subject: Easily Remove A Computer Virus From Your Computer [print this page] Just about everyone who owns or has used a computer has had computer problems. These problems result in the computer becoming slow or crashing or even refusing to boot up. Computer problems can be caused by a number of factors, such as a virus, malware or even spyware.
What are Computer Viruses?
There are a multitude of viruses that can cause computer problems. A computer virus is a program that can download itself to a computer without the owner/user's knowledge. It then copies itself and causes damage to files and operating systems. It is generally transferred to a computer by using a medium such as a flash drive or by online activity where an executable code or program is opened.
Interestingly, anything that can cause computer problems is often referred to as a virus. However, this is not technically true as many other problems can arise which are not virus related. These include other malware such as spyware and Trojan horses to name a few. Nonetheless, malware and spyware can, and do cause computer problems also.
Spyware usually just causes a PC to slow down. Unlike a virus, spyware cannot replicate itself. This piece of software is downloaded to a computer without the user's knowledge to capture information. Sometimes this is simply the user's surfing habits. It can also capture other type of personal information as well as monitor computer usage.
Virus Removal Tips
Unfortunately, when it comes to removing a computer virus one size does not fit all. The best option is to try not to get any malicious software onto your system in the first place. To protect your PC from infection, make sure to download Microsoft updates as soon as they are ready. Do this for your virus removal and spyware protection software as well.
In addition, all PCs should have antivirus software installed. There are many good programs available both free and for sale. Once updated with the latest patches, many of them are able to prevent infection. On the off-chance that a virus does get through your defenses, many types of antivirus software can still be used to remove the offender.
The first thing to do if a computer virus is suspected is to confirm the infection. To do this, the system's antivirus software should be run. If kept updated, a good antivirus software will pick up and identify any virus on the computer. Most antivirus software will attempt to clean the system by moving the virus to a vault or totally removing from the system.
If this doesn't work you will need to:
1. Write down the name of the virus which is normally given by your antivirus software
2. Search online for how to remove that particular virus
3. Print or write down the virus removal instructions
The instructions you receive may tell you the type of virus and what files to look for and where to find them and delete them. This method is not for the faint of heart as removing the wrong file can cause even more issues.
In other cases it may be necessary to download software to clean the computer. Often, this software will have to be downloaded onto a USB Drive or another computer since the virus may prevent the download on the infected PC.
Once the software is downloaded, run the software. Follow the removal instructions. Generally, after this is done it is necessary to restart the PC. It is advisable that you run antivirus software again. If the instructions were followed, the virus should have been removed.
The best advice is to always keep antivirus and spyware software updated. The same is true for operating systems as well. Always download patches and updates when available. Antivirus software should be run at least once per week to help prevent any infections which can cause computer problems.
