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Question from Geneva: I keep reading about all the computer viruses going around and how they can cause you a bunch of problems.
I’m a complete dummy when it comes to this stuff, Rick. How can I find out if my computer is infected? [Read more…]
Let’s face it, computer viruses, trojans and other forms of malware are a fact of life.
Regardless of how carefully you try to avoid it there’s a good chance that your PC will become infected sooner or later.
Most pieces of malicious code can be quickly removed with a normal virus scan and cleanup, but some infections are so insidious that they are difficult to detect and remove with a regular scan.
Even worse, some strains of malware can even render your PC incapable of connecting to the Internet in order to download an updated virus definition file.
Others still will prevent your PC’s installed antivirus program from loading at all.
This is why you need a plan “B” – an emergency virus removal USB flash drive. [Read more…]
Question from Margo: I bought a new laptop that included Norton for free for 6 months.
I’ve had the laptop for a while now and the 6 months will be up in a couple of weeks.
Will I be able to renew my current Norton software or will I have to buy and install a new copy? [Read more…]
Question from Marilyn: Rick, I’ve bought several new computers over the years and they all came with an antivirus program pre-installed.
I’ve always just kept using what was already on there because I figured it was probably the best antivirus program for that particular machine, but I now have doubts about that after reading some of your stuff on your blog.
Hence, this question: Is it best to stick with the security software that comes pre-installed on a new computer or replace it with something else?
For years now study after study has shown that about 25% of all PCs worldwide operate without effective protection from viruses and hacking attacks.
Most of those vulnerable systems have antivirus software installed, but that software offers little protection because the owners fail to take steps to keep the malware definition files updated.
Many people think that just having an antivirus program installed on a PC is enough to keep malware and hackers at bay, but nothing could be further from the truth. [Read more…]