Dealing With Viruses and Spyware
All computers running any variant of Windows are susceptible to becoming infected with “Malware“: software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system.The two main types of Malware are Viruses and Spyware
Viruses are programs that can inflict actual damage to you computer by deleting or corrupting software, but are often used to so open up access to your computer so that spammers can use your network to relay junk mail.
Spyware (also knows as Adware) is software that generates pop-up advertising windows on your screen.
Malware is very pervasive: If you have a PC with Windows* and use the Internet, antivirus software is essential to prevent infection. Because of this, the network security software business is very lucrative. One company is so big they named the Oakland football stadium after themselves. One has to wonder if the creators of these malware programs are somehow getting kick backs from the software vendors.
The problem with many of the popular anti-malware programs is that they are so big, they make your computer run slowly. There are some exceptions, however. We recommend the following programs:
AVG This is the only free protection software that really works, is updated frequently, and doesn’t expire after a trial period. This free version lacks some of the features of the “Pro” version, which you may want to upgrade to if you like the software.
NOD32 This is also very good anti-virus software, and doesn’t use up a lot of overhead. After the 30 day trial is up, you need to pay $60 to continue to get software updates. (since new malware is bing created daily, any software you choose should have a mechanism to update itself regularly)
SpyBot Search & Destroy This free software only works with Spyware, but it does so very effectively. This should be used in conjucntion with an anti-virus software package.
If you need help removing the virus or recovering lost data, LMi provides professional consulting, in our Berkeley office or on-site. We’ve removed, literally, thousands and thousands of viruses. In most cases, we can remove all of yours. Contact us for details.
*For Mac OS X, there are no viruses “in the wild.” In the opinion of our Mac consulting professionals, antivirus software for the Mac is at present unnecessary.
