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How to Scan a File for Viruses Before Opening It

Posted by on November 16th, 2012

Virus-infested files are capable of causing many different problems for computer users, making it essential to verify that downloads are safe before allowing them to access the system. There are a multitude of different tools available for computer users to help keep valuable machines protected against these malicious threats. Use one of the following methods to make certain a virus is not allowed to attack your computer system.

1. Use an Antivirus Package
Many of the most popular antivirus tools allow specific files to be checked for potential corruptions. This is a valuable resource for computer users who fear a potential virus or malware infection. Simply download a file from the Internet and use the built-in antivirus scanner to check for problems. This will provide peace of mind in launching the file in question.

2. Rely on a Firewall
Firewalls are additional security tools that are programmed to look for suspicious files and keep the user aware of any problems as they arise. These are particularly valuable tools when computer users are visiting sites that may try to download payloads of malware without the user’s knowledge. Firewalls are also valuable when a file is consciously downloaded, as they will look for any problems within such downloads.

3. Use an Online Scanner
Instead of downloading a file that could potentially wreak havoc on the computer, some users turn to online scanners. These scanners do not require a download to the system itself, but simply ask for the URL of the file that is suspected of being infected. The server will download the file in question and peruse the content for any infections. This is an incredibly safe way of looking for viruses, and will not unnecessarily expose the machine to potential problems.

4. Find a Download Manager
Sophisticated download managers have been created for users who need a way to easily look for files that may be unsafe. In addition to making downloads easier to manage, powerful download managers can scan files for potential issues, alerting the computer user of the presence of any unwanted infections before the file is launched on the machine.

5. Set Download Preferences
Many computer users are surprised to discover they can control what downloads are allowed to launch on their machine. Default file settings should be modified to ensure that files and applications are only allowed to run after they have been given explicit permission by the computer user. These settings can be changed within the control panel, and will allow users to stay on the lookout for nefarious files that could otherwise launch without their knowledge of the issue.

Keeping a machine running without infections is a serious responsibility that is heaped on the shoulders of any computer owner. By understanding the different protection methods available, computer users can help to ensure they remain protected whenever using the Internet to download files. It is also important to use common sense when using files from the web, making certain content only comes from trusted sources and researching applications before installing them on the machine.

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How to Respond When Virus Scanner Fails

Posted by on November 9th, 2012

Antivirus software is a tool that computer experts believe to be vital for systems around the world. Unfortunately, none of these products are perfect, meaning they are liable to fail at some point. When an antivirus product runs on the computer, it looks for infections that are currently active on the machine. Sometimes a virus can pass without being identified, leaving the machine in peril. Assuming this occurs on the computer, it is essential for the owner of the machine to respond accordingly. This will help minimize the risk any viruses or spyware pose.

 

Installing an Alternative

Antivirus software varies greatly across the board, with different products made available my labs across the globe. These tools are not necessarily created equally, meaning a threat that one misses may be able to be identified and removed with another. If a computer owner believes a virus has been missed on his or her machine, installing an alternative product and using it to search for any problems is often the best step to take. Information about different antivirus programs can be found online, along with user reviews that can help narrow down the many solutions available.

 

Protecting Against Future Threats

Rather than leaving security entirely up to antivirus tools, computer users should take additional steps to ensure they are not browsing the Internet without any secure protection. Firewalls are a popular solution that many computer owners install on their machines, helping to keep out files that should not be downloaded to the machine. There are also dedicated antispyware tools that can be downloaded and run in tandem with a trusted antivirus product. Using multiple forms of security on a computer system can help to ensure the computer stays safe in the event that one form would fail.

 

 Computer preference

Computer preferences can also be tweaked to prevent viruses and spyware that manage to break through from wreaking havoc on the machine. Many users will set their machines to deny all applications that attempt to run on the computer without permission from the computer user. This will help weed out any activity that could potentially occur if a virus is installed. It is also vital for computer users to learn how viruses act when they infect a machine. This can help such users to identify the present of a threat on their machine before it has the opportunity to get out of hand.

 

Although antivirus tools are not perfect, they still play an essential role on modern computer systems. Antivirus suites are much more effective at catching viruses and spyware than manual monitoring alone, and many are also capable of optimizing the machine in various ways. Before browsing online, it is essential to install one of these products. Of course, users should also consider the other alternatives available to them. Furthermore, the simple presence of an antivirus suite should not take the place of thorough monitoring by the computer owner. By combining all of these approaches, computer owners can keep themselves safe and protected no matter what happens.

