Is your computer running especially slow?
Are your search results hijacked?
Are you getting pop ups?

It seems like a never ending battle at times. Malware (malicious software) keeps changing and finding ways to infect your computer. The first thing you’ll need to do is get rid of the malware, the next step is taking the preventative measures to make sure you don’t keep getting hit.

Getting rid of the virus…
Most folks already have a desktop antivirus solution in place. If not, then I recommended a couple free antivirus programs earlier. The important thing is to make sure whatever antivirus software you have is updated and set to scan on-access, also called real-time scanning. Outdated antivirus software is worse than no antivirus because it gives you a false sense of protection. So the first step is to update your antivirus software and run a full scan.

A second opinion…
Often times, the first thing a virus does to your system is disable your installed antivirus, so an online scan would be helpful in those situations. Online scanners are nice because they are always up to date. Also, the different software vendors look for different threats, so if you have McAfee or Symantec installed, you can run the TrendMicro, Eset, or Kaspersky scans to be sure your local antivirus didn’t miss anything.

Here are a few links to different online virus scanners to help you get a second opinion.

TrendMicro Housecall
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Kaspersky Online Scan
http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner

ESET online scan
http://www.eset.com/onlinescan/

Keep in mind that running an online scan can often take a long time, so plan to run the scan overnight, or when you’ll be away from the computer for a number of hours. Also remember that online scanning is a reactive process. Nothing beats the peace-of-mind you get by having updated desktop protection running full-time and keeping you safe.

Staying protected…
In an earlier article I wrote that choosing a desktop protection solution can be as easy as using whatever comes pre-installed on your computer by the manufacturer, whatever is on sale at the local bulk warehouse store, or whatever your friends and family use and recommend. I even posted a few of my recommendations

But be careful and do not install more than one antivirus software because they can conflict with each other, slowing down your computer and possibly leaving you unprotected as they fight over who gets to scan your files.

If you get a pop-up virus warning that isn’t from your installed antivirus software, then you’ve already been infected by a rogue program. Give me a call. I’m here to help.