must remember that the virus blocks important programs that you can use to hinder its progress. This makes it very tedious to take out because you cannot delete it nor exit out of it straightaway; the two ways that you can safely remove it from your computer system is to manually terminate it yourself or use an effective antivirus program.

You must ensure that you prevent the virus from operating further and to eliminate the virus completely by getting rid of all the various associated system files and programs. If you choose to do it manually, you must employ the rkill or Safe Mode configuration to put a halt to the virus' actions. You need to be cautious in using this method if you find your computer skills to be lacking but once you have completed this step, you can proceed to look up and take out the program directories that were infected by the virus. They are put in by the virus in the registry file "%APPDATA%\protect.exe." Once this is completed, you have removed Windows Optimization Center from your computer. A better and more efficient method to terminate Windows Optimization Center is to employ malware detection and elimination software, preferably one that is rated highly in most antivirus reviews. It works by examining your computer files and taking out anything that has been compromised by the virus.

The Frontline Rogue Remover software is considered to be the best tool in taking care of Windows Optimization Center; it is a potent antivirus application that can complete erase all evidence of the virus. You simply download it from the Internet and have it installed in your PC. If you run it, it will demonstrate how you can prevent Windows Optimization Center from progressing and then goes on to purge your system files of the virus. You can then go and clear the system registry of any evidence of this viral program.

So if you suspect your computer has been infected with Windows Optimization Center, don't worry too much. Having a good antivirus removal application that is rated one of the best by most antivirus reviews, and the appropriate knowledge to tackle the problem, will have you get rid of this virus in no time.

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How to Save Data on Your Hard Drive After Getting a Nasty Computer Virus

Be aware of the computer viruses lurking out there.

Having a computer virus attack is the last thing that anyone ever wants to deal with. Computer virus causes damage by using up the CPU and memory resources available in a computer. To increase the rate of damage, it can replicate many copies of itself. Furthermore, it can also prevent other programs, especially an anti-virus application, from running. More importantly, a computer virus can delete data stored on all your computer's internal and external storage devices. Therefore, it is important to learn a few techniques so you can apply when your computer is under a virus attack.

Identify a storage device to save your data to.

The first step is to find a storage device to save your data. There are many options when it comes to choosing an appropriate type of storage device to save your data. Depending on the amount of data you have and the availability of your hardware and software, you may choose an internal or external hard drive or a USB flash drive. You may also use other media storage devices such as a DVD. After you save your data, it is highly recommended that you disable or remove the device from your computer to prevent it from being removed by the virus.

Disconnect your computer from the internet to minimize the virus' strength and ability to cause further damage.

Disable the computer network interface, wireless network interface, or remove the Ethernet cable to disconnect your computer from the internet. Without an internet connection, the chances of your computer catching another virus or malware is also reduced. If you cannot disconnect your computer from the internet, you should not browse the internet unless it is absolutely necessary. In addition, the virus cannot use your bandwidth to perform illegal download and upload activities without an internet connection.

Booting up your computer in safe mode to disable the virus from replicating.

When booting up your computer into safe mode, only the minimal drivers and software are loaded to give you control over the Operating System (OS). A computer virus will usually be disabled because safe mode is designed to exclude foreign programs from running. Starting your computer in safe mode without networking will also help minimize another virus or malware attack. Starting your computer in safe mode without the virus program gives you the opportunity to save your data to a storage device of your choice.

Load your computer into the last known good configuration.

Computers keep track of the last known good configuration for a good reason. It allows you to load your computer programs and settings before the computer virus enters your computer. It is important for you to understand that loading the last known configuration may lose other current programs and settings running on your computer. Although you may need to re-install some programs, you no longer need to worry about the virus. However, you should save your data anyway in the event of another computer virus attack.

Save data on your computer using an alternate account.

If your computer catches the virus using a non-administrative account, you may be able to save your data under another account. Depending on the design of the virus, it may or may not be capable of causing damage outside the affected account. You can also try to disable or remove the virus with a privileged account.

Use a third party software to save your data if possible.

There are many free software that allows you to save your data outside the operation of the Operating System (OS). Usually, you can boot up your computer using a bootable device such as a DVD or USB containing the program. However, you may need to enable these bootable devices in your BIOS option setting in order to boot from them. After your computer boots up from one of these bootable devices, the program is loaded and you are provided an option to save data on your hard drive. Depending on the program features, but generally you will be allowed to save the entire partition or files.

Liesl Henderson is a freelance writer with experience in writing on topics such as antispyware, web security and computer protection.

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A Beginner's Guide to Anti-Virus Programs and Removing Computer Viruses

Due to the immense importance people put on computer and technology, it is crucial that one knows how to protect their computers against computer viruses. These viruses can be downloaded from Internet, which makes it easier for a user to introduce a virus into their computer without him/her knowing about it. Anti-virus software programs can help block viruses from entering a computer, but sometimes a virus may slip past these defenses. There are two things a person can do to remove a virus from their computer without taking it to the repair shop.

1. Back up their data. Some users seem to forget to do this, and once a virus infects the computer and deletes all the data on the computer's hard disk, it would set them back a long way. While most computers come with an option to store a back up of a user's files onto an external hard drive, this also increases the chance that any available viruses would also be copied to the external hard drive. Users can use a hard drive dock or upload their files on online file storage systems instead.

2. Run virus scans. Users should first boot their computers into safe mode before running the virus scan. They can also download anti-virus programs on the Internet, but users should make sure that they chose tried and tested programs. If users can still access the Internet on the computers, they can utilize online scanners that would help them pinpoint and remove viruses. These scanners are also able to improve the computer's performance and clean the hard disk.

Before one performs these steps, they should first make sure that their computer and technology is indeed infected with a virus. Some "symptoms" of an infected computer includes inaccessible disk drives or disks, distorted menus, and strange error messages. Computers that crash often, freeze, or run slowly may also be infected with a virus. However, these may also mean that the computer has some problems with the software. Anti-virus programs and scanners are the only sure way to determine if a virus has been introduced into the computer.

There are several kinds of anti-virus programs that people can install into their computers to help them remove any harmful add-ons. Spyware is directly aimed at removing any spyware from a computer, and even prevents any spyware from being installed in the future. Browser security assures users that they can surf the Internet safely, and the firewall serves as the computer's initial defense against unauthorized access. Parental controls, spam filters, and phishing protection are other types of anti-virus programs.

Aside from providing people with easier ways to communicate (among other things), computer and technology also gives people the chance to protect themselves from viruses and those with malicious intent. These programs lessen the risk of viruses, thus allowing people to use their computers without any delays.

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Steps in Preventing Computer Virus Attacks

Before you read on, note that this article is meant to help computer users like you learn more about viral infections; it also presents advice on how you keep your PC or laptop secure from intrusions and attacks. What you will read here is derived from multiple sources and is only meant to instruct you on the subject matter at hand; it strives to be impartial and it does not endorse any antivirus product or software.

