Is your computer running unusually slow, are files mysteriously being deleted or are you having trouble opening applications? If so then there is a good chance you have a computer virus.
A computer virus is just like a human virus, it can duplicate itself and 'infect' other computers automatically. These viruses can be responsible for everything from file deletion, to system corruption and even cause computers to be re-formatted. With 10 to 15 new viruses discovered per day, the threat is growing exponentially.
Free Antivirus Software
There are many virus software programs out there for free. Virus scanners are software that will preform a system scan on your computer to detect viruses, such scans can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 3-4 hours depending on how extensive the search is. These programs specialize in only the detection of viruses and often don't have removal capabilities unless upgraded. While other applications can be downloaded without scanners that are able to target specific viruses that you know have infected your computer. There are also many free email protection programs, these will either automatically detect viruses in email attachments when received or be able to scan email attachments before they are downloaded and alert the you of any threats.
Some examples of free software tools:
-Aviva AntiVirus
-McAfee Stinger Virus Removal Tool
-AVG Antivirus
-Alwil Avast
-AOL Active Virus Shield
Viruses can be spread via any transferable media whether in the form of floppy disks, CDs, email attachments or material downloaded from the Web. One of the most common forms of transfer is via email, in the form of an attachment which, when opened, activate a virus and infect a computer. To make matters worse, often, viruses are programmed to spread themselves by emailing a copy of themselves to all the other email addresses in an infected computer's address book. With over 58,000 viruses currently in existence it is difficult to avoid them. This is where antivirus software comes in.
Complete Antivirus Protection
Although there is tons of free software available, the best complete protection often must be purchased. Such software is usually from highly reputable companies such as McAfee or Norton. These programs will include scanners, virus removal, process monitoring, internet security, pop-up blockers and software updates to stay protected. The advantages to bought software over free software is more protection, more features and program stability, and most importantly updates since new virus are constantly being created.
Yes, these programs cost money, but when you get a virus that you are unable to stop until your computer is ruined you will wish you had such software. Below I have compiled the best antivirus and computer security software.
-Norton
-BitDefender
-McAfee
-Trend Micro
-Shield Deluxe
-Spyware Doctor
The very best protection against viruses is to be as proactive as possible. Listed are a few tips showing how to reduce virus threats and how to make you a happy computer user.
1. Don't assume anything. Make some time to learn about securing your system.
2. Acquire and use a reliable antivirus program. Select an antivirus that has a consistent track record. Checkmark AV-Test.org, and TuV are among the most respected independent testers of antivirus software.
3. Do not open e-mails coming from unknown or distrusted sources. Many viruses spread via e-mail messages so ask for confirmation from sender if you are in doubt.
4. Do not copy any file if you don't know or don't trust its source. Check the source of the files you download and make sure that an antivirus program has already verified the files at their source.
5. Make backups. MAKE BACKUPS of important personal files as often as possible. Store these copies on removable media such as CD or DVD.
To find info and software on anti spam protection visit:
Anti Spam Software Info
A computer virus is just like a human virus, it can duplicate itself and 'infect' other computers automatically. These viruses can be responsible for everything from file deletion, to system corruption and even cause computers to be re-formatted. With 10 to 15 new viruses discovered per day, the threat is growing exponentially.
Free Antivirus Software
There are many virus software programs out there for free. Virus scanners are software that will preform a system scan on your computer to detect viruses, such scans can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 3-4 hours depending on how extensive the search is. These programs specialize in only the detection of viruses and often don't have removal capabilities unless upgraded. While other applications can be downloaded without scanners that are able to target specific viruses that you know have infected your computer. There are also many free email protection programs, these will either automatically detect viruses in email attachments when received or be able to scan email attachments before they are downloaded and alert the you of any threats.
Some examples of free software tools:
-Aviva AntiVirus
-McAfee Stinger Virus Removal Tool
-AVG Antivirus
-Alwil Avast
-AOL Active Virus Shield
Viruses can be spread via any transferable media whether in the form of floppy disks, CDs, email attachments or material downloaded from the Web. One of the most common forms of transfer is via email, in the form of an attachment which, when opened, activate a virus and infect a computer. To make matters worse, often, viruses are programmed to spread themselves by emailing a copy of themselves to all the other email addresses in an infected computer's address book. With over 58,000 viruses currently in existence it is difficult to avoid them. This is where antivirus software comes in.
Complete Antivirus Protection
Although there is tons of free software available, the best complete protection often must be purchased. Such software is usually from highly reputable companies such as McAfee or Norton. These programs will include scanners, virus removal, process monitoring, internet security, pop-up blockers and software updates to stay protected. The advantages to bought software over free software is more protection, more features and program stability, and most importantly updates since new virus are constantly being created.
Yes, these programs cost money, but when you get a virus that you are unable to stop until your computer is ruined you will wish you had such software. Below I have compiled the best antivirus and computer security software.
-Norton-BitDefender
-McAfee
-Trend Micro
-Shield Deluxe
-Spyware Doctor
The very best protection against viruses is to be as proactive as possible. Listed are a few tips showing how to reduce virus threats and how to make you a happy computer user.
1. Don't assume anything. Make some time to learn about securing your system.
2. Acquire and use a reliable antivirus program. Select an antivirus that has a consistent track record. Checkmark AV-Test.org, and TuV are among the most respected independent testers of antivirus software.
3. Do not open e-mails coming from unknown or distrusted sources. Many viruses spread via e-mail messages so ask for confirmation from sender if you are in doubt.
4. Do not copy any file if you don't know or don't trust its source. Check the source of the files you download and make sure that an antivirus program has already verified the files at their source.
5. Make backups. MAKE BACKUPS of important personal files as often as possible. Store these copies on removable media such as CD or DVD.
To find info and software on anti spam protection visit:
Anti Spam Software Info
