Chances are before the first time your computer was infected by some kind of virus or ad ware you never thought it would happen. However, even some of the most scrupulous website surfers find themselves learning how to get rid of malware before their vital personal information is lost or stolen.
Prevention of course is always the best strategy against malicious computer hacks that spread harmful adware, Trojan horses, spy ware, and viruses. However, not all attacks of these harmful software add-ons can be stopped. You need to learn the steps to get rid of malware before it destroys your whole computer.
Instructions
1. Back up all your computer files and data. You should make this regular practice just in case the worst happens. That is, if you have extra copies of all your documents, pictures, programs, and data stored on an external drive or online backup system you can retrieve it later. It especially helps to have more than one backup source just in case one backup source (i.e. external drive) fails.
2. Scan your computer regularly. You can do this using a reputable spy ware, virus, and ad ware scanning software. Some programs such as AVG will even alert you of a web page that has a virus on it.
Another recommended name in the malware protection business is Norton. Microsoft Security Essentials is also another one that is recommended. As far as free ones, two of the best are the AVG Free and the SpyBot Search and Destroy.
3. Always run a complete scan on all drives, including removable ones. It is not enough to just scan your main drive of your computer every day. You also need to check every removable device you own (memory cards, cell phone hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.) for problems. This will prevent your computer and your devices from being repeatedly infected by the same viruses and spy ware.
4. Beware of false virus and spy ware protection programs! If you have become the victim of a fake virus scanner you would understand this. Basically, the intend of the distributor of this supposed malware catching software is actually downloaded a harmful virus onto your computer. In other words, NEVER agree to have viruses or other malware removed if you do not know the maker of the so-called virus removal software.
For example, if you ever spot a notice popping up (i.e. “your computer is filled with Trojan horses”) that leads to a virus or spy ware scanning program you do not recognize, beware. Close the window immediately to the program if you can. Then restart, your computer and see if the program is still there. If you can, remove it immediately using your computer’s authentic spy ware or virus protection program if you can.
5. Keep your anti-virus, and anti-spy ware software updated. In doing so you should be careful that the updates are coming from the real and verified source. Failing to update your computer via an authentic anti-malware service could cause your program to becoming outdated and ineffective.
If you want the best of protection update your computer protection software at least once a day, or every time you log on to the internet. This is the best way for you to be able to remove the latest threats as quickly as possible before they wipe out your entire hard drive.