Purging Virus Threats From Your PC for Better Protection Online

Protection from virus threats can be a never ending process as virus attacks are largely present online. Even if you keep a sharp watch on threats you may find yourself overlooking one at some point in time.The best way to deal with it is to install a robust antivirus program and keep it updated against the latest online threats. Adware, spyware, malware and Trojans have never ending effects on our daily schedule online thus it seems difficult to keep a track over vulnerable activities. It's an obvious fact that you won't like to install such programs on your PC thus it's important to understand the complexities involved with such threats.

It's certainly more critical to understand which malware is dangerous and which is easy in purging threats from your system. Users start experiencing certain hassles while operating a system without computer virus protection, which may result in slow down of system, crash, data corruption, pop-up windows and slow internet speed. In the worst cases you can even lose your personal information, which is likely to be used for malicious purposes. Online security from spyware and Trojans are the example of some of the few solutions offered by experts.

Such assistance helps an individual to engage proper techniques in order to store and wait for total repair. So be it computer spyware removal or PC diagnostic, dynamic antivirus protection software downloads can help fix the problem efficiently. Viruses manifest themselves with different applications and can destroy the entire system badly. It's essential to stay vigilant all the time whenever you are online as spyware program may use other application in order to perform unauthorized functions. An antivirus program can be a better option as it can really help you detect all the hidden threats and it certainly comes for free. These antivirus programs can be updated for free as there are various versions you can choose from online. Free antivirus programs are good enough to make arrangements for your own system. A real time antivirus program provides automatic protection against database updates, on-demand system scanning, removable media checking and download monitoring very well. The best antivirus program works usually strong and can very help you update the database as the paid ones. Various defense systems can be bundled together to receive the features of the best antivirus protection.

It's important to make informed choices and check the reviews of other various best antivirus software online. Take the most of your virus protect software and solve your purpose perfectly as safety is the basic concern online.

Install a strong cloud anti virus protection software in your PC and protect your system from malicious virus attacks. There are many websites available on Internet that offers best free antivirus 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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How to Deal With False Virus Notifications and Real Virus Incursions

Lately, spurious viral notifications and troublesome security program alerts have affected many computer and Internet users. These fake software applications issue authentic-looking browser windows that declare your PC or laptop to be infected with some kind of virus and prompt you to initiate immediate action, much in the same way that real programs that are included in antivirus software reviews do. This may be in the form of a link that will enable you to download software, a prompt that will let you allow the application to do an update, or having the application check for imaginary viral or spyware. However, when you go ahead with any of these actions, you will only allow the bogus antivirus software to set itself up in your PC or laptop system where it can go ahead and execute its devious actions. Once it is installed, it will persuade you to download or buy even more bogus programs or applications that will purportedly help eliminate the viral presence in your computer. Unfortunately, this will only worsen the situation by having the fake program cripple your real antivirus application, make off with your sensitive data such as your credit card account numbers, take down your computer's ability to update itself, or, worse of all, render your PC or laptop inoperable. Here are some tips that can help you deal with rogue or bogus antivirus software.

If you believe that your PC or laptop has been compromised, you can try any of the free anti-malware applications that are available in the Internet either in their own websites or listed in the best free antivirus software reviews. One of these is the Malware Bytes antivirus application. It may not check and remove every virus known to exist today, but it does pay to have it installed in your PC or laptop and then have it do a scan of the bogus antiviral program. Before you use this application, you must put your computer into safe mode configuration. This is because some spurious antiviral applications would not permit you to procure legitimate anti-malware from the Internet to check on your PC or laptop system, so you will have to restart your PC or laptop and then put it in safe mode or shut it down and then power it back up in the same manner. Depress the F8 button several times as your computer is powering back on to make sure that it has gone into safe mode. After doing this, you will see a window screen that gives you numerous choices such as "safe mode with networking." Pick this option to have your computer enter into this configuration. You can then open your web browser to Google the search term "MalwareBytes" or enter the line "malwarebytes.org" in the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) search bar that you can find at the upper portion of your browser window. You would be shown a link that you can use to download the free antivirus software on your desktop; once it finishes downloading have it you can install it right away. The installation procedure basically follows that of any free or paid antivirus solution that you can find in antivirus software reviews. Turn down all open web browser windows and then click twice on the MalwareBytes icon on the desktop. Take heed of the installation prompts that will come up and then select the default configuration. Do a system check for all malicious software; by doing this you can take out the target fake antivirus software. If by any reason you are unable to take out the bogus program, you can ask the services of a PC or laptop repair expert to deal with the issue.

