How to Identify a Computer Virus & Interpret How it Would Affect a Computer
Each type of computer virus affects different areas of a user's computer. Some viruses simply collect data about the browsing habits of users, while others are more malicious and can track a user's keystrokes and ultimately steal her personal information. Once you find a virus you'll probably want to know how serious the threat of that virus is. For detection and interpretation purposes, a virus scan program with a virus scan database will help you find the information you need about viruses.
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Instructions
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Download a virus scan program. AVG Free is free, yet the functionality offers the same type of services as high-priced virus scan applications. You can find the AVG website in the Resources section at the bottom of this page.
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Install the virus scan program on your computer. Typically, following the "default" installation will suffice. Once the program has completed the installation process, launch the application.
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Look for the "Update" option on whatever program you are using. This update option will install the latest "virus definition" files on your program, allowing for the newest viruses to be detected.
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Run the "Scan" feature on your computer. If you are offered a quick scan and a full scan, the full scan option is better, as it will also typically search your registry files and other locations that a quick scan may skip over.
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Wait for the virus scan to complete. This could take up to several hours.Write down the names of the found files. Delete the files using your program. Again, make sure you have written down the file names.
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Visit your virus scan program's virus database page. For instance the link in the Resources section below will take you to the AVG Virus database. Type in the name of your virus and click the search button on the page. Read the included "risk level" and "affected areas" sections of your program's virus database to understand how the virus may have affected your computer. You can also use other companies databases to find out about certain viruses if they are not showing up in your programs own database.
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