You Have a Computer Virus! Now What?

Has this ever happened to you? You turn on your computer, only to find that you can no longer access your programs, or perhaps pop up ads are popping up so frequently that you cannot use any of your applications. You have a computer virus. There are many types of computer virus programs, but once you get one, you could be facing some serious problems. You need to remove computer virus files, update your computer virus protection, and get your computer back on track, if you can. If you have a virus, here is what you need to know.

What Is a Computer Virus?

Computer viruses are called “viruses” because they act like viruses in the body. When you come down with a virus, the virus cells copy themselves in your body, making you sick. A computer virus is a computer program that is able to copy itself on your computer without your knowledge.

There are many types of computer virus programs, and some things are commonly called viruses that really aren’t. For instance, a computer worm is another dangerous type of program that is not actually a virus. The main difference between a worm and a virus is that a virus must come to the computer on a host, such as on a harmless computer program, through a download, or in an email. A worm can infect your computer without a host. Trojan horses are also sometimes confused with viruses, but these are also slightly different in that they are dangerous programs that appear to be harmless at first.

One type of virus that you may come across is a metamorphic virus. This type of virus modify itself as it spreads. This can make it difficult to contain, because the files are constantly changing.

Avoiding Viruses

Avoiding viruses is fairly easy, if you have good computer virus protection installed on your computer. Never connect to the Internet without an anti-virus program installed on your computer. If you have a virus that is trying to install itself on your computer, the anti-virus program will alert you with a computer virus list, and you can act accordingly. Then, make sure that your anti-virus software is updating on a regular basis. Automatic updates are essential to computer virus protection, as viruses are constantly adjusting and changing, and new viruses are being produced at an incredible rate. You want to make sure that your anti-virus program has an updated computer virus list.

Next, use caution when opening email attachments. First, if you do not know the sender, delete the email without opening the attachment. Opening an email attachment is the most common way to download a virus. Knowing the sender does not automatically make the email safe, however. Many viruses are designed to automatically send themselves to everyone in the victim’s address book, so if you receive an email attachment from someone you are not expecting correspondence from, use caution when opening it. You may want to confirm with the individual that sent the email that they did, in fact, mean to send it your way. Also, make sure that your anti-virus program is set up to scan emails and their attachments.

Getting Rid of a Virus

If you do get a virus in spite of your efforts, you will need to learn a little about computer virus removal. If you got a virus, chances are other people did too, so there is likely a solution out there. If your computer is still working enough to allow you to connect with the Internet, search the popular anti-virus program websites for a way to remove computer virus programs that are on your computer. Some simple viruses are removed with a download or a patch from the anti-virus software providers.

If your computer is completely shut down by the virus, you will need to get professional help for computer virus removal. Unfortunately, this can be expensive, but some of the worst viruses will kill your computer, and professional help is the only option. However, the average computer user can remove most of the common viruses that are circulating right now.

While you are battling your computer virus, make sure that you do not email your friends or family. The virus could attach itself to your email and pass the problems on to those you care about. Make sure you remove computer virus programs first, and then you can resume your normal Internet activities.

Viruses are not something to panic about, even if you end up with one on your computer. Most of the types of computer virus programs can be dealt with easily without professional help. Make sure you have enough computer virus protection, and then enjoy your computer without worry. If you do end up with a virus, simply do some research about computer virus removal, get rid of it, and then move on. You can survive an attack by a computer virus with a little bit of protection and education.