So the next time you see a window pop up on your Internet browser screen that notifies you of a suspected virus "infection" in your computer, don't believe it right away. It may only be another one of those false antivirus applications that masquerade as the real thing. If it did somehow manage to get into your computer system, you can simply take it out by using one of the many leading antimalware programs listed in the top antivirus software reviews or you can use a free program like MalwareBytes to deal with the problem.

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A Short Overview on How to Eliminate the Google Redirect Virus

The virus world has become a battle of attrition as hackers and antivirus manufacturers find more ways to outsmart the other, the former creating new malicious software that the other side counters with more effective antimalware products. The Google redirect malware is no different; its creators have intended it to infect Windows-operated computers by having their browsers link up only with spurious Internet sites. It is so virulent that it can avoid the scrutiny of most antiviral products. This step-by-step guide will help you eliminate this virus from your PC.

The Google redirect malware works by inducing the Internet browser to show you a different and oftentimes dangerous website than the one you are searching for. It may surprise you to learn that most antivirus programs have been unable to get rid of this virus, you need to terminate the virus yourself.

First of all, you will need to access the "lmhost.sam" file in your computer directory; this is the Windows system 32 file that the Google redirect malware has altered to cause the redirecting in the first place. Type the line "C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc\" in the search panel of Windows Explorer to access this file. You will see the "lmhost.sam" file opened by the Notepad application, it holds the outline of the DNS (Domain Name System) Redirect. After opening it, get rid of any Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and domain names that have been written into the "lmhost.sam" file and then save your work afterwards; this will prevent the virus from altering your Google searches any further.

To further ensure that your Google search is not changed by the Google redirect malware, you will need to modify the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) settings of your Internet browser. By doing this, you will have to see how your PC is networked or connected to the Internet by accessing the system control panel. In the "Network Connections" section, you will be able to discern how your computer is linked up to the Internet and see its TCP/IP attributes. There will be a small box placed there with the setting "Obtain an IP address automatically." Place a check mark in this box to have your computer access IP addresses by itself. This will undo the redirecting abilities of the Google redirect malware.

Also, you may need to check the settings of your Internet browser to see if the virus has changed it. If you suspect this has happened, go to the Internet browser settings and look for any alterations in it. If you see any, undo them by putting a check mark on the "no proxy server" selection. After you have done all of the previous steps, have your antivirus software do a comprehensive scan of your computer system for any traces of the Google redirect malware. They can appear as Trojans or spyware or any other form of malicious software. By doing this, you can completely eliminate the Google redirect malware from your PC.

It pays to have the right antiviral program installed in your computer. However, if you suspect that your PC is infected with something as complex as the Google redirect malware, you might need to do the cleaning yourself and then let your antivirus program do the rest afterwards.

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How to Get Rid of the Windows Optimization Center Virus From Your PC

The Windows Optimization Center is a complex virus that has gained attention recently because of it being offered as another antivirus application. They are created by hackers to do such functions as trick computer users into purchasing dubious software upgrades or copies, making spurious scans of your hard drive and putting out erroneous returns, and even stealing important and critical data about you such as personal information, log-in passwords, and bank account numbers. At first glance you might mistake them for the real thing since they appear as if they are made by Microsoft itself, but do yourself a favor and get rid of them the first time they appear. This virus propagates itself through email attachments, questionable download links and dubious websites; computers that are linked to the Internet but are not protected by firewalls are also susceptible to this type of virus. Whichever way it gets into your computer, it will cause its OS to malfunction and suffer from errors. Often, free antivirus reviews rate how most antivirus programs can remove this kind of malware; your antivirus will be deemed effective enough if it manages to take away this virus effectively and quickly. Read on if you want to learn more about how to respond to this virus.

