DEALING WITH VIRUSES

DEALING WITH VIRUSESVIRUSES CAN BE A CUREL ITCH TO DEAL WITH

For your computer to get infected; just like the popular HIV awareness advert, it takes a single act to become a statistics, your computer too can be infected by just one act; a single click of an email attachment infested with virus.  Your friends can pass it on to you as well.

When you are infected your computer acts strange, from going totally dark to not launching programs to even misplacing files. Hmm…. Are you experiencing such? Then read carefully.

A computer virus is just as it sounds: a program designed to alter your system operations, and spreads like the harmattan wild fire. Among computer that comes in contact with via wireless or wired connections. Some virus are so strong they even useless your not up-to standard antivirus. If your computer is ever attacked here are tips for you:

DISCONNECT FROM THE INTERNET

When your PC functions abnormally, relax and disconnect yourself from the internet, this prevents your system from being used for illegal purposes and the virus from spreading.

CLEAN UP

After disconnecting from the internet, you need to remove the malicious code (ware). Your antivirus should be up-to-date and should have update or patches available for the specific threat.

REINSTALL

Ones you have successfully battled a virus, before using your system again, you need to restore your system to its original condition. [Hopefully you are aware that regular file backup is a good computer maintenance practice] in cases where you are attacked by a strong virus which damaged you programs, files or even your OS. Then you will need to reinstall it.

SCAN FOR VIRUS

After restoring and reinstalling your necessary wares and files, don’t go jubilating just yet. You must also install an antivirus [you are aware of its importance by now] scan your entire system for viruses. Make sure your antivirus is up-to-date so as to have the recent virus definition. I recommend NORTON

BACKUP DATA

You should begin to backup your files – Get an external hard disk or use CDs to backup your files [learn from your mistakes]

PREVENT FUTURE ATTACK

Learn from your mistakes; whatever you do don’t be vulnerable again. Ensure your security patches are up-to-date. Change your passwords –for you ISP ad email accounts even your shopping sites, some virus are experts in cracking passwords.

My people believe prevention is better than cure.