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How to Choose the Best Virus Scanner for Android

Posted by on November 2nd, 2012

Android phones and smartphones are easily some of the most popular tech gadgets available to consumers around the world. As mobile platforms become more popular, the influx of hackers developing viruses targeting such devices rises exponentially. This makes it essential to find a trusted antivirus tool to keep out threats and keep an Android-powered tool running efficiently. The following antivirus products are among some of the most popular available to consumers.

avast! Mobile Security

avast! is a popular antivirus tool that has been lauded by publications such as PCAdvisor and TechWorld. This sophisticated tool can be used to sort through files and applications on the device itself, in addition to memory cards. The Web Shield looks at URLs as they are accessed, alerting the Android user if suspicious activity is noticed. avast! also includes an assortment of additional features, including call and SMS filtering.

Antivirus Free

Antivirus Free is a good solution for those who would prefer not to spend a large amount of money on an antivirus resource. Among the other benefits of using Antivirus Free, this app conserves battery power, allowing phone and tablet users to use their devices longer. It also works to keep data safe from potential identity thieves.

Kaspersky Mobile Security

For those who are serious about tackling the threat of viruses and spyware, Kaspersky offers a dynamic tool known as Kaspersky Mobile Security. This app carries the name of a company that has established itself as a leader in the antivirus field. In addition to providing state-of-the-art recognition of spyware and viruses, this sophisticated app also includes antitheft features that make it impossible for a would-be thief to hide your phone.

Security Pro

Security Pro is an affordable solution from AVG, another trusted antivirus developer. The app’s findR feature is particularly popular, allowing phone users to track down their device’s location from anywhere. Of course, Security Pro also offers an impressive suite of antivirus tools, ensuring Android-powered devices stay running efficiently without any data breaches.

VIRUSfighter Android Pro

Offering realtime scanning and a privacy advisor, VIRUSfighter Android Pro is a highly-developed app that looks out for more than 9,000 potential threats on the Android platform. This product includes additional tools like the Application Manager, which makes it simple for Android users to manage application settings with one simple click. The Security Advisor also looks for any weak points in a phone or tablet’s protection, identifying potential problem areas that can be improved upon.

 

Keeping the Android device safe from infection should be a top priority for those who use these gadgets. Much like viruses and spyware on a traditional computer system, when these bugs infect an Android, the problems can be catastrophic. Choosing which tool is the best solution is a subjective decision that may be influenced by many different factors. Fortunately, the wide assortment of options available makes it easy to identify a product that will work well for each consumer.

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Do I Need a Virus Scanner for My Cell Phone?

Posted by on October 26th, 2012

Virus scanners and antivirus products have traditionally been utilized on desktop computers. With the ever-growing influx of smartphones, however, many mobile phone users find themselves wondering whether they need a virus scanner for their cell phone. While rarely emphasized by cell phone carriers, antivirus products are often incredibly important, and can help to reduce the risk of damage to the device by nefarious developers using highly-sophisticated malware programs developed for mobile platforms. The following 5 reasons are among the most important that should be taken into consideration when considering an antivirus program.

1. Antivirus Blocks the Chance of Identity Theft
Smartphones have become incredibly popular tools for accessing financial accounts, email inboxes, and social networking profiles. All of this information can be stolen if the phone becomes compromised. Antivirus tools include sophisticated anti-phishing tools that will block attempts made by hackers to gain access to this private information.

2. Phones Without Antivirus Can Be Remotely Controlled
If a phone does not contain an antivirus program, it could potentially be controlled by a remote hacker. Rogue programs can do this by installing a binary file that gives a hacker access to the phone’s contents. Many hackers will use this function to add additional apps to the phone without the owners consent, which can cause a myriad of different issues.

3. Keyloggers Can be Activated on Unprotected Phones
Keyloggers are more commonly installed on desktop computers, but these malware programs can also be installed on smartphones. Many mobile users enter private information on their phones without a second thought. A keylogger will give this information to someone who is not authorized to read the content in question. Antivirus can help keep the keylogger off the phone.

4. Hackers Can Send Messages Without Antivirus Protection
Hackers can access a phone that is not protected, sending out messages to the individuals in the phone’s contacts. This is one of the most popular methods for spamming, and could put the phone owner’s friends and family at risk. Rather than allowing this to occur, the antivirus tool will work to ensure that nobody gains access to the contacts stored on the mobile operating system.

5. Adware Is Often Deployed on At-Risk Phones
Adware is another issue that has transitioned from the computer to the mobile operating platform, displaying intrusive advertisements to the phone owner. An antivirus product is adept at recognizing the adware and alerting the phone owner to its presence. This can help make it easier to remove the product quickly from the phone.

