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VIRUSES
Contrary to popular opinion, you are almost certain to get a virus from
someone you know rather than from someone you don't. Viruses infect a computer by
downloading one through the Internet or a floppy or CD or receiving one as an attachment
or embedded in an e-mail. If you have not received a virus up to this time and you
have access to the Internet, it is a certainty that you eventually will.
Most viruses spread by reading the address book in a computer, making
copies of itself and sending itself out to everyone in the address book. In many
cases, the 'from' line in the e-mail isn't actually the person infected but just another
name in the address book. In fact, it's possible to get a virus e-mailed to you with
a from line showing it's from you as well, and you aren't the one who's infected.
Once you get a virus, there isn't much you can do to
stop it. The best thing you can do is disconnect any network connections you have
(physically turn off your cable-modem or DSL box and refrain from signing onto the
internet with a modem). This will at least limit the number of virus copies it sends
out on its own. It can't infect other computers if it can't get to the Internet.
On the positive side, the vast majority of viruses can't physically damage your
computer. This means that the worst that can happen is that you lose everything that
was in your computer. Data is the hard part to replace unless you do regular
back-ups. Programs and operating systems can always be reinstalled.
On rare occasions, a virus can be cleansed out of
your system. Many antivirus program web sites offer 'tools' that aid in ridding a
system of a particular virus. The trick to that is that you must know in advance
what virus you contracted. If you don't know which virus infected your computer
system, a particular tool for virus A may not work on virus B. In the case of
viruses, prevention is the only certain treatment. A good antivirus program is
absolutely mandatory for anyone with any kind of connection to the outside world.
Whether you have e-mail, browse the internet, exchange files or download programs, you
absolutely must have an antivirus program to intercede in the event you run into a virus
along the way.
Another common myth is that an antivirus program
will fix a problem with a virus you already have. The sad fact is that most viruses
DISABLE antivirus installations so that you can't install an antivirus program. If
you think you have a virus and you can't install an antivirus program, then the chances
are very good you've got one. But once you HAVE a virus, if it is
serious enough, there may be nothing you can do to stop it or fix it except
erase everything and reinstall your programs. In this case, we highly
recommend that you talk to a computer professional about retrieving your
information before you erase it. Viruses can be cleaned from data, but
fixing what it did to your computer may be impossible.
For ease of use and the highest level of protection,
we highly recommend BitDefender Antivirus which can be found at www.bitdefender.com. We receive no money for this
recommendation. It is simply the best and easiest antivirus software available and
can be purchased on-line for about $40.00 for a 2 year license. It's great protection for the price.
For users who have bought a previous version, the upgrade cost is less. It
should be updated every day (follow the automatic update instructions contained in the program
to do this) in order to maintain maximum protection. Just because you have an
antivirus program doesn't mean it will protect you forever. Like immunizations, it
requires regular 'booster shots' or updates to maintain a high level of protection.
If an antivirus program is not regularly updated, viruses CAN get in and damage your
files.
If you find yourself with a virus, first of all,
don't panic. Some are benign in general scope and can be cleansed. On the
other hand, others are very malevolent and it's quite likely that all of the data in your
computer will be lost. If you know what kind of virus has infected your system,
check the web site of the antivirus programs and see if a fix tool is available. If
so, you might try following the detailed instructions.
The first thing you want to do, if you can, is to
back up your information to a CD, Zip drive, external hard drive, DVD, flash
drive or any of the host of other back-up options available today. This at least gives you a fair chance
at recovering the data later (click here for information
on backing up). Then run the tool. IF all goes well, destroy the
back-up and IMMEDIATELY install a new antivirus program. If you don't know what kind
of virus it is or f you're the adventurous kind, you can reinstall your operating system
using the system recovery disks that came with your computer (if available).
Sometimes you get lucky. Just remember to never restore any data that hasn't been
examined by an updated antivirus program first or you risk re-infection.
When it comes to cleansing your system of a virus
and restoring your system to something approaching normal, we highly recommend that it be
done by professionals. You can try to do it yourself, but unless you have a high
degree of technical skill and an understanding of how viruses work, it's likely that the
best you will do is re-infect your system. At worst, you'll lose all your data.
Viruses can actually hide in the RAM and re-infect your system if you don't take
precautions. Paying a computer professional who knows how to deal with viruses is
much better than spending day after frustrating day trying to do it yourself.
There may be a way to clean your system without
losing all of your data or you may end up with your computer just like it was when you
first bought it. It really takes a professional and a relatively advanced skill
level to determine which. Before you have the professional deal with you r system,
here are the things we recommend:
1. Have all the disks that
came with your computer, plus all of your program disks and manuals available.
2. If you can, back up your data.
(Click here for information on what data to back up)
3. Find out what warranties and
service agreements might cover. You may have phone help available to talk/walk you
through the process or even be entitled to have the computer serviced for free.
4. Call around. Prices and
services vary from one store or professional to another. Many computer stores will
offer to fix the virus, but all they do is reformat and reinstall the original
configuration of your computer. That may be what it takes in the end, but if your
current programs and set-ups can be saved, it's best to try to save them. Many
smaller shops take a more conservative approach and try to retain your current information
if possible. The usual charge for a store is between $30.00 and $90.00 dollars an
hour. Try to get a fixed price or a set rate.
5. Find out about your service
professional. You don't want the guy or gal who fixed your second cousins
boyfriend's sister's son's computer unless you know what they do, how they're qualified,
who else they have worked for, etc. Knowing that the person who is going to work on
your computer is qualified to do so should give you some ease of mind.
A virus is usually a very enlightening experience.
Most people who encounter a virus unprotected come away with a new-found respect
for computer security and the certain knowledge that they will always have a current
antivirus program from then on. It's best to have the antivirus program beforehand.
Better a few dollars now than risk losing everything in your computer and paying
much more to have it restored (if possible) later.
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