Every time you hear or see the phrase "computer virus," you come up with images of actual infections or you would recall the frustration that you feel each time your PC or laptop has been infected. You must be concerned given the myriad number and types of malicious software or malware that you can possibly encounter such as worms, spyware, Trojans, viruses, adware, and keystroke loggers. Such malware are capable of entering and disrupting the computer's system and make off with important user information such as account passwords, financial and financial data, and email messages. They can also enable unwanted intruders to do things such as denying you access to your infected PC or laptop, which they can undo only if you pay them a fee. And like their real-world cousins, computer viruses can copy themselves and in the process consume much of your computer's available memory, causing it to bog down or even crash.

There are many viruses that lurk the Internet right now and more that are being created that even the best antivirus solutions are unable to keep track of them. But it always pays to have a good antiviral program set up in your computer, or sign in to one of those websites that offer active virus scanning and elimination services every time you surf the Web. However, doing either one or both of these precautions may not be enough, it is better if you use your computer in a manner that keeps it safe from viruses and other malware. We might carelessly just click open spurious web browser alerts, pop-ups, or emailed attachments that come from unknown persons without thinking of the consequences that come with our action. Some users may reason that since they already have a capable antiviral solution set up in their PCs or laptops, they can do whatever they like and then have the antivirus program deal with whatever issue that comes up. This is wrong; it is always good to have a cautious mindset each time you use your computer. In preventing future viral infections, do take note of the following steps.

• First, get yourself a legitimate and trusted antiviral program by purchasing one or downloading it from a reputable website. Go for established brands like Norton, Avast, Kaspersky, McAfee, Avira, Microsoft, ZoneAlarm, and Panda or try out other lesser-known but equally capable products.

• Next, run the program or have it saved first into a readily serviceable part of your computer system like the desktop or documents file and then run the file from there. Take note of the installation wizard as it guides you through the process. If the wizard asks you to do so, restart your PC or laptop to configure it to the new settings. You can then set up your computer to have it perform thorough or customized scans in its system at regular intervals to identify potential malware infections. You can't go wrong with either option, but is preferable if you set your PC or laptop to do regular thorough scans. It is also preferable if you let your antiviral program update itself on a routine basis to help it keep up with current virus and malware infections. In the same vein, have your Windows or Macintosh computer updated with the latest versions and patches and have it set up so that it can get the newest updates from the Internet every time they are made available. It is also advisable if you get yourself other antiviral products that will supplement your own program and help strengthen your computer's defense against more harmful attacks; programs such as Windows Bit Defender and Zone Alarm can help identify and eliminate elusive viruses and malware. Also, ignore any kind of false alert that suddenly pops up in your desktop or web browser declaring that your computer is in danger of potential virus infections. Always take them down and then just run a complete system check to identify the virus that is causing this problem. Disregard any email message and attachment that was sent to you by unknown persons because they have viruses and other malware embedded in them; opening them will install the malware directly into your computer system. These malware are capable of making off with your sensitive personal and financial data, information which can then be used by shady hackers for their own benefit.

• Another thing to remember is that every time you log in to the Web, duly ignore any dubious pop-up window or notification that urges you to look into ads, try out special offers, and the like. As always, these questionable pop-ups have viruses programmed in them that when activated will redirect you to the advertiser's or creator's website, or lead you to illegitimate and pornographic sites.

• One last thing to remember is to never patronize and use pirated storage media to save information that you got from the Web, be they videos, programs, audio recordings and others. Avoid infected media such as CDs, DVDs, CD-ROMs, and USB sticks and never use them on your PC or laptop as they may have viruses and malware stored within them.

Having a safety-oriented and cautious computing mindset is a sure way to keep your PC or laptop secure from future virus and malware attacks. Never rely on your antivirus to resolve issues that you would have avoided if only you had practiced careful computer and Internet surfing usage in the first place.

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Protect Your Computer From Virus-Infected Emails

We have received many calls and emails from customers and friends, who have received an email, from someone they knew, that contained a dangerous virus website link or infected attachment. Noting that the email was from a friend, family member, colleague or a known business contact, they clicked the website link or opened the attachment, only to find their computer immediately infected by a nasty virus. This underhanded way of infecting computers with viruses, spyware and other malware, is on the rise. Here are some simple rules for reducing your risk of getting caught in this trap.
Consider all business and personal emails as potentially dangerous. If ever in doubt, delete it!
The "From:" field can be easily faked to look like it came from someone or a business you have dealt with. If a friend or business, that you deal with, gets a virus infection, it can make a copy of their email contact list, and send email to all people in that list.
Be very suspicious of any email with no subject or "RE:" as the subject. A "RE:" should always have the subject of the reply following it.
Be very suspicious of any email with no textual content and only a website link or attachment. Attachments can contain dangerous links to virus infected sites or an infected software executable. This is a file that once it is double clicked, can plant dangerous spyware or install malicious software.
Do not click on a link or attachment unless you were expecting an email from the sending person.
If you aren't sure about the email, it might be a good idea to call the sender. If they didn't send the email, ask them to quickly change their email account password and have their computer scanned for viruses and spyware. You should immediately delete the email.
To reduce the risk of your email contact list from being used to perpetrate one of these nasty email crimes, make sure you use a strong password to protect your email account. Short and simple passwords are easy to break. Secondly, install a quality antivirus software on your computer. Most people, who come into our Fort Collins, Colorado office, with a virus infected computer, were using the antivirus software, provided free, by their Internet service provider. We have found that the "big" name antivirus companies produce weak antivirus protection and also slow down your computer.

Hello, I'm Dan Ruffolo, the owner/operator of Computer Pc Medic ( http://www.computerpcmedic.com/ ), a computer repair company, in Fort Collins, Colorado. We offer computer repair services and training to homes, students and small businesses in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor and Greeley, Colorado. We also provide business office IT customization to help business offices run more efficiently and securely.

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Does My Computer Have a Virus? Some Quick Checks Can Tell

You cannot be protected and safe from the online threats like virus, Trojan, worm etc. when you are online unless you are proactive and exercising best practices. Despite that you are exercising best browsing practices, your computer may catch a virus. Here is a comprehensive, free virus removal support guide that answers your "Do I have a virus" question by letting you run a series of self-tests.

Step 1

Open your antivirus software, update it with the latest virus and spyware definitions, and then run a full virus scan (not a custom scan). Wait for the scanning to complete. When done, you will see the infected files in search results. Prompt the antivirus software to delete the infected items and clean your computer.

Step 2

Some viruses are too powerful to be detected by your antivirus. Yes, they can easily dodge your antivirus when it runs a virus scan by masquerading themselves as legitimate applications. So after having run a virus scan from your antivirus, download Malwarebytes, a powerful virus scan and removal tool and install on your computer.

