3 Steps For Protecting Your Computer From Adware And Spyware

Is your computer running slower than its usual speed or keeps on hanging up when you open files or a website? When it does, you might think that your computer is too old already and consider upgrading it for a better computer speed. But then, there is a possibility that your computer is only infected with viruses known as adware and spyware which slows down the computer speed and, eventually, tear down the whole computer beyond repair. So, before upgrading your computer, it is recommended that you scan your system, most importantly the hard drives, for viruses. Heres how to remove adware and spyware and make sure that your computer is virus-free:

1-Scan first before anything else. The source of your computer problem might only be a virus in your system. Before reformatting your computer programs or sending your computer to a technician, assure first that virus is not the only problem. Virus can be detected by anti-virus software, which should be regularly updated for it to detect new kinds or names of viruses. Anti-virus programs can be bought or downloaded through the internet, then installed in the computer.

2-Be disconnected from the internet. Both adware and spyware travel from one computer to another through the internet. The more you are connected to the internet, the more chance that your computer will be infected by viruses. That is why to remove adware and spyware it is preferably done with the internet connection cut off. But, as we have said earlier, an anti-virus software can be downloaded, which would require an internet connection. Downloading such program may be done on another virus-free computer, and the program can be saved in a compact disc or a USB. When using a USB, just be sure that you disabled its autorun setting to avoid transferring the computer viruses to it.

3-Removing adware and spyware. There are times when you need a certain computer program and you downloaded it from the internet, then installed it in your computer. The trouble is, this downloaded and installed program may come with an adware or spyware. The good thing is, because it is installed, it can generally be uninstalled. Just check the Add/Remove Program of the control panel for the program, which is the source of the virus. Click the program and once it is highlighted, click remove. After doing so, be sure to restart your computer without you being notified to do so.

Scan again. Sometimes, anti-virus software can not detect all kinds of viruses. It is advisable to have at least two kinds of anti-virus software to really clean your computer thoroughly of viruses or to remove adware and spyware. After deleting the virus from the control panel or in other sources, such as in folders when a file is infected, scan your whole computer system again. It may take some time to finish the scanning process, but it does pay off. The anti-virus program will prompt its user of the viruses and infected files it detected and will ask the user to either clean the file, quarantine it, or totally delete the file or program, which ever is advisable.

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