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The Beginner’s Guide to 5 Common Computer Viruses

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The Beginner’s Guide to 5 Common Computer Viruses

 

Viruses. They’re nothing more than bits of code at first glance, hidden within documents and website just like the ones we use daily. But when a virus begins to take effect, it can mean lost files, stolen sensitive data, and a complete breach of security for your system! Although you’ve probably been warned about viruses in the past, there’s a chance you’ve never been shown how one really works. To help with that, here are five of the most common virus types you might hear about during your time online.

 

File Infector Virus

 

If your computer warns you when you try opening files downloaded from the internet, file infectors are likely why. The most common virus type, file infectors are found in executable files you download to your computer. This kind of virus is actually rather harmless until you execute the file to which it’s attached. Once you do, however, this virus can completely overwrite files, entirely changing their purposes and allowing for malicious actions and further spread.

 

Polymorphic Virus 

 

A polymorphic virus is dangerous not just because of what it can do, but because of the many ways it can be done. Normally, when a virus executes, any antivirus software on your computer can detect the code the virus used, and use that information to find and neutralize the virus. Polymorphic viruses get around your antivirus software by using different code that can change over time, which makes them harder to pinpoint. Old methods of execution are encrypted, stopping antivirus programs from using them.

 

Browser Hijacker 

 

Have you ever found yourself looking at a website you had no intention of looking at, or using search engines you’ve never heard of? If so, there’s a small chance your internet browser of choice might be playing host to a browser hijacker. This particular virus type takes over specific functions of your browser, giving it control. Hijackers can be used to redirect you to sites you didn’t intend to go to, alter your search and home page preferences, and more. These viruses can even be used to install key loggers, which record the keystrokes taken by your keyboard! A key logger can record your passwords and private, personal information; all of which can be passed on to the virus’s creator.

 

Web Scripting Virus

 

When most people think “computer virus,” there’s a good chance this particular kind is what they’re thinking of. Web scripting viruses are the classic “I went to a dangerous website and now bad things are happening” virus. It works by taking advantage of the code websites use to enhance your browsing experience with videos, animations and effects. This code can be exploited to let a virus infect other programs on your computer, or to control certain functions of your computer.

 

Macro Virus

 

A “macro” is a small program that can be embedded in documents like emails or text files. They contain instructions on how programs should behave or what they should run when opened. These can be incredibly useful for simplifying long, tedious tasks, but they’re also the perfect hosts for troublesome viruses. If a virus is written and disguised as a macro, it can force your computer to take actions you never intended it to take. Regrettably, the wide amount of helpful actions macros can take gives viruses an equally wide range of access to your computer, so avoiding them is a matter of being careful what you download and open.

 

If your system’s been hit with a virus, CJ Computer Services are here to help. We specialize in Wake Forest computer repair, and we can help you identify and remove the virus, malware or spyware that’s been bugging you. Contact us today!

 

Computer Viruses? How Can You Combat Them?

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I Have a Computer Virus. What do I do?

computer viruses

Computer viruses are designed to be a challenging foe: if you’re at a loss, contact a computer service repair professional in the Raleigh area.

 

Most of us have been there, but whether we have or not doesn’t reduce the panic of noticing a really annoying virus has decided to take-up residence in your computer. Whether it’s flashing strange colors, pop-ups are covering your screen, or the particularly annoying one where certain words are turned into links, they always seem to come at the most inopportune time possible. So what do you do to protect yourself from computer viruses?

The Useful Windows Tools

Considering the market for downloadable anti-virus software is a multi-billion dollar industry, it may come as a surprise to learn that all recent Windows computers come with a system that, while not perfect, is often a good place to start when it comes to defending against and removing viruses from your computer.

Windows Defender acts as a decent firewall, preventing quite a few attacks most people may find themselves faced with, as well as providing some ability to scan and remove viruses. While it won’t work as well as some of the more well known options, it is a good place to start. It can be found on the Control Panel.

Quality Virus Scanners and Removers

If you do an internet search for ‘virus scanner’, and simply go by what you see on the results page, it’s quite likely that you’ll come away with not only the virus that led you to look for a scanner, but a new one that may well prevent other scanners from even working.

Instead, research different tools. There are options available for both free and that you can pay for that are high quality. Panda Cloud and Avast are two great options, though you may find tools in others to be more to your liking. One rather constant in the computer repair business is that if you want to get a group of us to argue, ask us what the best anti-virus tool is. The truth of the matter: they’re all rather well, to the point where it comes down to personal preference.

Google

If your problems allow you to open up a web browser, try doing an internet search of the problems you’re seeing. Not every problem can be solved with a quick scan and clean; some require considerably more effort. But one thing with computers, though, is that chances are if you’re experiencing an issue, someone else has and has turned to the internet to try to find a solution.

Windows System Restore

If you can’t seem to find a solution to what you’re seeing, another option on the table is called System Restore. Every so often your computer takes a look at how your computer is doing, what’s installed, downloaded, saved, and what isn’t and makes a record of that.

System Restore allows you to pick one of those times and restore your computer to that point. It’s often best to figure out when you first noticed your computer having issues and choosing at least one point before that time, or two to be safe.

If you do a restore, it should be noted that it doesn’t mean you’re completely out of the woods. You should do a full round of scans to check and see if they detect anything, as one characteristic viruses are using more and more often is evolving to a point in your system where scans may not pick them up, or the scanning program itself can be corrupted to ignore the problem.

Know When to Seek Help

Finally, if you’ve tried everything you can think of and still are at a loss, you should keep in mind that there are options to get help. Computer viruses are designed to be a challenging foe, but in the Raleigh, Wake Forest, and Durham area, there are computer repair services available.

To learn how we can help you serve that nasty virus a heavy eviction notice, contact us today.