How does it get into MY computer?
Viruses & other malware can get on your computer in a number of ways. In the old days (pre year 2000),
most viruses came from removable disk media. Today, most viruses get into your system via the Internet. Microsoft Windows
(all versions) have vulnerabilities that are exploited by malware. They can scan the internet for any PC that is connected, and place
themselves on that system, without any user activity, browsing, or email downloading. Other malware are buried in email
attachments on Windows, OS X, and even the IOS and Android operating systems. NEVER open an email attachment from someone
that you DON'T know. Even thought you have an anti-virus program scanning your email, these malware may be undetectable
when buried in this way.
Spyware or Adware can be loaded just by visiting a website which is designed to place it on your PC. Once
it is running in your computer, these malware programs will place itself on the hard drive. After that, the programs will
load every time the computer is started.
How do I get it off of my computer?
To remove a virus and other pests requires a sophisticated Malware removal program. Most recent malware are clever,
and cannot be removed by Norton or McAfee anti-virus programs once they are entrenched in your system. We use professional software
tools and a computer system created to remove all viruses, trojans, and other malware. It should be noted that most anti-virus
programs sold at retail outlets do little to protect from spyware and adware.
Today, with the accessibility of data on the internet, and the ease of sending and receiving email, there are more
malware being passed between computer systems than ever before. Your anti-virus and anti-malware software is your first line of defense,
and smart tactics with email and downloaded documents is your second, but occasionally, a virus or other malevolent entity may get into
your computer.
"Virus" defined
A virus is a program that attaches itself to, or "infects" other programs or files. When these programs are
"executed", or run, they activate the virus. The virus has a way to pass a copy of itself or "infect" other programs,
as well as a "payload", which is what it does other than copy itself.
"Worm" or "Trojan (Horse)" defined
A worm is a program that propagates itself over a network, reproducing itself as it goes. Some worms have email engines,
which can send email copies of the worm to others from a PC, without the user running his own email program, or even being aware that
this activity is taking place.
"Spyware and Adware" defined
Spyware or Adware is a group of programs that get into your PC and become part of the operating environment, like a
resident program. A spyware program will load every time windows or your browser loads, and do it's assigned task.
The purpose of Spyware or Adware varies. A Spyware or Adware program can:
1. Report your browsing activities to others via the internet
2. Report information from your computer to others via the internet
3. Cause pop-ups to appear, even when you have a pop-up stopper program
4. Send your browser to a special home page, no matter what you do
5. Dial your modem to connect you with other services via "900" numbers
6. Place "custom" toolbars on your screen to get you to visit certain sites
I'm sure there are other activities that are also done by this class of program, but these are the ones we are seeing today.
- Here are a few indicators that one of these entities is in your system:
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- You are unable to boot the system, or it boots slowly
- Your virus detector indicates that you have a virus that you cannot remove
- Unusual messages on screen
- Your browser is slow or impossible to run
- You are unable to get on the internet, or visit certain websites
- You are unable to do Virus definition updates on your provider's website
- PC is slow to boot
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Please call PC Power if you have any questions about Viruses, Worms, or Spyware.
Our phone number is (216) 505-5360
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