At Custom Computer Creations, we understand that buying a new PC is not all about the sale. We offer training on both Apple and Windows systems to help you to get the most out of your new or existing computer!
Training
Avoid Viruses At Home
23 Mar 2011 1:05 PM -
Modern viruses are becoming very advanced and can be quite sneaky. A large number of them can simply appear on your system without you having done anything noticeable. This can be avoided to an extent by following a few simple procedures.
- Do not install any toolbars if prompted, even from sites such as Facebook. These toolbars are often advertised as being useful - "Make your browsing experience better - install the ____ toolbar today!" This is untrue - the majority of the toolbars are spyware-related and can cause major virus outbreaks in your system. If a toolbar prompt does come up, close it and do not re-visit the page it appeared on.
- If an alert comes up to say you have a virus, DO NOT click on it, unless it is from the antivirus you have installed. Many viruses today are designed to look like a fully functional, working antivirus program, when in fact they do the opposite and cause havoc with your PC. As an example - if you get an alert in the bottom right corner of your screen saying "Norton Internet Security has detected an issue", and you DO have Norton Internet Security installed, then click and see what it's found and what to do about it. If, on the same PC, an alert came up saying "Virus Detected! WinAntivirus Pro can remove this!" then the program saying that is actually called WinAntivirus Pro and is a virus itself. In this situation, get your PC booked in for a virus check.
- Do not use a free antivirus solution. Regardless of what your friends say, or that "Great computer guy up the road", free antivirus solutions are free for a reason - they are not effective. Some are better than others, such as Microsoft Security Essentials, but it still cannot stand up to a licensed product such as Norton, Trend Micro, Kaspersky etc. Many people who use a system such as AVG often say "I've used the free version for years and never had a problem." That's only because AVG is not capable of FINDING many problems - most PCs with AVG will return between 200-300 issues when scanned will comprehensive antivirus software. If you're using a free antivirus, contact us to get a scan and a licensed system installed.
- The most simple way to avoid infection is simply to browse safely. Do not click on links that take you outside a side, unless you know where they lead. Do not open emails from someone you don't know, and if you DO, don't open any attachments. Don't click any banners telling you that you've won a holiday, money, or even something small. Don't visit sites that require you to fill out a survey before accessing their content. The age-old saying is never more true than with computers - if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.