Step 3

When done, open Malwarebytes and start updating it. When done, run a full virus scan. Wait while the scan completes. If Malwarebytes scan results show infected items, remove them. Other than this, you can run an online virus scan from a legitimate website like McAfee or Trend Micro etc. You can run online virus scan even if you have an antivirus program installed on your computer and even if you have none.

Step 4

Download the online virus scanner and install it on your computer. When done, run a full virus scan and repeat the procedure. If you have a firewall installed on your computer, you can easily detect if you have a virus on your computer or someone has tried to hack it. A firewall program is designed to scan the incoming and outgoing traffic to and fro your computer and block unauthorized users (hackers) from breaking in without your knowledge and consent.

Step 5

A firewall program always logs the entries of programs that try to automatically connect to your computer or send or receive data without your consent and knowledge. It blocks such programs and logs their details. You can view the details and take the desired action against such programs. Another way of finding out if you have a virus on your computer is checking your emails. If you see lots of spam emails in your email account, a virus might have intruded in your PC.

Step 6

If you occasionally or repeatedly see weird error messages while rebooting your computer or opening, running, or closing a program, it indicates that a virus is present on it. One such error is the Blue Screen of Death error or blue screen error that mostly appears when your computer encounters a virus infection and immediately shuts down to prevent it from breaking in the Windows Kernel system. Though the BSOD (blue screen of death) error can occur due to hard drive fail, software compatibility, or driver among other issues, but virus infection is the main reason for it to occur.

Step 7

If you cannot access your antivirus program and run a virus scan, open Task Manager, internet connection, or anything on your Desktop computer. The only way you can get into your Windows is by rebooting your computer in Safe Mode. It clearly indicates the presence of a virus or many viruses. When you open your web browser, it shows a different home page but not yours and takes you to malicious, sales, or adult websites when you search for something. Yes, it alters your search engine and search results.

Step 8

One such virus is Google Redirect virus, which when gets on to your computer alters your searching and redirects you to fake search results and websites of fake free virus removal tools. Another self-test is checking if your computer is trying to reboot or shut down without your intervention. If you desktop shows programs other than your regular ones, which might also be missing, you can be sure that it has a virus.

Step 9

If a program is eating higher memory resources and CPU amount, it surely is a virus and not a legitimate program. Some high-end applications like heavy graphics software, financial applications may consume higher memory and CPU resources, but they may not slow down your computer like a virus does.

Step 10

When you have determined that your computer has a virus, immediately end its process in Task Manager and then run a virus scan from your computer. if you cannot access any of these programs, forcibly shut down your computer and reboot it in Safe Mode. If you are unable to get rid of the virus, contact the professional virus removal support service.

The Author of this article is associated with V tech-squad Inc, V tech-squad Inc. is a cloud based technical support provider to consumers and small businesses. if you have any problem while performing the above steps and need technical assistance for online virus removal, You can reach V tech-squad online technical support at their Toll Free No +1-877-452-9201.

About V tech-squad Inc.

V tech-squad Inc. is a cloud based online technical support provider to consumers and small businesses. V tech-squad provides support to users for issues with their PCs, Mac's, Tablets, Phones such as iPhone and Blackberry and devices such as MP3 players, Printers, Scanners, Fax, Wireless networking gear, Netflix, Roku boxes and TVs. With an obsessive focus on quality and building technical expertise, V tech-squad continues to maintain an issue resolution rate of more than 90%. V tech-squad's credibility has been tested by more than 10,000 customers. Currently V tech-squad provides support services to consumers and small businesses in United States. For more information on V tech-squad, Inc. visit vtechsquad.com.

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Three Warning Signs That Your Computer Could Have A Virus

A computer virus is a classic example of one of those things in life that we hear about all the time but don't think it will happen to us. Because of this we tend to dismiss taking any preventative action and then become overtaken by regret and profusely wish we had when we become affected.

For the majority of us, a computer is a daily essential in our lives. Many of us rely on a PC all day at work and then store some of our most precious documents such as photographs of our loved ones and important documentation on our home computers. The effect of having such fundamental features of our lives eaten away or corrupted by a virus can be devastating so why do so many people fail to protect themselves and ignore the signs?

Unfortunately, ridding your computer of a virus can often be a complex procedure. This can often become even more extensive the longer the virus infects your computer. Just like you protect your own health, you should not ignore the symptoms that your computer has been infected because the sooner you detect a potential virus, the more chance you could have of saving your computer's life.

1) The performance crash

We've all been there - the loading cursor whirling round and round taunting you with its lack of urgency. A sluggish computer can make even the most simple of tasks difficult and extremely frustrating. This is not to suggest that a slow-performing computer means that you have definitely got a virus as there are a number of reasons which can cause computers to slow down however it should definitely be a trigger sign that you need to investigate.

A virus can drain a computer of its CPU resources. The central processing unit (CPU) is the 'brains' of a computer - the area where all processes are executed. Therefore by tying up vital resources, viruses can cause your computer to work significantly slower than normal. Although it can take around 6 months for an unidentified virus to completely shut a computer down, the effects are normally visible from around 3 weeks of infection. The first signs can often be web pages loading slowly but over time, you may find applications such as word processors responding more slowly.

You can check your CPU usage in task manager - if it is of a high or full percentage, you should look at the individual processes that are taking up the most resources. If there is a file name which you do not recognise, this could be a cause for concern. You may also start to notice web pages or browsers start to crash altogether or you are directed to a new homepage.

2) The curse of the start-up

That painful frustration when your computer takes so long to start up that by the time it has you've forgotten why you even turned it on in the first place.There can be a number of reasons that a computer takes its time to load as often a number of applications are programmed to automatically load on start up of your computer. However if you do not have any applications set to load, the slothery may be a sign that the harmful malware starting up.

In order to check the applications set to start up automatically, run Start > Run > "Msconfig">Startup - if you notice any applications listed which you did not configure to start up, you should investigate these further. However it may not be wise to make any rash delete until you are certain as they could just be a third party application working on behalf of a trusted system.

3) Access denied

In order to corrupt your computer system to their fullest ability, viruses often implement processes in order to disable certain functions to stop you being able to control your system. This makes it extremely difficult for people to attempt to resurrect the effects of the virus when they start to realise something is not right.

Often the first thing that may become inaccessible is your Task Manager. Viruses often do this to try and make it difficult for users to identify and stop the running process. A number of important files and folders may also be prevented from your access - often viruses make these read-only or hidden so you can not easily access or change them. You should look out for any unidentifiable files ending in '.exe' and consider their origin.

Windows Registry Editor often also becomes affected by the virus. This is the 'headquarters' of your computer system and the place that application and operating system preferences are controlled. This is a fundamental tool for the administration of your computer as operations like 'System Restore' which allows you to revive your computer system to previous points are carried out from here. Viruses often deactivate the Windows Registry Editor to prevent this.

