Help I have a virus!

Having an anti-virus program nowadays is an absolute must for every single PC. Without one you are basically asking for trouble. Follow these simple guides to get a decent anti virus application up and running on your computer for FREE! ..

How Safe is your Computer?

This is a question most people ask themselves.  Especially as the rapidly expanding internet shopping and online banking is taking off.  Most people are starting to use these services for speed and convenience.  If you asked this question 5 years ago the main focus of the replies you would be getting would relate to virus threats.  However the malicious internet software game has become a whole lot more complex than that.  Virus’s are just 1 of a whole host of nasties that can infect your PC.  Trojans, Keyloggers, drive-by Downloads, Adware, Spyware, rootkits and a whole host of different Malware can be picked up from being on the web.  An anti-virus and firewall are no longer capable of protecting your precious data.

Basically an Anti virus program is intended to protect you from all the ‘known’ virus threats out there, this program has to be updated regularly as there are new threats everyday.  But you have to understand that a Trojan is not a virus, and your Anti Virus program may not detect it because of this. It is true that some of the better known Anti virus programs can detect up to 98% of known virus's and also some Trojans and Worms but unfortunately not all. Although more is always better, and it is better to find and clean 'some' of the Trojans/Worms using an Anti virus program then finding none at all!

In conclusion, to ensure your PC is adequately protected your computer security should consist of the following:
A Firewall, Anti virus, Spam Blocker, Web Browser Popup Blocker, Trojan Remover, All windows and Office updates, Adware and Spyware scanner.

There are software 'suites' (security software bundles) that can perform most if not all of these tasks for you, and your Windows and Office updates can be setup to download and install as and when they become available.

 

No Antivirus Program on your PC?

Your 1st step is to ensure that there is no virus code on your PC, this can be done simply by running a free online virus check. There are a few online virus checking programs, some of which will also offer a free removal program as well one of the better ones is from Trend Micro.

Below is a free online virus scanner and also a downloadable free 'resident' anti-virus program for you to use if you do not have one on your computer, If you currently have a anti-virus program on your computer you do not need the Avast or AVG anti-virus download.

Please note: The online virus scanner is not designed to 'replace' your current anti-virus program, they are used to ensure that you have no virus code on your PC prior to you installing a anti-virus program or it can be used as a second pair of eyes for your current anti-virus program.


Trend Micro Online Virus Scanner - Visit its homepage.

A free online Virus Scanner that can be run anytime a Virus infection is suspected. The only ICSA Certified Online Anti Virus Scanner.

Instructions - Select "Scan Now. It's Free!", then again. Check "Yes, I accept the Terms of Use" and select "Launching HouseCall", then select "Starting HouseCall" (Java or Browser Plug-in) and wait. Then select "Next" (Scan complete computer for malware, grayware and vulnerabilities) and wait (this may take some time).


Avast! Home Edition - Download - Home Page - Register
A free Anti virus Program for those who do not already own a commercial one. Avast Home Edition includes full virus protection in an easy to use interface with free automatic updating. If you are currently using a commercial Anti virus program do not install this but confirm that yours is updated. (e-mail registration is required).


AVG Anti-Virus Free - Download - Home Page
This Program is for private, non-commercial, single home computer use only. A excellent free Anti virus Program which is updated automatically daily, It includes full virus protection, email scanning, shell extension & scheduler to name a few of its program components.


Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition - Download - Homepage
Avira AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic reliably protects your private computer against dangerous viruses, worms, Trojans and costly dialers. 
 

I have an anti virus program on my PC but I suspect that I still have a virus?

This is entirely possible, although it may not actually be a virus, various 'malware' (Malicious software) exists that could be running on your PC or it could be that your current anti virus program has been compromised and is no longer detecting known virus's.

Initially a online virus scanner can be used to see if your current anti virus program is still operational.