If you own a computer there is a very real chance that at some point your machine will be infected with a virus and unchecked this virus can cause permanent harm to both your computer and its files but the virus could also steal passwords, bank account information and other personal information. Most computers have anti-virus software installed when it is still at the factory but it is up to you, the user, to ensure that your computer’s virus protection is up to date and adequate for your needs.

Even if you do have protection against viruses installed on your machine, if it is out of date or improperly configured your computer and all your information is still at risk! By keeping an updated anti-virus program installed and properly configured your risks at being infected by a virus are considerably lower than if you don’t, but what if your computer is already infected by a virus? As a consultant, I assure you that if you follow these steps and you will be able to bring your computer back to its virus-free status (most of the time :-).

The number one thing that you need to do once you realize you may have a virus on your computer is to disconnect from the internet. This can be done either by physically removing your networking cable or turning off your networking connection from within your computer’s operating system. This is important because most viruses are unknowingly distributed by affected computers while the computer owner is left in the dark not realizing that his computer may be infecting others.

Once your computer is disconnected from both local networks as well as the internet you need to get down to the task of removing the virus. Hopefully you computer has a sufficient anti-virus program already installed, if this is the case run a full scan using your anti-virus software, many programs require you to restart so the anti-virus software can run before any system software is loaded; this is to ensure that any and all viruses are removed completely.

You may have to run your anti-virus software several times to ensure your machine is completely free of all viruses and malicious software. Once your anti-virus software shows your computer is clean from viruses you should reconnect to the internet and see if there is an updated version of your virus protection software, if there is, download it and run your anti-virus software again, just to be safe.

If for some reason you do not have an adequate anti-virus program already installed on your machine you will need to get one. There are several options, you can buy one from a computer retailer or you can download a free anti-virus program on another unaffected computer. Once the new software is available you should install on your affected machine and follow the on-screen instructions as well as our instructions above.

By keeping a current up-to-date anti-virus program installed on your machine you ensure that your computer will operate in its optimal state and you can rest easy knowing that your passwords, bank accounts and personal data is safe from hackers, spy and identity thieves.

For More On This Please Visit: http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/teachers/compvir.htm