If you suddenly become unable to access areas of your computer system that you previously had access to, you could potentially have contracted a virus.

If you are experiencing one or more of the listed symptoms...

You should seek professional help immediately - do not leave it too late as often the sooner a virus is detected, the better it can be for your computer. This does not necessarily mean that your computer has a virus but a full health check could help to diagnose the problem.

If you are not experiencing any of the symptoms...

You should ensure that you have a good active anti-virus package which is kept regularly updated. These are almost always significantly cheaper to buy than the cost of fixing a computer which has been affected by a virus. If your computer does contract a virus, you could lose everything including photographs and files which may be irreplaceable.

Businesses should be especially vigilant about anti-virus protection as a virus may not only corrupt one computer but all computers on your networking putting your important files at risk. An IT Support company will be able to provide you with full anti-virus guidance and support and a regularly updated and well-maintained system to protect your company's technology.

- John T. Hughes writes for Competent Solutions, a full-service Bristol IT Solutions company offering expert support and an extensive range of technology services including Cloud IT to help your business move forward.

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How Can You Find Out If Someone Is Hacking Your Computer?

Many of you become innocent victims of hackers who break in your computers and steal all they can from the credit card details, bank information, emails, passwords, to professional documents among other critical things. You cannot really avoid hackers, their viruses and malware software when you are online but yes you can certainly avoid being a victim. This free virus removal support guide discusses how you can find out if someone is hacking your computer.

Step 1

When you reboot your computer, it reboots twice instead of once. It happens because the hacker has to boot his server in order to keep accessing your Windows or Mac computer. Thus, your computer quickly reboots after you reboot it and the startup screen appears twice. Another symptom of being hacked or virus-infected is when your computer reboots or shuts down on its own time and again. It means it doesn't seek for your mouse or keyboard prompts to be shut down or restarted. When you attempt to access a program on your computer, you are not able to do it. You cannot access Task Manager, the Start menu or anything on your computer.

Step 2

When you open your web browser, some other website loads up but not your regular home page. When you search for something in your search engine, you are being redirected to websites that you have never browsed or even heard of. These can be adult or malicious websites prompting you to download adult materials or fake virus removal tools. If your web browser has a new toolbar, add-in, or plug-in that you did not install, it indicates that your browser and computer has been hacked. You do not see your usually plug-ins, add-ins, or toolbars when the browser is hacked. Besides, if your internet speed is really slow, it indicates your computer has a virus.

Step 3

If your CD- or DVD-ROM drive opens up without your action. Your computer has missing icons like Network Places, antivirus, or Outlook etc. However, you see new programs like virus removal tool (that you didn't even download), music file etc. showing up on your desktop. If you see that your computer clock shows a different date & time, time zone settings, and daylight savings etc. (unless you have changed them), it has a stubborn, dangerous malware.

Step 4

If you have a firewall program like ZoneAlarm installed on your computer, it can tell you if someone has tried hacking it. Open ZoneAlarm or the firewall program you have and check if it has logged any malicious program entry that was attempting a server setup on your computer. If your firewall or antivirus program takes forever to scan your computer, it indicates that it has been compromised. If your antivirus icon is missing from your computer and it does not even open once you have found it, it has a virus that has disabled it to prevent itself from being removed.

Step 5

If you run a virus scan from your antivirus software, it shows multiple infected files and programs that you never even downloaded to your computer. All of a sudden you have multiple files with weird names like mslove.exe, abcd1234.exe, or giaehi45.jpg etc. in your computer. all of a sudden your computer starts taking forever to open a small program like Run or Command Prompt etc. The CPU usage shows 100% (maximum) for a small process like explorer.exe.

Step 6

When your friends tell you about the new links or posts you have shared (that you have never actually shared) on your Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter profile. When your friends or relatives receive bogus emails containing adult or objectionable materials, link etc. from your email address. When your credit card or online banking does not accept your password despite that you have it correctly and have not changed it in the recent past.

The Author of this article is associated with V tech-squad Inc, V tech-squad Inc. is a cloud based technical support provider to consumers and small businesses. if you have any problem while performing the above steps and need technical assistance for online virus removal, You can reach V tech-squad online technical support at their Toll Free No +1-877-452-9201.

About V tech-squad Inc.

V tech-squad Inc. is a cloud based online technical support provider to consumers and small businesses. V tech-squad provides support to users for issues with their PCs, Mac's, Tablets, Phones such as iPhone and Blackberry and devices such as MP3 players, Printers, Scanners, Fax, Wireless networking gear, Netflix, Roku boxes and TVs. With an obsessive focus on quality and building technical expertise, V tech-squad continues to maintain an issue resolution rate of more than 90%. V tech-squad's credibility has been tested by more than 10,000 customers. Currently V tech-squad provides support services to consumers and small businesses in United States. For more information on V tech-squad, Inc. visit vtechsquad.com.

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How to Tell If Viruses Are Attacking Your Computer

When plagued by virus attacks, your PC has the tendency to malfunction and show negative responses. Every PC user needs to deal every day with this attack known as a virus. The computer virus, considered as a malicious program when it deliberately invades a computer, can cause damage among the programs including the computer operations. PC users are regularly advised to utilize free antivirus removal software to keep them constantly virus protected.

Hence, it is so important to understand the several virus signs and symptoms so that whenever one gets a virus attack, he can look for solutions and discard the PC virus before his online identity or system gets ruined.

While dealing with your network, you may discover a lot of the telltale signs to help you identify viruses thereby helping you install a free antivirus removal program. Some signs are outlined below:

• Starting Windows takes a lot of time despite the fact that there are no changes made or installed and no software or program removed.

• Automatically starting Windows is not possible because some system or application files are not present. Moreover, an error note is received every time the missing data files are searched for.

• The PC functions at a slower rate and it needs a longer time to begin any PC application.

• There are times when even if the PC begins booting, it stops functioning right before the task toolbar and the desktop display icon appear.

• The PC and/or Windows automatically and spontaneously restart.

• New programs are incorrectly installed.

• Antivirus program will show or send you alerts on virus detection.

• An antivirus program is aborted for no valid reason and, additionally, restarting the antivirus is impossible.

• Installing the antivirus program is not permitted or the previously installed antivirus program download cannot perform its roles.

• Despite having a substantial amount of RAM, your PC will display empty memory error signals.

• While you are utilizing Microsoft Office tools, your PC stops answering and the computer applications do not function properly.

• You can view the distorted task bars and menus and you can not commence the Windows Task Manager.

• You will be able to see longer file extensions on a recently viewed file attachment, such as:.vbs,.exe,.jpg, or.gif.

• You can hear strange noise or sudden playing of video and music from the audio speakers.

