FAQs
Commonly Asked Questions Answered  

VIRUSES & SPYWARE:  Frequently Asked Questions

I have a virus removal program.  How can I still get infections?

There is no way to guarantee that you will avoid infection, even with cutting edge anti-virus software. New viruses come out every week and your anti-virus software can only protect you if the company has discovered a "cure" for the virus.  However, the potential damage can be minimized by regular computer maintenance and care.

Why do I need to have Viruses regularly removed from my system?

Every virus is slightly different in what it does, and often the longer they are left untreated the more they mutate to worsen the severity of their damage.  In time, viruses can destroy all of the data on your hard drive and "kill" your computer. 

How will my computer work differently when I have a virus? 

Viruses take up computer memory used by legitimate programs. As a result, they often cause the computer to: slow down, exhibit erratic behavior, experience system crashes and lock ups, not allow you to use devices (such as your CD drive or DVD player).  They can also make it so that your computer won't start up at all.

How do viruses get on my computer?

    * Opening an infected e-mail attachment

    * Opening an infected file located on the network

    * Running an infected program (game, screen saver, etc.)

    * Saving an infected file to a CD, DVD, or external drive, then using it on your computer

    * Failing to install Microsoft's security updates

How do spyware and ad ware get on my computer?

They’re often included with free file-sharing and media players that you download. You can also get them from clicking on links or attachments in instant messaging programs, or by visiting certain websites. Spyware and ad ware is not included in commercial programs from companies like Apple, Microsoft, Adobe, Netscape, and others.

How does spyware and ad ware hurt my computer?

Because they’re running all the time (in the background), spyware and ad ware programs use up valuable memory and space. If several (or even dozens) of these programs are installed and running at once, they can literally overwhelm the system, making it run so slowly that it’s almost unusable.  

Additionally, some of these programs can change your computer’s network and Internet settings. If the settings are modified too radically, your Internet connection may stop working altogether.

How do I get rid of Spyware & Ad ware?

I install Ad-aware and Spybot on all computers that I work on.  They are industry standards and do a very good job of finding and deleting most spyware and ad ware. Usually, running these programs will return your system to a usable and much more stable state. 

What are the possible drawbacks of removing ad ware & spyware?

Sometimes, the “damage” caused by these programs is significant enough that a more detailed repair is necessary (which is why regular "Tune Ups" can be such an essential part of your computer's health.) Keep in mind, that spyware and ad ware is actually required by some programs, so deleting these items may make other programs not work.  This is especially true of programs like: AOL & Earthlink