Does your Computer have a virus? are you sure? Click here for our recommended free virus scanner.
If your computer is infected with a virus, there are definitely steps that you can take to recover control of your system. The first thing that you should do is remove your computer from any networks that it might be on, and from the Internet, so that the virus cannot spread any further.
The next thing to do is run a virus scan - antivirus software. If you already have this software installed, run it now. If you don’t already have virus protection software, you will need to get it now. Either download it from an uninfected computer or purchase it. These programs are available both by mail order over the Internet or from a computer retail store.
However, if you decide to download a software program, it is important to know that many malware programs are disguised as antivirus software and care should be taken when choosing what to download. Be sure to visit reputable websites and download certified software.
Antivirus software scans your system for viruses, checking the code against its virus dictionary, looking for infected files. If it finds any code that matches the definitions that it has been programmed to scan for it will attempt, first, to repair the damaged or corrupt file. If it is unable to repair the damage, it will isolate the file in quarantine in order to prevent the virus from spreading any further.
Some scans will request direction from the user before deleting the infected files and others will automatically rid the system of infection, so it is important to check the scan’s configuration prior to running it so that you know what to expect, especially if you don’t want to risk losing any files.
Programmers vigilantly monitor the arrival of new viruses and update virus dictionaries daily. If you have a virus, and you have an Internet security system installed on your computer, the first thing to do is check for updates on your software provider’s website. Ensure that you have the latest definitions and rescan your system.
If you have a virus that your scan identifies but cannot repair, you can search the Internet for more information and follow advice that you find there. You might find patches or programs that can help you eliminate the virus or to remove it manually.
Once you have followed all available steps, re-run your virus scan and see if it comes back clean. You might have to run the software more than once and should do so until the scan comes up clean.
Kate Dubensky | June 9th, 2008
You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.