Then, if ever you have noticed any of the given signs, your PC is most likely infected with viruses. You have to combat these viruses to guarantee your secured and safe web reputation.

Furthermore, you will discover several available online businesses which can give you an impressive solution to keep your PC safe by getting for yourself the most notable antivirus program. Surf on a few popular search engines to look for the most useful free antivirus program solution for your PC.

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Knowing How to Maintain Your Computer

We need to check our personal computer for maintenance at some point or another. Computer maintenance tasks can be performed by any novice user though most of the time it is best to let a professional handle them. Maintenance has to be done periodically. It can involve using simple tools on the computer like disk cleanup, defragmenter, and installing the best antivirus for protection against threats. Hardware maintenance, on the other hand, is a little complicated because it requires opening the CPU case. For example, a simple problem of dust build-up can wreak havoc on the unit if not checked early. It prevents proper ventilation, decreases the efficiency of operation and can even damage computer components permanently.

Companies that offer repair and maintenance calculate costs differently. Costs also depend on the specific needs of a unit. Some companies charge a service fee by the hour. Normally, the service fee is about $75 an hour and there is an additional charge for every fifteen minutes beyond that. Others collect a fixed amount of $100 regardless of the number of hours it takes to finish the repair or maintenance. There are also companies that try to lure potential customers by offering discounts.

Computer maintenance ranges from simple tasks of running disk clean-ups or installing updates on the best antivirus program to buying and installing software and component upgrades. Depending on the needs, a computer user may eventually decide to increase the unit's memory, add more hard disk space, replace an old video card or upgrade to the latest processor. These things usually take less than an hour or two and only require minimal fees if taken to a professional service.

Some computer repairs, on the other hand, can rack up charges of up to $300 depending on how serious the problem is. Extensive system upgrade sometimes requires re-installation of the unit's operating system. Performance complaints such as system crashes, network connectivity and problems with the peripherals (printers, audio, and video) often require professional help. If the computer has a severe virus infection, even the best antivirus program may not be enough and a complete reformat of the unit is needed. These problems can take from about an hour to half a day to be resolved. Computer repair and maintenance, however, should not be as expensive as it sounds. Save money by arming yourself with simple knowledge on troubleshooting. Visit this site to learn more.

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Computer Viruses: What Are They?

Computer Viruses are the Definition of trouble

All over the world, computers and other devices that are connected to the internet are at risk of becoming infected by a computer virus. But what is a computer virus, anyways? Like with humans, a virus can make your computer "sick", and can be spread from computer to computer. A computer virus is described as a program that infiltrates your computer's defenses, disrupting normal computer functions, and can even delete programs, files, and can even wipe your hard drive clean. Some viruses simply make things frustrating, and are intended as pranks. Others, though, have a more destructive purpose, and can make things very difficult, and can even wind up costing you money for repairs.

Different Types of Viruses

Today, there are several different types of viruses. Most of them infect your computer through attachments in emails, or by clicking on popup ads, or even simply visiting a website. Some viruses are harmful, and others malicious, but not a real threat, as stated previously. Sometimes, all that happens is that you get spyware dumped in to your system. Every week, a new, stronger virus is being created, making antivirus companies stay on their toes. But what are the different types of viruses out there?

• Trojan Viruses - This type of virus is probably the kind that is most often encountered. They lie in wait on websites, popup ads, and emails, and don't make themselves out to be threats. Some get caught right away by antivirus software, and are easily taken care of. Others, though, can be a bit sneakier. Trojans can be disguised to look like a legitimate file. But the second you open that file, you've infected your computer. Some Trojans are destructive, and others dump spyware in to your system.

• Worm Viruses - A worm is a very serious risk to your computer, and others. Worms are defined as a sub-class of viruses, and can spread without any interaction from users. When a worm infects your system, it uses file and information transfers to carry itself in to your system. Email is the preferred choice of travel, but really, you can pick them up just about anywhere, at any time, and they don't always make themselves known to your antivirus. The most dangerous part about a worm is that it can make replications of itself, and if it is in your email, it will infect every single person you have listed as email contacts. They are destructive, and can wipe out hard drives.

• Blended Threats - These are probably the most sophisticated form of a virus attack. Blended threats combine some of the worst attributes of malware, viruses, worms, and Trojans in to a single, but very serious threat. They aren't encountered very often, but when they are, watch out. They use vulnerabilities within your system to infiltrate, infect, and spread. They are also capable of spreading to other computers, like a worm does. But they don't attack just one part of your computer. In fact, they are capable of launching multiple attacks to.exe files, HTML files, and so on all at the same time.

Computer Virus Removal and Future Protection

Now, this should be obvious to most. The best way to remove viruses and protect your computer is by investing in antivirus software. Sure, you can download some antivirus programs for free, but they don't offer the full protection plan like the programs you purchase. Depending on what you do while on the internet will determine what kind of antivirus program you need. If you just play games, and surf the web for leisure, then you don't need anything overly fancy. But if you run your business on the web, like web designing and other such occupations, then you might want to spend a little extra and get the more advanced programs. Of course, these are just opinions and suggestions. In the end, it's personal preference on what you get.

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How to Tell If Your Computer Is Infected With Spyware

Do you suspect that your computer has spyware? Do you understand the symptoms of spyware infections? Spyware has the tendency to hide itself in the background, making it hard for the average person to figure out if their computer has spyware. There are spyware signs which can be easily detected if you know the right places where you should take a look. There is a myriad of signs you have to look out for although the three most common signs are hereby listed.

Symptom 1: Your computer is slow.

Oftentimes, spyware utilizes the resources in your computer. This means that spyware makes your computer do more things thus making it move slower. A computer moving so slow is a huge indicator that it's possibly infected with spyware.

Symptom 2: You see pop-ups and your browser redirects.

While looking for something on Google, you suddenly see a totally different search page comes up. At times, spyware wants to earn some money from the programmer. To be able to do that, it redirects your PC to a different page or it enters its own ads.

Moreover, spyware programs tend to bring out pop-up advertisements on your PC, even when you're not surfing the Internet. They can be really annoying because they tend to continuously pop-up in huge amounts.

Symptom 3: Your programs cease to work normally.

Another vital sign of having a spyware infected PC is when your programs start malfunctioning. A computer program may work normally in one day, then freeze in a random fashion or stop functioning all together. Spyware has the tendency to be "buggy." A spyware code isn't well constructed at all times, and such code can create a conflict in your daily normal operations. Furthermore, the number of programs which stop functioning will only get higher, so deal with it as quickly as possible. If you don't, sooner or later your OS will stop functioning.

What should I do?

What you need to do is to avail yourself of an anti-spyware/virus program. You have to be sure that it's updated and capable of scanning for any computer infections. It is highly recommended that you use several programs for scanning. These programs for anti-malware are not that perfect and they could miss a few issues when scanning. By using more than one program can help you solve the problem.