Antivirus products have long been relied on to keep computers safe from unwanted activity, but they are becoming increasingly important for savvy mobile users to consider. By downloading one of these products, phone owners can help ensure they stay protected when conducting activity on their phone. Not only will this protect damage to the device itself, but it can have serious repercussions for the personal information of the phone owner in question.

free virus scan, How to, Scan Viruses

How to Find Out Whether or Not I Need a Free Virus Scan

Posted by on October 10th, 2012

Free virus scans are an easy way to determine whether a computer system has become infected with a potentially dangerous bug. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to determine whether this step is necessary, as a particular computer system could be completely clean. In order to see whether or not a virus scan is a necessary step, computer owners should learn to identify the symptoms and causes of viral infection. The following five symptoms are among the most common.

1. The computer is operating inefficiently; programs take a long time to open or load.
Viruses are notorious for eating up system resources, in turn making it much more difficult for the system to operate normally. For those who have become infected with either a virus or some form of malware, it is common to notice a decrease in overall computing power. If a drop in system speed cannot be resolved by restarting the computer or closing software programs that do not need to run, a virus could very well be at fault.

2. Files are corrupted or begin to disappear.
When files on a computer system suddenly begin to disappear or become corrupted without any explanation, a virus could be the cause of the issue. Many viruses are designed to destroy the contents of a hard drive with no abandon, wreaking havoc for the computer’s owner. If these issues become apparent, it is important to scan the system to see whether a virus may be the root of the problem.

3. The system is plagued with advertisements; browser traffic is redirected.
Many spyware programs and viruses make money by bombarding computer users with unwanted advertisements. If the computer system suddenly begins showing ads while software programs are running, adware is likely at fault. Sophisticated viruses may also redirect browser traffic, making it impossible to visit a particular site. Resolving the issue is generally a matter of identifying the virus and getting it removed from the computer.

4. System error messages begin to show more frequently.
System errors can be attributed to a wide assortment of different processes on a computer. While it is normal to experience these errors from time to time, it is not normal for the computer to be plagued with them continually. If errors begin to crop up again and again, there could be a problem with a key area of the machine, such as the system registry. Viruses are notorious for making edits to these sensitive portions of a hard drive, and can cause serious damage if not removed quickly.

5. Friends and family members have received bogus emails from your account; identity theft.
If your friends and family suddenly receive emails that have not been sent by yourself, or if you have fraudulent activity on your bank account, you may have a virus or spyware on your machine. Viruses often replicate themselves, using email programs to send themselves on to other computer systems. Certain spyware programs use keyloggers and other tools to monitor activity on the computer, in turn giving this information to a third party for hacking purposes. Both of these symptoms should be taken very seriously.

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Stop the Presses: Best Mac Antivirus Finally Discovered

Posted by on October 5th, 2012

Mac computers have become incredibly popular in recent years, increasing the chances that owners will become infected with a virus or spyware program at some point. In fact, major virus attacks have already occurred previously, with millions of unprotected Macs falling prey to the infection. While finding an antivirus program for a Mac is often much more difficult than purchasing a similar product for a PC, there are several viable options available that can help keep machines protected. Consider the following information before making a purchase for your Mac.

MacKeeper

MacKeeper is the clear winner when it comes to Mac antivirus protection. This powerful bundled utility is not only a fully-functional antivirus solution, but it also offers a huge assortment of other tools that users can operate on their machines. MacKeeper also boasts an impressive support team, known as Geek on Demand. If anything goes wrong with the computer system at any time, a qualified technician will be happy to lend a helping hand. That kind of support simply cannot be beat.

 

Norton Internet Security for Mac

Norton is one of the biggest names in the antivirus industry, and has begun making a name for itself protecting Apple’s line of different computer systems. The antivirus includes a few powerful tools, such as scanning the computer only when it is idle, which can help keep the machine optimized. The high price point may thrust this antivirus package out of some user’s comfort zones, however.

 

avast! Antivirus for Mac

avast! is another name that has grown popular within the antivirus industry. This product for the Mac can help guard the machine against threats, using tools to keep emails and Internet downloads monitored for safety. The WebRep plugin is also a cool tool, allowing users to easily check a particular site’s reputation before accessing it. Because avast! has only just begun making waves with Mac antivirus, the product feels a bit lackluster, and may not be as capable at keeping machines completely safe from infections.

 

McAffee VirusScan

While far from a full-featured antivirus program, McAffee VirusScan is an alternative that those who fear an existing infection may wish to consider. The program not only keeps viruses out in the cold, but malware is also repelled by the product. On-demand scanning is a intuitive feature included with the VirusScan product, however the tool may leave some users anxious about the overall safety of their machine.

 

ClamXav

The newcomer on the Mac antivirus scene, ClamXav is a free program that uses the ClamAV antivirus engine to look for infections active on a particular machine. The product can be used to monitor the hard drive, in addition to providing new definitions for viruses as they are discovered. The downside to the product is that ClamXav has yet to establish a proven track record amongst Mac users. For those looking for a product that will be certain to keep their machine safe, it may be a safer bet to go with a program that has served Mac users well in the past.

