 | Bill Emmerling operates 'the Rescue Tech' out of the Homer Cole Community Center at 3003 N. Joplin, Pittsburg. A 'CompTIA A+' and 'Network+' certified technician, Bill has serviced computers since the 1980s in a variety of environments including homes, schools, offices and retail operations for over 20 years. Bill may be reached at info@the-Rescue-Tech.com or by phone at 620-308-6448. |
Computers & Software
2013-02-01 09:29:41
Help, my computer has a virus
Q-My computer has contracted ANOTHER virus. Is there some way to stop this problem?
A-There is much business that comes from cleaning computers infected by viruses, and I have had opportunity to speak to groups about this subject. I have a letter that I share that addresses this very issue, that can be found at http://www.the-Rescue-Tech.com/about/tRT-SafeSurfing.pdf. I will try to address how we can reduce the risk of infection below.
As we begin, we need to understand the motivation of those who create malware (i.e. viruses, ransom-ware, etc.). The programmers may be groups or individuals seeking only to prove and find pleasure in knowing they have damaged your computer. Others seek to extort money from you. In either case, they seek websites and activities that are popular in order to spread their programs as widely and quickly as possible.
We also need to understand that these programs must enter our computer and then run. This is most often the result of our actions, either directly or indirectly. Directly by opening suspect email or visiting a ‘seedy’ part of the internet (such as porn or gambling sites). Or indirectly like visiting a popular location with infected people, we might visit a popular site that seems safe, but may have been hacked by the bad guys (couponing and gaming has become a popular for viruses).
It is also helpful to understand how our machines get infected. We are all aware that opening attachments can bring unpleasant surprises. However, simply browsing websites can expose us to receiving unwelcome visitors. Web pages started with just text and were not initially designed with security in mind. To get interactive pages, browsers were developed that allow small programs, called Java and flash (among other things), to be downloaded and run on your computer. These little programs can bring good things... or bad. So it pays to be mindful of where we go on the internet and what we do when we get there; just like visiting Kansas City.
Now that we have a better idea of what we are dealing with, we will deal with actions we can take to protect ourselves... next month.