The Windows Optimization Center appears as a legitimate-looking, but fake, antivirus application that is capable of integrating itself into your computer; from there it will create copies of itself, all the while running in the background silently and generating multiple system errors. It is undetectable because the computer assumes that it is just another user-enabled program. Through its false advertisements, it has gained notoriety among the PC-using public by fooling numerous users to purchase ersatz and useless software upgrades, causing its victims financial stress. Worse, it has the capability to squirrel away your personal and financial information such as addresses and credit card accounts. Also, it pretends to be an antivirus software application by initiating fraudulent computer scans and test results. Such scans and test results are often normal for real antivirus programs that pass free antivirus reviews.

To effectively deal with this type of malware, you will need to follow a few things. First, you will have to employ Safe Mode or rkill configuration to stop the virus in its tracks. You need to do this because it runs concurrently with your OS in Normal Mode. Terminating it via Task Manager is useless since the virus will block the application. Be careful with using rkill or Safe Mode if you are unfamiliar with their use; if you consider yourself computer-savvy then you can understand what to do with these programs. When you have the virus down, you can then proceed to remove the virus itself as well as every file associated with it. If you do not like this procedure, you can use a quicker and easier method.

The "Frontline Rogue Remover" software has been cited as a one-of-a-kind software program by most free antivirus reviews that offers advice on preventing a viral application from operating before you proceed to eliminate the virus altogether. It is a potent and highly-considered antimalware software that is geared on efficiently terminating viral contamination. You will need to install it correctly first, then heed its instructions once it is operational. Once it is installed, it does its job detecting suspected virus infections, stopping them on their tracks and then deleting them.

Most viruses, however, would generate duplicate files that they leave behind in the registry database once they are eliminated. It is important that you get rid of them as well since viruses can use them again when they are reintroduced in the system. To prevent this from happening, you will need to employ a registry cleaner to remove the affected registry settings, options, and keys.

If you heed this step-by-step method and read from free antivirus reviews on the most reliable and effective antivirus programs available today, you can keep your computer safe from the threats that Windows Optimization Center brings.

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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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Seven Causes That Can Leave You Depressed During the Virus Removal Process

Viruses have become so complicated and so advanced that over the years, they have managed to elude even the best efforts of antimalware programs and manufacturers at containing them. Of course, nothing is perfect in life and antivirus products are not meant to catch every single virus and malware that they come in contact with. Fortunately for us users, there are numerous antimalware applications that are sold in the market or offered in the Internet that you can choose from to tackle specific malware issues that you may have. However, there is one major caveat that comes with antimalware usage, one that the average user would fail to see; namely, that after doing its work and succeeding in removing the offending virus or malware, the antiviral product would often leave your PC or laptop in an unreliable state that would make it prone to crashing or ultimately fail. So you may ask yourself, "What things should I look out for and be wary about after I manage to take out the virus from my computer system?" Here are those seven reasons.

• The first reason is that most viruses are capable of escaping detection and stealth; they are devious because they are meant to be so. Such is the defining feature of the rootkit, which is a type of malware or virus that when introduced into computer or network systems would take over the administrator capabilities and in effect run the whole system. They can also do things such as permit the execution of secret files such as programmer accounts, modules and processes, access the system registry, capture information from associated terminals, keyboard touches, and networks, modify system preferences, spy on your computer activity, and others. So it is very important that you deal with this kind of virus right away.

• The second issue for you to consider is this; that by having the best antivirus solution installed in your computer does not guarantee you the best level of protection there is available. Indeed, the more costly and better-known brand names often perform poorly in terms of detecting and eliminating viruses and malware. Firms such as McAfee and Norton had distinguished themselves before by offering programs that did very well in identifying virus issues but has lately become complacent in flagging potentially more dangerous infections. Computer repair experts often encounter one out of five virus-compromised computers that have no antiviral program or solution installed, while at the same time also service two out of five virus-compromised computers that have either a McAfee or Norton program installed in them. To avoid that scenario, ignore the usual hype and do more careful research when choosing the right antivirus application for you to use.

• Third, antiviral or antimalware software is not the answer to any and all malware situation that you may encounter today. You will need to back up your antiviral program with other protective measures such as web browser-integrated security, spyware monitoring and removal, firewall protection, and better user knowledge.

• Fourth, never assume that once you have removed a specific virus or malware, you will never worry about it infecting your PC or laptop again. Some users have brought their PCs or laptops to have them repaired by computer experts only to see that the issue has been unresolved. Modern viruses have the capability to disguise themselves so that they escape attempts at removal and some can even initiate brand-new variants or copies that exist even before the original parent has been destroyed. The new virus will simply do what the old virus is programmed to do and you are left with the same problem or something even worse.

