Is Your New Computer Virus Free?
The holidays are behind us and you are now enjoying your new computer. Did you do what was necessary to make your computer virus free?
What Should be done with Your Computer
The first and most important step is to purchase a legitimate, paid antivirus software package. Free antivirus software is better than nothing, but the majority of virus infections treated remotely by SupportChoice are not stopped by free antivirus software. A good example of this would be the FBI Scareware virus. Many paid antivirus software products on the market have problems with some of today’s more aggressive viruses. Virus writers are making sure viruses can infect systems protected by antivirus programs. Know that the free antivirus software does not provide the same security you would receive from paid software. Do a Google search to see all the types of software available and even do comparison shopping. You should be able to find an antivirus program that fits your needs.
Next, you make sure you have the latest Windows updates, as well as the latest versions of Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash Player, and Java. Viruses commonly use Adobe and Flash software to infect computers. Unfortunately, Adobe and Java are needed for many websites to work properly. Since new versions come out frequently to patch security holes in the software, ensuring you have the most recent version will help avoid viruses. The recommendation is to set these programs to update manually or the extra step is go to each site and see if there is an update available.
Lastly, use caution when using a computer. When reading emails, avoid clicking on links or attachments, from contacts you do not know and even if you know them, be skeptical. Don’t rely heavily on the email address either; a hacker can “spoof” or disguise an email address to be any address they want. Typically, if someone you know has their email account hacked, their infected email account will send a virus to you. Be cautious when clicking on links or ads on websites, especially on social networks like Facebook. How many times have you seen a link from a Facebook friend that just did not look right? Go with your instincts and do not click on the link.
Keeping software, Windows, and antivirus products updated – along with some common sense – are key to keeping that new computer running fast well into the New Year!
Remember, if your antivirus software is unable to remove your virus, give SupportChoice a call. We can find a plan that will be a perfect fit for you and your needs.
A simple Windows tool to you can use if you want to reduce the number of unnecessary files on your hard drive, to free up disk space and help your computer run faster, is Disk Cleanup. It removes temporary files, empties the Recycle Bin, and removes a variety of system files and other items that you no longer need.
Remove temporary Internet files.
Remove downloaded program files. For example, ActiveX controls and Java applets that are downloaded from the Internet.
Empty the Recycle Bin.
Remove Windows temporary files.
Remove optional Windows components that you are not using.
Remove installed programs that you no longer use. Read More
WHAT IS THE FBI VIRUS?
There are many viruses and malware applications that can get inside a computer undetected. One scam that is presently out there and causing havoc is “The FBI Federal Bureau Investigation” alert. We have discussed this in a previous blog. http://www.supportchoice.com/blog/a-new-virus-called-ransomware/. This virus claims that the computer is blocked from being used due to illegal use or distribution of copyright material, viewing or distributing pornographic content, or even spreading viruses to other computers. To remove this block, a payment has to be made. Whatever you do, do not make a payment and work quickly to remove the virus.
HOW CAN YOU GET INFECTED WITH THE FBI VIRUS?
The virus or malware gets through system vulnerabilities found when users visit infected sites or download files that are infected. These vulnerabilities are there because the computer security is outdated or security is not even present. This is why it is always important to have software that protects from these types of viruses and then always update your software when available.
The biggest concern with this virus is that it locks the system down and makes the computer inoperable. In order to unlock the system, a screen that looks like it came from the FBI tells you to make a payment. It should be understood that you never want to make the payment as this does not guarantee that your system will be operable as there will still be an infection and of course, you do not want to help the scammers. Read More
After installing Windows 8 Consumer Preview you will notice it’s not at all like the Windows operating systems you’ve come to know over the past 25 years. The next version of Microsoft’s operating system (“Windows 8″ is just a codename) is designed around touch screens.
The new lock screen has a lot of information at just a glance. Although this was designed for using touch screen tablets Windows 8 will work on both tablets and traditional PCs. The operating system’s home screen is filled with big, touchable panels, like the live tiles in Windows Phone 7, and from there you can tap and swipe your way to other touch-based applications. But underneath that touchy layer is plain old Windows, with a task bar, file manager, app icons–everything.
Microsoft is a major name in the computer realm. You have certainly heard of this major corporation. You may even have certain Microsoft applications running on your computer right now. Unfortunately, no matter how large a company is, there are likely to be issues with its products. If you are having problems with a Microsoft application, SupportChoice can help. We offer Microsoft tech support that will help you to solve any problems you are having with your computer. The best part is that all of our support is offered online which means that you do not have to leave your computer at a repair shop for an interminable amount of time or allow a repairman into your home.
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