How to remove a virus

What is a Virus?

A virus essentially is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer.

How to Recognize a Virus

Here are a few primary indicators that you have a virus

• Your computer is running slower than normal
• Your computer stops responding and locks up often
• Your computer crashes and restarts every few minutes
• Your computer restarts on its own and does not run normally
• Disks or disk drives are inaccessible
• You can not print correctly
• You see unusual error messages
• You see distorted menus and dialog boxes

How to Prevent a Virus

1. Make sure you are using an Internet Firewall.

2. Make sure your system is updated. “Windows update” for PC and “Software update” for Mac.

3. Download anti-virus software and run scans at least weekly.

4. Never open an email attachment from someone you do not know. Even if you know the person, make sure you know what they are sending before you open the document.

Recommended Anti-Virus Software

We recommend Malwarebytes or Microsoft Security Essentials. They are free and very effective. You can download them at no costs at these websites:

• Malwarebytes: http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?tag=mncol;pm
• Microsoft Security Eseentials: http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

How to remove a virus

What you do to get rid of a virus is very dependent upon the type of virus.

• First: make sure that your anti-virus software is up to date.

• Second, you will need to run a full scan with your anti-virus software. After this you will want to run a malware remover program. We recommend MalwareBytes.

(if you are not able to run the scan, boot up into safe mode-F8)

• If you run the scan and the software still does not remove the virus, you will need to make sure you make a back up of your computer and wipe the hard drive and reinstall windows.

Here are some common screen shots of malware and viruses.