Furthermore, it is advised that scanning is done during a safe mode. You can access this mode by pressing the f8 key continuously when your computer is being turned on. This safe mode allows certain tasks of windows and programs to function while they are under safe mode. This makes it difficult for more annoying spyware infections that are actually hiding from scans or blocking you from accessing anti-virus programs.

If it's not possible to access the Internet on an infected computer, you can download the software and save the installers within a flash disk. Next, you have to boot with networking the infected PC under safe mode.

My PC is normal

No matter how much you think your PC is perfect, scan it just the same. There is a type of spyware which can totally hide its tracks and cause things to appear normally. Through scanning and the right antivirus software, you'll be able to remove these troublesome pests before they create any huge damage to you PC.

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A Guide to Viruses and How to Prevent Them From Infecting Your Computer

A virus replicates itself and then sends itself through the Internet to other computers. The purpose is either to replicate, damage another computer or both. It doesn't need anyone to do anything to make it work; it is a self-contained and self driven program. That is why we should all find the best antivirus program we can to stay safe. A virus will normally get into your computer by being attached to a document or attachment that you download. It can do damage right away or sometimes it's timed to go off at a specific time or date.

A boot virus like disk killer or Michelangelo comes alive when the computer starts and this virus is very hard to get off your computer. Viruses that attach themselves to an install or executable file are called program viruses and they replicate themselves to all of the executable files on your computer, thus making them extremely hard to remove. Examples of these are the cascade and Sunday viruses.

Some viruses are called stealth viruses and they will change their file size to try to avoid being found by an antivirus program. Again, it all goes back to prevention and using the best antivirus software for your needs.

Documents from Microsoft office can be vulnerable to Micro Viruses. These viruses can infect all documents opened and it can be easily spread to other computers through sharing. Nuclear and DMV viruses are two examples of this kid of infection.

The newer viruses are getting much better at shutting down antivirus software. When it shuts down your antivirus it not only opens you up to other viruses, but it opens you up to malware and other such nasty worms. That is why it's imperative that we all have the best antivirus software possible installed on our computers and that it is always up to date.

Spyware is actually malware that has been designed to infect you through pages on the Internet. It can also come bundled in software that you might have installed on your computer. Spyware are not technically viruses but they, like viruses, have been the cause of many headaches and reformats over the years.

These can come from cookies, hijackers, adware, fake security software, key loggers and ransom-ware. Some new kinds of spyware are called root kits and they are virtually impossible to remove. Spyware is typically installed on a computer without the owner not even knowing about it. They are very hard to remove.

Ad-ware is software that is secretly installed on your computer. Its purpose is to produce pop-up ads and other forms of advertisements on your system. For every ad that you click on, you're giving the attacker money. This is why these types of programs are installed, to get clicks on a website. Hijackers, on the other hand, will actually take control of your web browser and take you to a web site that you didn't intend to visit. Again, the purpose of this is money. They take you to their site in the hopes that you will click on the links contained in it, they get paid for every click. They will also often change your homepage and change registry values. Other clues that you have been hijacked include browser plug-ins and add-ons that you didn't install.

What they call "rogue" or "fake" security software are programs that claim to be antivirus or antispyware software but in actuality, the program itself is the virus or spyware. It normally starts by a free online virus scan. Then it will give you a fake report telling you that you have tons of viruses on your computer and that the only way to get rid of them is to download the program. Once downloaded, it will give you more fake scan results and encourage you to give your credit card info to buy the full version of the product. This kind of virus will normally produce many pop-up warnings and error messages designed to scare people in to buying the full version.

These programs were made by smart people who know how to take advantage of an operating system as well as other security software like antivirus programs. The people who make these worms are from all over the world. They design and make these infections and then test them and modify them so they will infect as many people as possible and then they send them out to reproduce and spread and replicate on their own.

Many times these hackers will share information with each other about the weaknesses they have found in operating systems. Then they make malware to exploit that weakness and build a page that is infected with their creation and start advertising the page. Sometimes they will use a slight misspell of a popular web page and so if anyone hits the wrong key when typing in their favorite web page, they get this worm.

The companies that make our antivirus, anti-spyware software don't know about these threats until they happen and are reported to the company. They will get one of the worms and figure out how it works. At this point, they will create a fix for the problem and release it as an update. Once they update the definitions (which are the codes that tell the software what is good and what is bad) then you are protected from that malware in the future. Some companies update their definitions every day to try to stay ahead of the problems. Once the malware is out on the Internet the good software companies will then have the chance to figure out how it works and make the necessary adjustments for their software to combat the worm. However, this doesn't mean that you are protected 100% of the time, sometimes the updates are not enough for the good software to fully stop the malware. And many times the removal process for these worms is not fully figured out for weeks or months after the malware was launched.

What we have to understand is that no matter what kind of antivirus software we have installed on our computers, if we give permission for a program to install, the antivirus cannot stop it, all it can do is warn you. So we really need to be careful of what we install on our systems and we really need to have the best antivirus software we can get and keep it updated regularly to stay safe.

Here are some things you can do to stay safe and protect your self

• Stay educated on the latest methods used by these hackers. Most of these things can be stopped before they even start if you use common sense. If something seems wrong, it probably is and you should avoid it.

• Always have the best antivirus installed and up to date. You also need to keep windows updated.

• Always use a good firewall. Windows 7 has a firewall that works pretty well. But previous versions of windows firewall don't do enough. You can always find good free firewall programs online. But remember to only run one firewall and one antivirus.

• If you get a pop-up, don't click on it. Instead press the ctrl, alt and delete keys at the same time. Now click the programs tab and then select all Internet Explorer programs at once and select to end the task. Now you have just prevented a malware from infecting your computer.

• While browsing the Internet it is important to stay away from sites that regularly carry infections. These include pornographic sites, gambling sites, sites that show you how to be a hacker. Also if the domain or URL look strange or in any way unwelcoming, don't click on the site.

• Some will tell you to unplug your computer or to press the power button for 5 seconds if a pop up appears. This can do a lot of damage to an operating system and even to a hard drive so it is not recommended unless there is no other way to avoid it.

Alright, now that you are aware of what these viruses, malware and spyware actually are and what their purpose is, you need to know what to do if you still get infected.

Maybe you go to your favorite search engine to look up the symptoms that you are experiencing to find someplace to tell you how to get rid of this worm. If, for example, you get a pop up that tells you that it is a security alert, then go to your search engine and do a search for the exact words that it says. You don't need to pay for this information. There are sites out there like experts-exchange.com and bleepingcomputer.com that are great resources to get free advice and information.

There are a lot of people on these sites that have removed a lot of malware and they can help you.

