| Computers are a lot like people in that they are | | | | over you will be shown the results and for each |
| also susceptible to viruses. Viruses these days are | | | | instance of questionable software you can usually |
| ubiquitous, everywhere and can seriously harm | | | | choose to delete it, quarantine it or ignore it. |
| your computer as well as put your personal | | | | Deleting the file will normally get rid of the |
| information at risk. One of the best things to do if | | | | problems you were experiencing. Choosing to |
| you think you have a computer virus is to invest | | | | quarantine is an option that keeps the file from |
| in a good anti-virus software suite. Not only are | | | | interacting with any other parts of your |
| they useful for virus removal, but they can help | | | | computer, while you decide if you should delete it |
| you prevent further infections. | | | | or not. Some programs get incorrectly designated |
| The worst thing you can do once you suspect | | | | as spyware, which is why you have the option to |
| you have a computer virus is to leave it alone. | | | | ignore. |
| They can spread and infect other parts of your | | | | It is important that you update your malware |
| computer's operating system. The first action you | | | | software regularly so that it has the latest profiles |
| should take is to disconnect your computer from | | | | to help protect your computer from the most |
| any network or internet connection immediately. | | | | current threats. Once your computer is clean you |
| There are many reasons for this, but the primary | | | | should reboot and make sure the computer is |
| one is to prevent further spread of the virus. | | | | doing better. Only after you are sure the virus is |
| Disabling your wireless assistant or unplugging your | | | | gone should you reconnect your computer to the |
| network cable should do the job. | | | | internet. |
| Once disconnected, you can safely run an | | | | Once reconnected to the internet is actually a |
| anti-virus scan to attempt to locate the offending | | | | good idea to try updating your virus software, |
| executable. Most security scans will locate the | | | | just in case it wasn't already. Once you are sure |
| virus, let you know what it is and give you a few | | | | that you have the most up to date profiles |
| options for dealing with it. | | | | loaded, then it is actually a good idea to run the |
| If you do not have an anti-virus program to help | | | | software again. Some types of viruses can hide |
| you with the malware removal, then getting one | | | | others and if you remove them they can reveal |
| is of most importance. You can download one | | | | other system threats. |
| from a clean computer or contact your network | | | | Virus removal is infinitely more difficult to handle if |
| admin if the problem is at work. Never download | | | | you are unprepared for it, i.e. if you try to install, |
| an anti-virus program offered in a pop-up ad. | | | | update and run anti-malware programs after you |
| Make sure the software company who makes | | | | have a virus. That is why, as the old adage says, |
| the program is legitimate. | | | | prevention is definitely better than a cure, or in |
| The scan can take anywhere from a few | | | | this case, easier. Having a functioning security |
| minutes to a few hours, depending on your | | | | suite is an important part of keeping your |
| system configuration, but it is paramount that | | | | computer working well. |
| your let the program run its full course. When it is | | | | |