Virus and Spyware … Do I have it?
Viruses are malicious programs created typically by individuals seeking to disrupt computers and networks or steal information.  Spyware and adware are programs that are created typically by organizations for advertising purposes but can often disrupt the function of your computer.

How can you get a Virus or Spyware?
The most common way that computers are infected is by opening an infected file. File sharing programs such as Kazaa, Limewire, and Bear Share are some of the most common programs you can get infections from.  These are used to download files from random people anywhere on the globe.

You can get infected by opening attachments in your email, installing plug-ins from websites, installing “free games” many free gaming sites for children will infect your computer, free adult or gambling sites are particularly notorious for spreading infections. Generally, if you do not trust the person or organization, do not download things from them!

What problems can viruses and spyware cause?
Virus can be designed to capture sensitive personal information such as bank accounts, social security numbers and credit card information. They can also corrupt files causing you to lose important information. There are even some that will allow a hacker to remotely control your computer, listen through your microphone or watch through your webcam.

Spyware has privacy issues as well, but they tend not to be as catastrophic.  Some spyware will redirect your web browser or cause pop-ups on your computer. Both spyware and viruses can cause slow performance, computer crashes, error messages and networking/internet problems.

Dead giveaways that you have Viruses or Spyware:

• Browser redirection
• Different home page than normal
• Random pop-ups
• Desktop image changes to virus removal
• infoPop-up windows telling you to buy a antivirus software to clean your computer

These are general issues which can indicate you have a virus or spyware, but can also be some other problem.
  
Slow computer:

• Boot slow
• New program takes long time to start
• Blue screens of death
• Takes a long time to open programs
• System locks up and you have to restart

If you think your coumputer might be infected by a virus or spyware click this  link to a free virus scan  www.housecall.antivirus.com.  This will identify any viruses or spyware you might have.

Viruses are always evolving and even with the latest virus definitions (the way anti-virus software recognizes viruses) a clever coder can come up with a new way to sneak into software vulnerabilities before they are realized and patched (fixed). When this happens viruses hide themselves and the next time you reboot the computer the virus re-installs itself bypassing your antivirus software and sometimes even disabling your antivirus software all together.

At CMD Computer we have skilled technicians that deal with this on a daily basis, and understand how the various virus infections operate. We go in and get rid of all iterations of the virus, down to the root in the registry; we clean it up, repair it and make sure the bothersome critters are gone.

There are occasions when the damage to the system files is too great and the best solution is to just start over.  We offer this service as well, and in two tiers. Basic Reinstall OS and Advanced Reinstall OS. Please visit these links to learn more.

If you need further assistence we offer a Tune-Up & Virus Removal service, please bring your computer into the store or call for a onsite pickup or onsite service.

Store Number: (763) 479-2957