• The fifth reason for you to be wary about is that a majority of viruses and malware are specifically created to infect Window-operated computers. After you take out a virus, you may sometimes be unable to use your Internet Explorer browser and with this you will lose the capability to download important software and program updates. This will leave your computer vulnerable to infections caused by "security exploits" that occur because your computer is unable to access important updates that will protect it from hacking attempts and intrusions.

• Sixth, a virus or malware, even when removed, will leave your computer unable to run and set up software programs. Some malware are programmed to cause havoc at the.MSI installation file, which your Windows-operated computer will need to run and uninstall programs. They can also prevent executable commands, or those files that end in ".exe," from running and thus bar programs, including antiviral and antimalware software, from being set up in your computer.

• Last but not the least, after using an antiviral solution to eliminate a virus, you may find yourself unable to log in to the Web or your own local area network. This happens because that virus may have modified the network connection configuration of your PC or laptop such as its Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) settings, firewall features, proxy elements for your Internet browsers, host file and router features and others. It is also possible that you can only access your own home-based or local area network but not the Web itself.

By keeping in mind these seven causes, you will be more cautious the next time that you get to remove an offending virus infection from your computer. Your antivirus may have done its job all right, but you will soon find yourself with more difficult issues to tackle.

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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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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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My Dell Desktop Has a Virus, How Do I Wipe It Clean

Virus is a dreadful word not just for you but for every computer user who spends a lot of time working online for office or personal use. So, it is natural for your Dell computer to come face to face with a virus or malware when you browse the internet, download or share a file, or shop online among other things. So, if you suspect a virus activity in your Dell computer, you should tend to it immediately. Here is a free virus removal guide for your Dell computer. it discusses how to wipe clean a computer when it encounters a virus.

Step 1

A virus, other than integrating itself with your files\folders or programs, runs its process (.exe) in Windows Task Manager. So, you must first start by ending the virus process in Task Manager. To open the utility, right-click anywhere on the taskbar (the horizontal bar on your Dell computer) and select Task Manager. If you are unable to access Task Manager or any application on your computer due to virus infection, reboot your Dell computer in Safe Mode with Networking.

Step 2

When in the Task Manager window, carefully examine all the running processes with.exe and other such extensions. A virus often masquerades as an.exe or legitimate file extension to prevent itself from being detected. It may also have weird name like abcd123.exe etc. A popular virus example is mslove.exe. Look for such a weird name process running in Task Manager, select it, and click the End Process button.

Step 3

When done, open your antivirus program and update it with the latest virus, malware definitions. Most of the Dell computers come pre-installed with an antivirus software. Yours must have come with McAfee, Trend Micro, or Norton security software. You can spot the security software icon in the system tray. If your Dell PC did not come with one, connect to the internet and run an online virus scan.

Step 4

When finished updating, run a full virus scan and not a custom scan of your Dell computer. Wait while virus scan is underway. When done, prompt your antivirus software to remove the items brought in the scan results. To double check that no virus has left in your Dell computer, connect to the internet and search for an online virus scan utility. You can trust McAfee virus scanner or Trend Micro's HouseCall tool.

Step 5

Download the file and save it to your computer. When done, run the installation file and complete the installation of the tool. When done, run a full virus scan. When done, prompt your antivirus program to delete the infected files found during the scan. Your Dell computer will be free of virus or malware now. If you do not have an antivirus program installed on your Dell computer, download one from the internet.

Step 6

If you want to go for full security suite, you can purchase a paid antivirus program. You will have to complete the buying requirements to buy an antivirus program. Do as prompted. If your needs are limited, you can limit to the free antivirus software. When done, save the file and install your antivirus program. Update it regularly with the latest virus, spyware definitions and patches when these are available.

Step 7

Run full virus scan every month or fortnight to make sure that your Dell computer stays protected from the ever growing online threats. You must also run a custom scan for every external media like disk, flash drive, or thumb drive etc. Customize your web browser settings for maximum protection against the viruses, spyware, malware etc. Contact Dell technical support if you are unable to remove a virus by yourself.