If you find yourself about to download some software on the internet, always think about it first. Did you go looking for this software, or did you just kind of "accidentally" come across it? If your answer is the latter then avoid downloading it.

We must all be willing to really learn about these things so we can effectively combat them. If you don't want to put in the time to learn about it, then the alternative is to hire a professional who can do all the work for you. This can be expensive because you don't want to get the cheapest guy out there. But a reasonably priced tech should be fine.

Remember that even the best antivirus can't stop some of these programs, but you should use a good one and keep it updated. That also goes for anti-spyware software. Always think before you click and remember to check the URL's. If you do the few things recommended in this article you should have a much safer experience online.

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Why McAfee Slows Down My Computer

McAfee is a great antivirus solution when it comes to protecting your computer from viruses, Trojans, worms, data or identity theft programs. However, you may experience a slowdown issue when surfing the internet, checking emails, or navigating from one program to another. Slowdown can occur due to multiple reasons explained below in the McAfee antivirus support guide. The guide will also help you fix some of the common McAfee antivirus issues that slow down your PC.

Instructions:

If you have Low computer memory (RAM), you may experience a slowdown in your computer when McAfee antivirus installs updates, patches etc. Often, such problem occurs in an old computer that has low RAM. To get rid of the slowdown problem, add a new RAM stick to your computer. In other words, upgrade its hardware.

If your internet connection is slow, it may take more than ever for McAfee to run a virus scan, download and install latest updates, or do real-time scanning. So, if you are doing something on your computer like browsing the internet or checking emails while McAfee is running in the background, you may face a slowdown problem. Contact your ISP and ask for a high-speed broadband connection. Besides, let McAfee run virus scans or updates when the computer is idle. Yes, if the computer is sitting idle, launch McAfee and have it update or run a virus scan.

If you have another antivirus program on your computer along with McAfee, it can cause your computer to slow down terribly. It is because two antivirus programs always conflict with each other as they try to fetch files simultaneously for your computer. You must always uninstall the other antivirus program to make sure that McAfee runs peacefully and properly on your computer.

If you have a built-in firewall in your McAfee antivirus program (a newer McAfee version comes with built-in firewall), it may cause issue with your internet connection. If you have another firewall program installed on your computer, disable the McAfee firewall. It will help improve your internet connection speed, making your browsing faster.

Sometimes a poorly-written McAfee update can also be responsible for decelerating your computer's speed. If you have narrowed down to check that it's not a program or your computer which is causing the slowdown, uninstall the McAfee update. If you don't know how uninstall a McAfee update, restore your computer to an earlier time. It may undo any recent changes like a software install you made to your computer. You always have the option to reinstall the software.

Additional Tips:

Your web browser also makes a difference to the browsing speed. For example, Mozilla Firefox and Chrome are faster web browsers than the Internet Explorer. In case the problem persists, contact a McAfee antivirus support service.

The Author of this article is associated with V tech-squad Inc, V tech-squad Inc. is a cloud based technical support provider to consumers and small businesses. If you have any problem while performing the above steps and need technical assistance for Mcafee technical support, You can reach V tech-squad online technical support at their Toll Free No +1-877-452-9201.

About V tech-squad Inc.

V tech-squad Inc. is a cloud based online technical support provider to consumers and small businesses. V tech-squad provides support to users for issues with their PCs, Mac's, Tablets, Phones such as iPhone and Blackberry and devices such as MP3 players, Printers, Scanners, Fax, Wireless networking gear, Netflix, Roku boxes and TVs. Currently V tech-squad provides support services to consumers and small businesses in United States. For more information on V tech-squad, Inc. visit vtechsquad.com.

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Protecting Your Personal Computer From Viruses

Malware software in computers is found all over the Internet. One should always remain conscious of downloading anything that is unfamiliar. Remember that any antivirus program can't give you a 100% virus protection. You should have the necessary skill in knowing how to prevent yourself from downloading virus infected files. Being a computer fanatic myself, I would like to share with you some useful advice on how you could protect your computer from getting virus infection and most especially how you could avoid downloading malicious files.

• Let's begin with getting e-mails. If you are unsure of the e-mail sender's identity, don't click it open, or seek help from someone you know.

• Never think about downloading all those keygens and program cracks. If you intend to keep your PC clean and free from infection, you should only buy your desired software from any authorized dealer. That way, you are sure to be free from any virus threat.

• Be sure that you use only the correct antivirus program. If you're the type who browses the Internet a lot, you have to confirm that you are using antivirus software developed especially to provide Internet security. There are several variations of anti-virus infection types. One example is the antivirus software which is solely created to scan e-mails. Another one is the "Trojan Removals," which as the name implies, are meant to eradicate Trojan horses.

• Stay away from using software from an unreliable source. For your own protection, it's better to use commercially available software either found in flash disks/DVDs or sent to your e-mail by a reputable seller.

If your task is to protect very secret data on your PC, then you must always opt to use a much secured operating program. There is a big discrepancy between each operating system and its corresponding security measures. A good example is Windows which is a good choice because it is compatible with several antivirus software, though the reason for this is that several viruses are targeted for it as well. If you don't feel comfortable enough on how you could avoid downloading an infected file and how you could be protected, it's advisable to use UNIX or Mac operating systems. Moreover, if you already know that your PC is infected, you have to quickly navigate over the Internet for useful information about the virus. You can type the information about this dilemma in countless search engines - there could be several users already sharing their advice. Otherwise, you can try to ask for assistance in forums which focuses on protecting your PC from viruses. Always be cautious, there are so many harmful Internet viruses and the number of victims has already increased dramatically.

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How To Prevent Your Computer From Being Infected With A Virus

Are you more than just a little concerned that your computer might be infected with a computer virus? Wondering if there are any tips to help prevent your computer from being infected with a virus? A computer virus is more than just a pain in the you know what. It is an all too real threat to your Internet security and privacy. A computer virus infection can in fact lead you to having your identity stolen. There are some definite steps you can take to help prevent your computer from being infected with a virus.

First of all, make sure that you have Internet security software protecting your computer from spyware and other malicious software. This includes anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-keylogger software. There is both reputable and free Internet security software available for download online. I cannot stress enough the importance of keeping your Internet security software up-to-date. Don't overlook installing anti-keylogger software either, as computer viruses often contain keyloggers as well. Also, anti-virus and anti-spyware software alone do not detect all computer viruses.

Have a personal firewall guarding your computer from intruders, who could remotely install a computer virus. Windows 7, XP, as well as Vista all include a free personal firewall. There are both reputable and free firewalls available for download online as well.

It is probably not a good idea to open an attachment from an unknown sender. In fact, you might want to reconsider opening the attachment even if you know the sender; if you fail to recognize the attachment or you are not expecting it. Unfortunately, it could be infected with a pesky computer virus.

