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Remove Viruses to Fix Your Slow PC | How To Fix Slow Computers
How To Fix Slow Computers

Remove Viruses to Fix Your Slow PC

How to tell if you have a virus

There are two simple ways to tell if your computer has a virus: if your PC is suddenly incredibly slow and there appears to be no explanation, then it’s probably a virus. The other way to tell if you have a virus is to resort to a good ol’ fashion virus scan - software that’ll help with that is below.

Recommended virus detection (and removal) software

The virus scanning, detection and removal market is incredibly saturated with low quality products that are overpriced, slow, and provide poor results. Below are some applications I’ve personally had experience with and recommend.

Avast Home Edition has both a modern interface and an overall speedy virus scanning capability. Using it requires a quick and free registration and I’ve definitely had a good experience using Avast in the past.

Download Avast Home Edition at http://www.avast.com

AVG is also a free application (although there is the option for a paid application with greater security options). I used AVG for a while, and it’s a great application, I just feel that Avast provides an overall better package. Mostly it’s personal preference however. Try out both AVG and Avast and see which one suits you the best.

Download AVG at http://free.avg.com

If you have a virus, here is what to do first:

Just like in the medical world different types of viruses require different treatments, but there are a few things you can do to keep yourself safe if you have a computer virus:

  • Backup your essential files, and make sure you scan them before storing them on other computers. Viruses can attach themselves to files.
  • Avoid typing out any private data such as usernames, passwords and credit card details. Use a separate computer if necessary.
  • Identify the type of computer virus you have so you can act accordingly. Virus scanning software will often let you know the exact type and version of the virus you have. This is allows you to search the internet for more information.

Resources to learn more about viruses and virus removal

  1. 7 ways to prevent viruses in the future
  2. Prevention is better than the cure etc etc. You’ve heard the spiel many times before so lets get straight into the content. Here are 7 simple ways to prevent viruses in the future:
  3. Never download a .exe file unless you’re positive the source of the download is trustworthy.
  4. Be wary of all email attachments you receive - it is possible for people to make it look like an email is from a trustworthy source even though it isn’t.
  5. Use a secure web browser such as Firefox. Make sure you set your browser to automatically update so you have the latest security releases.
  6. Scan every single file you download for viruses.
  7. Avoid sites containing illegal content (torrents, cracks, serial numbers etc) - they’re a haven for all types of viruses, adware, spyware etc.
  8. Install a 3rd party Firewall to prevent unwanted incoming connections.
  9. Avoid installing P2P software such as Limewire - many search results are actually viruses that people can be susceptible too with an untrained eye for these things.