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 Dell 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. 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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Choosing the Right Virus Protection

The computer crashes all of a sudden. It reboots automatically every few minutes. Your homepage changed and you cannot change it back. You observe some unrecognizable files in your documents folder. These situations sound familiar because they are tell-tale signs that your computer is infected with a malicious file. Because of the internet's ready accessibility, it is quite easy for viruses to sneak into a computer. Your unit can be infected when you simply go to a website, check an email, chat, or share files over a network. The best way to protect your unit from malicious threats is to block them before they enter your computer. Some people think that a free antivirus download can give as much protection as any program that costs a good amount of money.

A malicious file wreaks havoc on a hard drive by changing some important files. Some viruses are designed to prevent programs from executing properly. Others are designed to allow access to a remote user to confidential files like passwords, bank and credit card information. These threats can attack any time. And the only way to protect your computer from these threats is by installing software that can give you the proper protection.

Many programs are now available to prevent any malicious attacks on computers. It is important to choose software that is right for your needs and internet browsing activity.

Whether it's a free antivirus download or expensive software, your privacy is safe if it gives you the right protection. Research is important. Each program works differently and has unique features to offer. Comparing different programs also helps.

If independent research is not enough, you can seek help directly from representatives of security companies. You need to get information on the software's features, how they work, what hardware you need to support it and its price.

Once you've decided on a particular product, you can now install it yourself or have someone install it for you. Once it's on your computer, a full system scan should be done. This takes a while and mostly depends on how large your file system is.

If a malicious file is detected, the program can either remove or quarantine it. This prevents the virus from spreading any more damage on your computer.

Having the proper virus protection on your computer is the best defense against online threats. Keep important documents, bank and credit information safe from hackers. Protect your identity and privacy. Get a free antivirus download or any other protection software.

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Importance of Virus Removal Services

Almost the same as the genetically produced virus, a PC virus proliferates from one PC to the next. It is basically a self-duplicating program that thrives on other programs. To help you fight this problem, you have to get the best antivirus service.

How Can a Virus Pose a Threat to Your PC?

Most PC viruses are really bothersome - they cause your operating system to slow down and your PC either begins to act strange or it crashes. Every time you type a certain command, your PC does a different thing. The best antivirus services would simply reboot one's PC to remove the virus. However, there are those which can inflict considerable harm. For example, you might notice that important files needed by the OS have already been deleted. To protect your PC from being attacked by a virus, you can call up a Spyware Virus Program. Have them install an anti-virus program that matches your needs. They can also answer any inquiries or clear any uncertainties you may possess about how the anti-virus program works. But viruses are not the sole malicious software riding in your PC.

How Does Your PC or Network Get Debilitated by Spyware?

Spyware and virus removal programs are some of those things you can't live without most especially when you are in the net banking industry. This malware or software as it is more popularly known follows your online activities without you being aware. Then suddenly, you find a change in your homepage. There are unwanted websites that keep popping up. Computer settings may have altered. Internet service connection is abnormally slow. As soon as spyware enters one's PC, it starts checking one's personal data making one totally submissive to phishing. A spyware and best antivirus program can assist you in dealing with such nuisance. The major difference between a spyware and a virus lies in the fact that the former is not capable of replicating itself.

It is actually not similar with a PC infection that proliferates like the dreaded virus. Either it enters the computer program as a Trojan or it piggybacks. Just like the seasoned spy, spyware has the difficulty to be detected. The best antivirus spyware program can assist you in cleaning up your PC and enable you to conveniently use your PC again. To protect your PC from these attacks, take advantage of a good Spyware and Anti-Virus Removal. Our dependence on our computers make us a target rich environment for unscrupulous people, but it doesn't mean that we can't fight back and protect ourselves from viruses and spyware.

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Why Is Virus Prevention And Spyware Prevention Software Important?

Today it is very practical to invest in software that specializes in virus prevention. New computer systems are often equipped with these programs although they are usually trial packages. Today on the internet there are many hazards that exist, therefore keeping computers safe and sound from these threats is the main aim of such software. A lot of people might not find them essential because they are not aware of the technological aspects of the web and the PCs. Much like their name these computer viruses are like real viruses such as the flu, but these harm computer systems.