You might want to think twice before visiting sites containing freeware, shareware, file-sharing, warez, porn, and the like. These sites are more often than not infected with computer viruses or other malicious software.

Don't forget to keep your operating system up-to-date. Windows and other operating system vendors are constantly coming up with security patches, against computer viruses and other malware. To be protected with the latest updates it is wise to set your operating system to update automatically.

Simply turn off your computer when not in use. A computer that is turned off is much less vulnerable from being infected with a computer virus. Not only that, but you are doing your role for the environment as well; helping to save energy.

Be wary in sharing CD's, USB Flash Drives, etc. They could be infected with a computer virus. Be sure to scan them with your anti-virus software, prior to uploading any files off them.

Following these tips and a little common sense will go a long ways in helping prevent your computer from being infected with a computer virus.

Christopher is passionate about sharing his knowledge and expertise on online security and privacy. Visit Internet Security 101 for the tools and resources to protect your Internet security and privacy, including free Internet security software.

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How To Keep Your Computer Running Healthy - Part 1 of 2

Welcome to my first article, related to "all things" computer - that means anything related to computer repair, installation, maintenance, software, hardware... you name it! For now, this relates to Windows-based computers only. Of course, many computer issues are beyond what can be easily taken care of by the average person for a variety of reasons. We'll concentrate on what's in our control from the onset and see where this takes us going forward.

That said, let's get right into some of the things you can do to help ensure that your computer stays in shape and running smoothly!

1) Keep Windows Updated

You should always keep your installation of Windows updated with the latest fixes, patches, and upgrades. Typically, you should set Windows Updates to "automatic" with a set time. When Windows updates are available, you should see a yellow or blue icon in your bottom right system tray, depending on what version is running. Double-click that icon to bring up the Windows update dialog. For Windows versions prior to Vista, click "CUSTOM" to show ALL the updates available, and make sure that all of the updates are selected. For Vista and Windows 7, ensure that you select "OPTIONAL" updates and select all of those as well as the recommended and critical updates. I'm not really sure why Microsoft labels some updates as optional, but as far as I'm concerned, if Microsoft or a particular vendor puts out an update, there's usually a good reason for this. So, do all updates. And note that you may or may not have to reboot your computer after updates have been installed. Check to see that none of your updates have failed. And when rebooting, the installation of these updates may continue for a few minutes, depending on what updates were installed. Once your updates are complete (and optionally, if a reboot was needed), manually check Windows updates again to ensure that there are no "second-level" updates to be done.

2) Get CCLEANER

CCLEANER is a small, free program available at http://www.ccleaner.com that will clear your computer of the build-up of temporary Internet files, old log files, and a lot more. These days, useless files can really build up on your computer and potentially slow it down. Download and install this program and set it to run every time you reboot or power on your computer. You can leave the default settings as is.

3) Reboot your computer daily, at a minimum

For many computer users, this is not an issue, as the computer is shut off at night and turned back on at some point during the day. For others, such as myself, I tend to leave the computer on always. If the latter is the case, leaving the computer on all the time will eventually take up most of your computer's memory resources, and you will notice a slowdown in how your computer is running. This can be frustrating, to say the least. At least once a day - or as needed - save all your work, and reboot your computer to free up the resource hogs from the past number of hours and get a "fresh start". It's important to note that depending on your computer, you may not have enough memory installed that the reboot itself will produce any noticeable difference. We will get into that at a later time.

4) Install a good computer "TUNE UP" program

For this topic, there are a number of programs out there that make all kinds of claims regarding helping to keep your computer tuned up and running efficiently. Some of these programs are nothing more than "registry cleaners" (more on that in an upcoming blog). Some programs are free; some are paid. Some are very good, some are not. Generally, you can do a little "due diligence" and search for editor and user reviews on these types of software at, for example, a trusted source like CNET's DOWNLOAD.COM.

My personal preference is TUNEUP UTILITIES 2012. This is a paid product, but it doesn't cost much - and it has a fully functional 15-day trial. This is the best program that I have found in this category that is light on CPU resource usage, can be configured easily, and runs seamlessly and quietly in the background to help keep that electronic friend of yours in good shape as you do your internet surfing, reading, emailing, playing...oh, and speaking of playing, it also has a "turbo" setting for gamers to disable a number of services for optimum performance during these times. But, you have to be careful with this setting as you'd want to revert back to "normal mode".

Andy Cooper is the owner of IFIXPCZ, an independent computer repair services company servicing the entire North Shore area of Chicago and beyond. Please check out our website at http://www.ifixpcz.com/ and make sure you "LIKE" us on Facebook for special content, discounts, and our exclusive Computer Repair / Windows Q & A Community! 1.866.224.8420 info@ifixpcz.com

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How To Protect Your Computer From Spyware

Concerned about how to protect your computer from being infected with spyware? Worried that your PC is infected with spyware already? Spyware is an Internet threat to be taken very seriously. Having your computer infected with this malicious software can in fact lead you to having your personal information stolen, becoming yet another statistic; a victim of identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada and the USA. The good news is that there are some ways to drastically reduce your chances of being infected with spyware; at the same time detecting and removing any spyware or other malware already installed on your computer.

Think twice before visiting sites containing freeware, shareware, warez, file-sharing, and other similar sites. They are well-known for containing more than you bargained for; spyware or other malicious software. That pirated "free movie" might very well come at a real price; your online security and privacy.

Try to resist the temptation of opening email attachments from unknown senders. A matter fact, it is wise advice to think twice before opening attachments from people you know, that are unrecognizable or you are not expecting. That "cute joke" may not be so cute after all; bundled with spyware or other malware.

Be sure to have anti-virus software installed on your computer to help protect your computer from being infected with spyware. It is essential for your online security to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. Set your anti-virus software to update automatically, so you are protected against the latest threats. Internet security vendors are constantly playing a "cat and mouse" game with cyber criminals; coming up with new updates all the time to help protect you from malicious software. Get into the habit of running a "full system scan" on a regular basis, such as once a week, as well.

It is wise to have anti-spyware software in your arsenal of weapons against spyware. Anti-virus software detects most, but certainly not all spyware. There is spyware available for download online, that is both reputable and free. That said and done, be extra vigilant in making sure that you're downloading anti-spyware software with a good reputation. Sadly, there is so-called "free anti-spyware software" that is anything but free; charging you $39.99 to remove a "keylogger" that may or may not exist and even infecting your computer with more malicious software.

Finally, install and run anti-keylogger software. Anti-virus software detects very few spyware. Anti-spyware software does a better job; detecting most, but not all spyware. You need anti-virus software installed to detect and block spyware.

Following these tips will definitely help protect your computer from being infected with spyware, or any malicious software for that matter.

Christopher is passionate about sharing his knowledge and expertise on online security and privacy. Visit Internet Security 101 for the tools and resources to protect your Internet security and privacy, including free Internet security software.

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