How to Get Rid of Computer Viruses & Worms
Computer viruses and worms are malicious pieces of software code designed to do harm to your computer by altering program or system files for purposes such as personal data collection. Viruses need a host program to operate, while malicious worm infections can travel through various files on your computer while replicating themselves. Some viruses and worms are extremely apparent when operating the computer, while others may run silently without you knowing. You can unwittingly transmit computer viruses and worms through e-mail attachments over the Internet, spreading the infection to others.
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Instructions
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Take proactive steps to guard your computer against viruses and worms. You will need to install adequate anti-virus protection on your computer. Free anti-virus programs are available for download on the Internet that are adequate with regard to protecting your system (see Resources).
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Use a separate computer to download an anti-virus program and transfer the installation file onto an acceptable form of media, such as a blank CD/DVD or USB drive if the worm or virus affects your ability to connect to the Internet on the infected computer. Install the anti-virus program from your preferred media onto the infected computer.
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Refer to the anti-virus program's documentation files with regard to scanning your computer for malicious viruses or worms. Perform a scan of your computer and wait for the results of the scan to appear on your screen.
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Allow the anti-virus program to remove or clean any infections found on your computer. Once your computer has been cleaned of the virus or worm infection, log in to your email accounts, change your passwords and set up any spam control filters available with your particular email provider (refer to your email provider's help documentation for instructions on how to enable this feature). Spam filters will lessen the chance of you receiving emails with malicious viruses or worms.
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Set up your anti-virus program to scan your computer on a regular basis. Refer to your particular anti-virus program's documentation on how to set up scheduled scans.
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Tips & Warnings
Never open an e-mail attachment from an unknown source. Infected email attachments are one of the most common ways to spread viruses and worms.
Be extremely careful when downloading programs or files from the Internet.