PC viruses are basically software applications with the concept of duplicating themselves once they have infected a PC. The fact that they make a copy of themselves upon infecting PCs is a defining behavior of almost every virus. The main objective behind infecting someone`s computer with them is basically to irritate them or severely breach their personal or financial safety. Due to the fact that there are other viruses like spyware and malware that affect the efficiency of computers, it is important to know about viruses and what type they are.

A lot of people believe that if they install a free virus protection software they get adequate protection from malicious intruders. This is a serious mistake because the free versions of the software usually detect viruses, but do not remove or quarantine them. You need to remember these viruses don't simply ruin computers, but quite often ruin people`s lives as well. So be sure to invest in a good virus prevention software and don't skimp because there is a lot at stake.

When it comes to gaining the personal information of their victims a `back door trojan` virus can be used by cyber-criminals for accessing someone`s PC. Some very highly sensitive personal information can be sent to the cyber-criminal this way including account numbers, credit card numbers, verification codes and passwords to bank accounts. Keystrokes from a computer can also be collected by spyware key logger programs that are highly malicious and this data can also be transmitted to cyber-criminals. Most people often do not even realize that their system is infected by spyware or how these cyber criminals managed to install it onto their PC. As a result, even before these users can be warned about any unusually activities from their accounts by the banks or credit card companies their credit cards and bank accounts are already drained. This wrecks people's lives and often result in their identity being stolen.

Thus, to ensure full protection for a computer, people should use both anti-virus and spyware protection software programs. With the right programs almost all of such malicious internet threats are taken care of and do not become a threat to the computer system. It is important that the software chosen is reputable and proven to be effective. It is advised to do an internet search on virus prevention or spyware prevention software and look for a good review site to help you find one. Nowadays, there are products out there that are internet protection suites which provide both anti-virus and spyware protection. These do both for a reasonable price. Remember in this day and age, it is critical to keep our PCs safe from viruses and spyware.

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How to Remove a Fake Antivirus That Is Spamming Your Notifications With Virus Threats?

Rogue security software is a dangerous malware type that will install on your computer pretending to be an antivirus program and then disrupt programs, hijack services, or worse, communicate malicious programs to known users.

Removing a fake antivirus is like getting rid of a Trojan or malware from your computer. However with malware and antivirus, it is always easier because you can run your installed antivirus and have the program scan for and locate the infected files. Your antivirus will then remove this malicious program and ask you to reboot the computer. So if you are running an authentic Norton or Kaspersky security suite, then you can be assured that your data is safe. But what happens when the cleanup tool itself is an infected file that is running on your computer as a fake antivirus program.

What are the problems that you might face if there is fake security software on your computer?

Programming experts suggest that antivirus-malware can be fatal to a user in manifold ways. Once you have granted permissions to this program (remember, you think this is a genuine security product!) it will take over control of your PC processes under the disguise of a trusted application. It could then take over your browser, redirect you to unsafe or suspicious sites, hijack Outlook and use it to send out spam, flag known programs as risks, or pop-up bogus threat notifications. Then there may the case where you try to remove it, and this is when it will ask you to launch an update. The highest chance of a fake antivirus causing a computer crash is when you try to uninstall it.

So how do you remove a fake antivirus before it causes irreparable damage?

First things first! Backup all you important data and mail files onto an external hard drive. When you are doing this, it is also a good idea to restart your computer in safe mode with most executable programs disabled. You can also select Safe Mode with Networking if you need to recover files from webmail or need to internet for more how-to on backing up data. Online technical support is also available for this kind of service.

Backed up data? Cleanup malicious programs now.

The most secure and sure way of cleaning up your Registry and Start-up programs is by doing it manually. You can also use System Restore tool available on Windows XP, Vista, and 7 to reset all settings till before the program was installed. Remember that once you have the computer in safe mode, the fake antivirus cannot perform any functions. Feel free to browse installed programs and remove any that may indicate unknown publisher.

Restored PC Health? Now boost performance.

Once computer support technicians have cleaned up all malicious programs from your computer, you can ask for optimization tools and other PC tune up utilities to be installed on your computer. Online antivirus support and optimization help will provide you only genuine software so you don't have to worry about a virus infection. With extended support, you can get your computer repaired at a small annual subscription from the best Microsoft certified technicians. Online computer services provided by companies like HCL touch are available round the clock to resolve all computer and peripheral related issues for you.

