Privacy, Security & Virus Information
What to do When a Virus Strikes
If, like most people today, your life is in your computer, a virus can be absolutely devastating. Getting rid of a virus can be expensive, stressful, time consuming and above all, ineffective. As with a lot of things, prevention is better than the cure, but sometimes a sneaky trojan might just sneak into your inbox undetected, or a usually faithful website casts a curse upon your browser. If this is the case, just stay calm and use our tips to get your precious PC back on track.
In order to provide your computer with the best chances of full recovery from a virus, make sure that you have the latest update of your computer’s software. So, for example, if you have a Window’s computer, make sure that you’ve got the latest Window’s 7 or XP updates. This will mean that your computer is bang-up-to-date with the latest software, and as ready as it will ever be to take on whatever pesky virus has decided to invade.
You should also update your anti-virus software in order to get the best protection and prevent the virus from spreading. If you didn’t have anti-virus protection in the first place, then there may be the slightest, miniscule, teeny-weeny chance that it’s your own fault your computer is infected. Hang your head in shame! And once you’ve finished feeling sorry for yourself, head straight to a site such as http://www.mcafee.com/us/downloads/downloads.aspx to download effective anti-virus software.
As the virus will have entered your computer via the internet, it’s a good idea to “remove cookies” from your internet browser. This is easy to do, although every internet browser will require slightly different treatment to get rid of cookies. As a general rule, however, the option to delete cookies will be located under the “privacy”, “safety” or “tools” menu on your internet browser. In some cases, browsers store cookies inside your computer rather than on the internet, so if possible, do a search of the data in your computer for a “cookies” folder, and just hit delete.
Whether you use Wi-Fi internet or a cable connection, you should disconnect your computer from the internet source in order to prevent the virus from spreading to other computers, and to prevent other viruses from entering your computer, as computers that are already infected tend to be the most vulnerable.
Article by Connor Sephton, 12th October 2011. Content correct at the date of publication.
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