How to Get Rid of a Computer Virus


Computer viruses come in many forms and can cause various kinds of damage to your system. Fortunately, most viruses are easily dealt with and effective methods for eliminating them are often developed as soon as the viruses are discovered. If you think your computer may be infected, take any necessary steps to clear your system and avoid infecting other computers.

Detecting Virus

Take note of the speed of your computer. After contracting a virus, you may notice that your computer runs at a slower speed. Programs often take much longer than normal to load.

Read any error messages you receive. When you have a virus, you’ll likely see some sort of error message appear. Error messages usually pop up when you’re shutting down or restarting the computer.

Check your computer’s files. If you suspect a virus, you can look at your computer’s history and see if any files or folders have recently been modified or added without your knowledge. Look at the folder’s name and type it into a search engine to see if any info about the virus appears.

Installing Anti-Virus Software

Antivirus (or anti-virus) software is used to prevent, detect, and remove malware, including computer viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. Such programs may also prevent and remove adware, spyware, and other forms of malware.

Visit your virus-scan software manufacturer’s Web site and install any virus updates that are available. Then run the software. The software may not be able to delete the virus, but it may be able to identify it.

Search the Web for information regarding your specific virus by typing the name of the virus or its associated file into a search engine followed by the word “virus.” For example, “Melissa virus,” “BubbleBoy virus,” etc.

Download and install any patches or other programs that will help you eliminate the virus. Or follow any instructions you find on deleting the virus manually. Run another virus scan to make sure the virus has been dealt with properly.

Updating Anti-Virus Software

Most popular anti-virus programs are not very effective against new viruses, even those that use non-signature-based methods that should detect new viruses. The reason for this is that the virus designers test their new viruses on the major anti-virus applications to make sure that they are not detected before releasing them into the wild. Hence we must update our anti-virus software then and there.

Looking the antivirus websites for new viruses

Computer security has become a major problem for most users but you’ll find plenty of help and advice at these top sites. Good Spyware Resource Site, Good Malware Prevention and Removal Site, Help for Spyware You Can’t Remove, etc.

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Filed Under: Computers & Technology

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About the Author: Justin Belden is a freelance web & graphic designer with over 15 years' experience. He is also an Avid member of the Design/Development community and a Serial Blogger who loves to help people by sharing interesting and informative tips and trick related to computer and technology.

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