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Top 5 Online Virus Scanners That Won’t Slow You Down

Posted by on September 28th, 2012

When it comes to viruses and spyware, computer owners can never be too careful. Once infected with one of these threats, the results can be catastrophic. In an effort to identify any threats that may have managed to enter a machine, many users turn to online virus scanners. These free tools can be used to check the system, looking for things that may be out of place. Before using one of these resources, it is important to make sure that the scanner is safe and will not hurt the machine. The following 5 scanners are a good bet for a safe way to ensure the machine’s safety without risking slowing down the system.

House Call by Trend Micro

Developed by the team responsible for Trend Micro’s Titanium Internet Security protection software, House Call is a safe online scanner that users can utilize to check for infections. Users can specify certain locations to search, or instead can scan the entire machine. This scan is quick and runs independently of the browser, making it a good option for those who struggle with compatibility issues when trying to run other browser-based scanners.

 

Kaspersky Security Scan

A quick solution for those looking to keep their machines safe, the Kaspersky Security Scan utilizes cloud-based information to scan a machine. Real-time information ensures the scan’s results are accurate, while included advice can help improve the existing security in place. Furthermore, this scan does not have issues working in tandem with antivirus software installed on the machine.

 

Panda Activescan

Claiming to be more powerful than more fully-functional antivirus tools, Panda Activescan is a great solution for those looking for a quick online virus scan. This online scanner generates a report with a full break down of the computer’s security status. It is compatible with all versions of Windows, and can detect a wide assortment of different threats.

 

McAfee Security Scan Plus

This powerful scan is a great way to check for security issues without sacrificing productivity. This simple scanner works in the background, allowing the user to go about conducting activities on the computer system. If no security tools are found in place, the software will suggest fixes to the issues at hand. Users can also customize how frequently the scans occur.

 

Norton PC Checkup

This simple scanner is adept at recognizing threats active on a computer system, in addition to other issues that could be causing performance issues. Spyware and viruses are both detected with this easy scan. Once the scan has been completed, solutions available will be suggested to the user, allowing the machine to remain safe from further infections.

 

Running an online virus scan is a good way to ensure that a computer system is functioning correctly. Nevertheless, these solutions do not substitute a permanent, fully-functional antivirus tool. Users who are continually using the Internet without such protection risk further infections down the road. In order to ensure this does not occur, it is advisable to purchase an antivirus tool to keep the computer safe.

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5 Ways to Occupy Your Time During a Virus Scan

Posted by on September 21st, 2012

Sure, we all know that conducting regular virus scans on our computers is an important thing to do, but it can also feel like a major pain. After all, conducting a scan means the computer shouldn’t be used to do other things. Occupying ourselves without the beloved Internet might seem like an impossible mission, but there are lots of ways to keep yourself entertained while your computer takes care of that boring virus scan stuff. Use the following ideas to allow yourself to take advantage of the time on your hands while your virus scanner does the hard work.

Clean Up Your Mess
Everybody loves to sit around and enjoy snacks or a delicious cup of coffee while they work on the computer, but most of us neglect cleaning up the mess. If your computer is busy anyway, you might as well get to work cleaning up what’s been left behind. Toss candy wrappers in the trash, take the dishes to the sink, and dust off your computer screen. Before you know it, your computer will be ready to use again. Not only will your machine be clean, but so will your workspace.

Take a Nap
Working on the computer can be fun, but it can also put your eyes under a great deal of stress. Most of us are under-slept anyway, so why not use a break to catch some shut eye. Not only will your eyes appreciate the break from staring at a screen, but your mind will enjoy having a little bit of downtime.

Give Grandma a Call
When was the last time you called Mom and Dad? How about Grandma? If you can’t use your computer, you might as well use some free time and check in with those that love you. Normally, your computer is vying for the same attention as those people. When you’re free, however, you have the time anyway. You might as well call up the relatives and have a chat about everything going on in their lives.

Do Arts and Crafts
Have you made a macaroni necklace recently? Is the Playdoh in the closet being neglected? Why not pull out your markers and glue and make a fun craft. Sure, it might not be as fun as wasting hours on YouTube and Facebook, but it will keep your mind preoccupied. After you’re all done, you might even have a new piece of art to hang on the wall.

Read a Book
Remember when your teacher used to tell you that you needed to read more? Now is your chance! Yes, maybe you spend hours reading your friends’ messages on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook, but why not pull out a real book? Immerse yourself in a short story or read a magazine. Gain some knowledge that is more useful than knowing what everybody is up to on social media. When your computer is done cleaning, you may even be able to share that learned knowledge with others on your Facebook status!