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Mind the Virus
Computer Viruses are an extremely common problem for any person using a PC or laptop with a Windows operating system.
In our line of work we literally have hundreds of computers coming through our doors infected with all kinds of nasty Spyware, Malware and Viruses, so here are a few tips on staying virus free and also on detecting a virus on your own system.
If you think that your computer may have a virus, don't panic but the sooner you have it cleared up, the less damage it can do give us a call for advice.
How did I get a virus?
Common ways of getting infected by a virus:
Clicking on links received in emails: People often assume when you say this that you mean emails from strangers but this is not necessarily always the case. Often when a virus is on a computer, it can use that persons email account to send emails containing a link to the source of the virus to others in their contacts. If you receive an email from a friend that has an unknown link in it, you should double check that your friend has sent you that email before clicking on it this may also alert your friend to the fact that there's a virus on their computer.
Clicking on Links in Websites: When on a website, beware of links to similar sites. Although most advertising on websites is legitimate, like with people, you just can't be too trusting. If the advertiser is unknown to you but you want to view their services, type the business name or the URL into a search engine and see what comes up to help you make the decision as to whether you would like to visit their site.
Accidentally Navigating to a site with a virus: A lot of people assume that this is the most common threat but actually it's quite unlikely that this would happen naturally.
Distraction: Everyone knows that you should read the pop up before clicking yes or no, but often people just don't realize they've done it! Many customers with Teenagers or Children that play games online can vouch for this one a pop up interrupts your game and you just want to make it go away so that you can finish shooting the monster or racing your cow back to the shed! Next thing you know, you have yourself a nasty virus that takes a little more than a Lemsip to cure, oops!
Pop-ups: As above, you just have to read them and make a decision. Pop ups can be varied, if it's a warning from your Anti Virus / Internet Security program advising you against whatever it is that you were doing then you should probably agree with it. Unfortunately some viruses in pop up boxes have been designed to look exactly like your standard windows and can catch people out if you're in doubt, ask for a second opinion whether that comes from your wife or from a professional, it could save you trouble in the long run.
Targeted Viruses: There have been reports of people being called on the telephone from someone claiming to be Microsoft that asks them to allow them access to their computer remotely. Microsoft would never ask this of anyone! Don't ever let anyone that you have not contacted yourself have remote access to your computer.
No Anti-Virus Software / Not updating Anti Virus Software: If you haven't got Internet Security on your computer then there is no barrier between you and a potential threat. There are many free ones about, we like Microsoft Security Essentials and AVG. Alternatively, if you do have Internet Security but are not running the regular updates, you are also leaving yourself open to new threats kind of like not putting oil in your car!
Tips:
If someone telephones or emails you asking for money to remove a virus from your computer remotely, do not pay them. Similarly if you get a pop up on your computer advising that you have a virus and suggesting that you call a number to pay for it's removal, do not pay them any money. Call a trusted Computer Repair person who will guarantee full removal of the virus.
Look out for unusual activity on your computer, this may be that your computer is not working the way that it usually does, that it seems to be turning itself on from sleep mode or that programs such as Internet Explorer will not work correctly. Unusual activity can often be caused by something other than a virus but it's always worth having a PC MOT to check.
Back up your computer and your work! I cannot stress the importance of backing up your photos, work and music etc enough! Computers don't last forever and a minor problem with your hard drive could mean that you lost important files. If you are backing up regularly, you will be able to access these files if your computer breaks down. Having a virus on your computer can put a lot of extra strain on the hardware and can cause a hard drive for example to stop working much sooner than one would expect. If you are backed up then your Computer Repair Person can check your backup for any files that may have been corrupted by the virus and recover the ones that are clean.
Enough with the scary talk of viruses and all things gruesome now! We hope that you found this article useful. Just remember these important safety rules and if you have any questions, give us a call, email or leave a comment below we don't bite!
Back up your files / work / music / photos
Keep your Anti Virus Software regularly updated and running.
Before clicking any pop up or link, read it twice and consider your options.
