Spyware, Adware, and Virus Infections - What do you do?
AustinPCTech
technicians are experts in removing spyware, adware, and
virus infections from your computer. We can remove these infections
from your computer and then make sure you are properly protected from
future infections. Slow performance, constant pop-up ads, or complete
inability to use your computer can be very frustrating and there really is
no need. Let us show you the right way to keep your computer safe.
Visit our Removal Services page to learn about how.
Norton Antivirus, McAfee Antivirus, Trend Micro PC-Cillin,
Stop-Sign, Avast, AVG - They are not all the same. Which one is right for you?
Spyware,
adware, and virus infections have rapidly grown over recent years, leaving
many computer users with slow running systems, annoying pop-up ads, stolen
private information and surfing habits, and other undesirable experiences.
Simply running just any antivirus software doesn't cut it anymore. One
antivirus program can do a better job than another. Some just scan for
viruses while others scan viruses, spyware, and other malware. Each company maintains their own individual
database of infections to scan for and the research their database is based
on can vary widely. Scanning your computer with McAfee Antivirus can
produce completely different results than scanning your computer with
another competitor such as Norton Antivirus. In other words, one
companies program can determine your computer is clean of infections while
another can detect numerous infections that exist. So how do you know
what program you should run on your computer? The answer continues to
vary over time. Time was when Norton Antivirus
was recognized and respected as the best on the market.
That's not really true anymore. Norton, McAfee, and other companies
often have their software pre-installed on your computer. Some may
take the luck of the draw in what comes with their computer and just stick
with it and fail to keep it updated. That could be a dangerous
decision.
Programs like
Ad-Aware and
Spybot Search & Destroy for years have done some of the best jobs in
detecting infections other than viruses. Spybot Search & Destroy has
always offered their software for free (although feel free to donate to
their cause) while Ad-aware comes in both a free and licensed version.
Their free version is honestly very adequate. Unfortunately these programs do
not detect most viruses. So what's a person to do?
You can also download free antivirus software such as AVG
and Avast Antivirus but do they really protect you well? While these
programs may suit some users they do not most the way they need. Free
is always attractive but if you don't get the protection you need, what's a
person to do?
Hundreds of spyware and adware programs have hit the
market over the past couple years, each with great promises of detecting and
removing all of the malware on your machine. Some of these programs
are honestly and well written programs but they fail to be backed up by
constant research and updated detection databases which is critical to you. Antivirus, spyware,
and adware detection programs are only as good as their updates and if they
don't have a full-time staff of experts doing research, their program is
nothing but junk. A common growing problem today is scam and junk
programs will bait you for your money. Programs such as Spy Axe, Spy Trooper, and Spy Falcon
only infect your
machine with their own adware. Adware that constantly nag you to death to purchase
their software. You might find a pop-up ad or notice in the system tray
indicating spyware has been detected on your computer. And you need to
pay them $39.95 to purchase their software to remove them.
Please do not waste your money!
So what's a person to do?
You can keep running the antivirus software that you have
and augment your protection with spyware and Adware detections programs like
Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy. The only problem is that unlike
your antivirus program which is always running giving you full-time
protection, these programs only scan, detect, and remove when you manually
run them so they really are not protecting you. They are merely useful
cleaning tools.
Currently we recommend that your run
Panda
Antivirus and Firewall or one of their other products to protect your computer and
it's data. As virus, spyware, and adware experts, we can tell you that
currently Panda does the most thorough job in detecting computer infections.
Next year it may be Norton again, or even McAfee but for now Panda is #1.
Do you need to consider anything before
installing Panda on your computer?
Absolutely! Whether it be Norton, McAfee, Panda, or
some other antivirus program, additional resources have had to be given to
make these programs run well on your machine. They have to work harder
today to protect you than in years past. As a result, these programs
have become memory hogs and adding more memory (RAM) is a necessity.
We recommend having at least 512mb in your computer. Otherwise you may
have the best antivirus, spyware, and adware program on the market today
installed on your computer but you will find that your computer runs at a
snail's pace. IMPORTANT - Be sure
and first uninstall any other antivirus software you may have installed
before installing Panda. You cannot and should not run more than one
antivirus program at a time.
What can you do to avoid spyware,
adware, and virus infections in your computer?
Some people will tell you that you need to run antivirus
software to keep avoid infecting your computer. Absolutely that is
true. But really it begins with your own computer use habits.
Most all infections today are transmitted through the Internet although
floppy disk, cd's, etc.. can introduce these infections as well. Yes, Panda Antivirus's job is to keep the door closed on infections and intruders.
But improving your habits while on the net will go a long way in preventing
these infections from even knocking on your computers door to begin with. You might
want to keep in mind the following useful tips:
- Most importantly, keep your computer up to date
through Windows
Update. And most Windows XP users should install Service Pack
2 which is also available on Windows Update.
- Use a software firewall on your computer to keep the
doors on your network connection. A hardware firewall such as
router may keep someone out of your machine but they do nothing to keep
viruses, spyware, and adware, from connecting to computers outside your
machine. Windows XP includes a firewall program and it is
automatically enabled once you install XP Service Pack 2. Windows
98, ME, 2000, and others should consider installing firewall software
for protection.
- Be careful where you click. Just because you
can doesn't mean that you should. We all love to surf but you
should know the signs of a dangerous site. Generic looking sites
with links to search from Apples to Zebras can be direct links to
spyware and adware.
- Don't click on pop-up ads. Period! Some
infections are introduced into your computer the moment that you click.
When you close these pop-up ads there is only one correct choice, the
top right corner X. Common tactics to infect you can include a
bogus X just below the Windows X. You may also find a Close button
which can also infect your machine. And there is nothing really
wrong with advertising on the net, but these annoying pop-up tactics to
make a sale are only prolonged by your clicking on them.
- Don't click on anything in spam, especially
attachments. Just delete it. If you are having a problem
with spam you should consider using
CloudMark to
regain your inbox.
- Don't download free screensavers, games, and other
software you don't already know to be free of infections. If you
don't know, do a little research such as a Google search on the
download. Are people saying what a great game it is or are they
saying how do you get rid of this blasted spyware?
- Don't use file sharing programs like Kazaa, Limewire,
and others. These programs do nothing but fill your computer up
with junk and leave doors wide open into your computer for others to
take advantage.
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