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Viruses and Spyware can create numerous problems by interfering with normal operation of your computer. The only real difference between Viruses and Spyware is the motivation of the creator. Spyware is created for the purpose of profit, while viruses are meant to be destructive and/or annoying. Usually, you knowingly or unknowingly consent to Spyware being installed on your computer, while viruses attempt to use back doors to get in, deliver their payload and spread further to other computers. Viruses and Spyware both use resources on your computer and potentially cause slowness, complete failures or unexpected behavior. Whatever the malice, you want them removed from your computer. Below you will find information on protecting yourself against viruses. For more information on Spyware, read how to scan and remove spyware.
There are many virus scanners to choose from on the market. They all perform the same function with more or less the same feature set. You may be inclined to trust one company over another. You may prefer certain features and user interface. You may believe that some virus scanners have definitions updated more frequently. This is all beyond the scope of what we can advise you. What we can tell you is that a virus scanner is a necessity for smooth operation of a computer, and so you should have one.
For a good solid virus scanner, we recommend avast! by ALWIL Software. You will receive no real benefit from having more than one virus scanner. So, before installing a new one, check whether one is already installed. If you already have a virus scanner, make sure it is updating with new virus definitions.
Whether a virus scanner is already installed or you just installed a new one, you must make sure your definitions are up to date. New viruses are continually being developed and released; so if your virus definitions are out of date, your computer may be infected by a virus unknown to your scanner. Depending on your virus scanner, you may have to manually update your definitions, while others will update automatically. Most virus scanners require a subscription to be able to update their definitions, while others give free updates under certain conditions.
After you have updated your virus definitions, you should do a complete system scan to make sure there are no viruses interfering with the operation of your computer. Once you have ruled out viruses as a possible cause of your computer trouble, you can more reliably fix your problem. If you do discover a virus, you should research what the virus could have damaged. In some cases you may be better off to format your computer and start over by re-installing your operating system. Unless you know what the virus has damaged, then you can never be sure if current or future problems are related to the virus. Ultimately, you save a lot of grief by preventing the virus from ever infecting your computer.
Your only hope of preventing future infections is to keep your virus definitions up to date. If you are using DialupAtCost email, your email will be scanned for viruses prior to you receiving them. However, we cannot guarantee complete virus removal. You should always use caution when opening file attachments in emails, exchanging disks or installing programs. You may also want to consider installing a firewall for added protection.
If you have additional concerns, please contact support@dialupatcost.ca.