Cathy Stones brings her experience in working with trusted technicians to troubleshoot antivirus and antispyware software issues. Cathy draws on an extensive resource for virus and security solutions available here http://goo.gl/D2OGY and her regular feeds here http://goo.gl/l9uWC to create a list of the top 5 free PC protection software on the market today.

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Virus: Then and Now

In the present time, we know viruses are just harmful pieces of malicious code that are made to mess with our computer's system. However, only a few people know what kind of fun they brought to programmers in the past years. Let's look on viruses from a different perspective by looking back to the past.

Virus, as the word suggest, is a harmful kind of software that is analogous to the biological virus that we know. It spreads within the computer through infected hardware or website and replicates itself when injected to a host, much like how a real virus behaves. Although this definition sounds harmful, programmers of the 70's find them fun to play with. It was in 1970 that the first virus was created with no intention of messing up a whole system. It is only made for fun by the programmers from Bell Laboratories. The game was called Core War. This game runs within the company network and the goal of the game is to completely destroy the programs of another computer while making sure that it proliferates within the environment. The developers would code software that could replicate, repair itself, and move in different parts of the memory and attack software by writing a random opponent in the opponent's computer memory. The game ends after a specified time or when the opponent's programs are completely inactive or destroyed.

Although this sounded a scary, it was safe by that time because the developers knew where they would lead their software and it is all contained in a controlled environment.

In 1984, a game was made which had the same intention as the one stated above. This game became the stage for future viruses. The ARPANET was also infected by software called brain (which was a virus) which renames all disk boot systems to (C) Brain. This software also gave the name, phone number and address to the infected computer because this was made for advertisement purposes.

Today, viruses are treated differently from how it was back then. Viruses nowadays have a sole purpose, to mess with a computer's system files and mess up the whole of it. Viruses now are sneakier and more harmful than the ones developed before because they don't solely intend to break the system but they also break through one's privacy by gathering information from the victim. They can now fit in ordinary programs and attack the unwary user.

The internet, being one of the most accessible sources of information has also become a big arena for the viruses and the developers that made them. It was through it that the widespread of latent viruses has been rapidly made. Now that technology is advancing rapidly, connections become stronger giving way for easier proliferation of viruses.

Knowing the present intentions of viruses, we should take extra care when installing a software or browsing a page. Its intentions are still for fun, although they are now made with malicious intent for the developer's benefit.

For more information on what's best for your computer, come visit us at http://www.free-antivirus.co/ and we'll surely help you with your computer problems.

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The Security Shield Virus and How to Remove It

There are many programs going around on the Internet masquerading as an antivirus program but in reality they are viruses infecting millions of computers daily. This is why it's so important to read antivirus reviews before you download anything so you'll know what a legitimate program is and what isn't. Security Shield is one of these fake antivirus programs that will infect your computer and it's from the same group that spawned the Security Tool virus. Like the ones that came before it, this virus program does a fake scan of your computer and then gives you false alerts that are designed to pressure you into buying their software. Once you buy it, it will steal your information making identity and bank theft likely. It's important to remove this virus as soon as possible.

First, let me reiterate that everyone should have a good antivirus program installed on their computer. If you do not currently have antivirus protection, please read antivirus reviews and select the protection that is right for you. If this virus program is not removed right away it will just keep digging itself deeper into your system until you're getting constant error messages, pop-up's and other warnings that makes your computer pretty useless. It will perform scans of your system and tell you that your computer is full of viruses, spyware and Trojans when the truth is the program is the virus. This virus must be deleted and there are two different ways to do this.

You can remove this virus manually if you are an expert and know how to edit the registry. You just seek all registry keys that have anything to do with this virus program and remove them and all corresponding files and folders. This process can take time and it can also be quite dangerous because one mistake can really affect your computer negatively, thus requiring professional assistance to fix.

It is recommended that you automatically remove this virus by using a good antivirus software. Be sure to check antivirus reviews before selecting which antivirus is best for you. It is very easy and safe to remove this virus with a good antivirus software. It will clean it out with just a few clicks and make your computer run like it did before you where infected. Hackers make new viruses every day so it is important to have a good antivirus and that you always keep it up to date.

