Check Your Computer For Viruses

A Virus will usually be pretty noticable, but there are viruses that try to run in the backround and stay hidden. If your computer is extremely slow, one possibility is a virus. I recommend paying for a good Virus protection software. However, if you want a free anti-virus program, I would suggest anti-vir or microsoft security essentials. We also recommend running a spyware check as well every time you run a virus check.

How To Scan for a Virus

Download an Anti-Virus program if you don't have one
Install the program
Update the virus definitions. You will need an Internet connection for this
Optional: Shut down the computer and restart using Safe Mode
Close all internet browsers and disconnect from the Internet
Run the Virus scan
Delete or quarantine any Viruses that the anti-virus finds

Run a Virus Scan Often

We recommend running a virus scan weekly. Many anti-virus tools allow you to schedule the scan so it doesn't impact you while working. While you are checking for viruses, you might as well scan for spyware as well.

Removing Viruses Can be Tough

The developers who make a virus try to make their virus as difficult to remove as possible. If the Anti-Virus software is unable to remove the virus on your computer, you may have to try other methods to remove the virus. The first thing you can try is to download a program called malwarebytes. Malwarebytes has both a free and paid version. First, update the malware definitions and restart your computer in safe mode. In safe mode, use malwarebytes to scan and remove any malware. I would recommend scanning multiple times.

If you are still having trouble, you may have to manually find the virus and clear it out. This can be tough to do though. If you are able to identify the virus, you can search the Web for a solution on how to remove the specific virus you are infected with. At this point, if you are a computer novice, you may want to call in a computer technician or someone who knows computers well as this can be a difficult task.

If you are still having trouble and you are dealing with a really nasty virus, it may be easiest to reinstall Windows. Hopefully you have been backing up often as backups make this a much easier task. Also, I find that this may be the quicker option in some situations since you never know how long you may be battling with a virus.

Recommended Anti-Virus Software

Kaspersky - Kaspersky Lab offers an award-winning line of antivirus software, anti-spyware and Internet security solutions for your home computer or laptop - Download today!

McAfee Total Protection 2011 - Ultimate, the most effective protection against virus, online and network threats. Click Here to Download!

- Norton Anti-Virus offers good virus protection software. They are one of the top anti-virus companies year in and year out.

PC Tools Spyware Doctor with Anti-Virus (Click on this link and enter the coupon PCT20 for a discount) - For another paid option for anti-virus, we recommend Spyware Doctor with anti-virus. This software works very well and also comes with a very good anti-spyware utility as well. It will also be less expensive than Norton with the coupon we mentioned above.

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-By Dominic

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