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How to Remove the Click Potato Virus for Good

A common and famous malicious browser hijacking virus is the Click Potato virus. If you haven't downloaded and installed the best antivirus software on your computer, this virus can install itself on to your system without you even knowing about it. By the time you figure out something is wrong, it's over. Once it gets in to your hard drive it then starts harassing you with pop-up ads for a variety of different products. This one can be very hard to get rid of since it's so closely tied to the browser. To learn how to remove this program, please continue reading.

Click Potato is a program that will start a constant stream of pop-up ads once it's in your system, rendering your computer virtually unusable. The ads that will pop up are fake ads so be very careful not to click on any of these and use your credit card to try to buy them or you will have your credit card information stolen. It will also slow down and disrupt most, if not all, of your basic Windows functions and produce error messages.

This one can be a bit of a challenge to remove and most people don't know the right way of getting rid of it. Again, if you have the best antivirus software for your needs, then you'll likely not experience this problem and that is the preferred outcome. But if you have already gotten infected then it is important to understand that this isn't like a regular virus. It is considered as malware, so besides downloading and running the best antivirus that you can find, you will probably also need a specific program to remove the Click Potato virus. The process of removing it is to simply stop all the activity from the program and then through your removal program get rid of it for good.

You can also manually remove it if you're an expert or advanced user. If this is how you want to proceed then boot in to safe mode and stop all activities of the Click Potato program. Then just locate and delete all files and folders that have anything at all to do with the Click Potato. When finished, make sure to keep yourself safe by researching and downloading the best antivirus program you can find.

One of the best ways to get rid of this virus is to download a program called "Frontline Rogue Remover." This program will go through your computer, find and delete all files and settings that have anything to do with the Click Potato virus so you will get rid of everything all at once. But I cannot stress enough that if you don't want this to happen to you again in the future, then you should always have the best antivirus program updated and running on your computer to keep all of your information safe.

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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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Check Your Anti Virus

There are total 53000 viruses that have been identified classified more than 80% of them have been classified as malicious these files are capable of harming your computer system of data files.

when computer viruses are a hot topic, more and more people find out the destructive power of these programs. in this way many people find out about virus protection programs and rush to the newest virus protection program or ensure their virus protection is up to date.

Having a good anti virus program and current updates is the best way to protect your computer against virus attacks.

If you already own it:

Follow the following steps:-

1. open NOTEPAD

2. copy the code given below:-

X5O!P%@AP[4\PZX54(P^)7CC)7}$EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE!$H+H*

3. and paste it into notepad

4. save it with name avtester.exe

5. DONE!!!!

IF YOUR ANTIVIRUS DETECT IT THEN GREAT OTHERWISE SCAN this FILE IF STILL NOT DETCTED BY YOUR ANTI VIRUS THEN REMOVE UR ANTIVIRUS AND INSTALL NEW ONE!!!!!!

It's best way of testing ur antivirus is it working fine or its fake antivirus

Spyware Overview

Imagine a program that watches your computer.

It sits in memory, watching everything the computer does--the websites it displays, the passwords used to get into them, the advertisements that get clicked on. This program silently and secretly gathers all of this information, without the user's knowledge. Then, at some point, it connects to a server somewhere on the Internet, and hands over this collection--again, without letting the owner of the computer know what it's done.

Scary thought?

Experts believe that at least six out of ten--perhaps as many as nine out of ten--computers on the Internet have this kind of malware installed. Like a virus, many spyware programs run without the user's consent or knowledge.

There is an entire industry devoted to gathering demographics information through the use of spyware, and there is another industry that's grown to combat spyware.

Spyware is meant to capture "demographics." This is meant to help advertisers better target their ads. For example, if a piece of spyware reports that the user recently visited websites for car dealerships, then the spyware server would then send ads for cars to the computer.

Many people, however, regard this as an invasion of privacy. Spyware companies claim to only gather "generic" information, like web site addresses and zip codes, but it's still very easy to gather critical information. Anything entered into a web form can end up in the spyware collection--such things as phone numbers, email addresses, credit card numbers, and even social security numbers can all find their way into a spyware database.

In the end, it comes down to personal preference. Some popular programs have spyware attached, and will quit working if the spyware is uninstalled--so the user has to decide whether that program is worth it.

Provided, of course, the user even knows that the spyware is running on his system.

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