Post by mitch on Jun 10, 2009 13:25:38 GMT -5
I can imagine that almost everyone here has had to deal with a pesky virus at some point or another, so I figured I might as well make a basic guide on how to handle the buggers. If anybody has a suggestion on ways I can improve the guide, shoot me an email sometime(Mitch@Comptechllc.com)
For those of you who may be confused when we start talking about viruses, worms, ect., I've added a few descriptions here.
Malware
Malware is an all encompassing term for any sort of program which runs maliciously on your computer. Whether it involves stealing credit card numbers, deleting half the files on your hard drive, or causing hundreds of annoying popups, everything falls under the category of Malware.
Virus
The best known threat to computers, a virus is simply a program which works maliciously inside your computer. The caveat however, is that a Virus is must be initiated by a user, perhaps by opening an infected document, or playing an infected music file.
Worm
Similar to a virus, except that a Worm does not require the user to start something in order to run. Rather, they are capable of jumping from computer to computer as long as any sort of connection exists.
Spyware
Spyware is a program which works to steal data from your computer, ranging from what websites you visit to your passwords, even credit card numbers and entire identities. Spyware is a relatively new threat compared to Worms and Viruses, and while it can at times seem harmless, simply giving the occasional popup it should never be ignored.
Trojan
A Trojan is a malicious program installed by the user which appears to be legitimate. A good example would be the infamous WinAntivirus 2009, a program which would display messages claiming that the user had an viruses on their computer, and then prompt ask for the user to buy an "antivirus" program to remove them.
Rootkit
A program which works to hide viruses on your computer. Rootkits are often difficult to locate, and even more difficult to remove, as the entire premise of a Rootkit is to hide the existence of viruses from the user.
The most important thing when it comes to dealing with viruses is having a good antivirus program, which can sometimes be a tough thing to find. There are a few factors you need to consider when looking for a program:
A) Reliability
Some antivirus programs work like a charm and catch everything you throw at them, other programs are about as good as a bear trap is useful for fishing.
B) Speed
All antivirus programs slow your computer down, some will be barely noticeable, others will make your machine crawl.
C) Ease of use
Trust me, you don't have to be an expert to use one of these things, they can be pretty simple.
D) Cost
Believe it or not, you don't have to pay tons of money for a good program - in fact some of the best ones are free!
Norton Antivirus
The very worst program you can have. Norton puts an enourmous amount of strain on your computer, almost never catches dangerous viruses, and costs a ton of money!
McAfee Antivirus
Not quite as bad as Norton, but still doesnt work anywhere near as well as it should, and slows your computer down a good bit.
SpySweeper
This program is a scam for the most part, it slows your computer down, doesn't do anything useful, and leaves a hole in your wallet.
AVG Antivirus
This program has two editions, the Free Version, and the Full Version. In terms of overall defense, AVG stands out for being able to cut down almost any virus, and offering an excellent balance of performance and power. Both versions of AVG are excellent, user friendly, fast, and effective, however I find that the Free Version is more than enough for any home computer. You can find both here.
free.avg.com/
Avast Antivirus
Similar to AVG, Avast comes in two versions, home(free) and corporate(obviously not free) Avast stands as a flexible, high performance antivirus program, creating as little strain as possible for your computer. While it doesnt catch quite as many viruses as AVG does, its speed, efficiency and segmented firewall make Avast an excellent choice for slower computers and gamers. You can find Avast here.
www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html
Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is one of the most powerful antivirus scanners you can find, and like AVG, it has both a free Version and a Full Version. One thing to keep in mind however, unlike most antivirus programs, Malwarebytes does NOT run automatically(unless you have the full version), and should be used in conjunction with another program(such as AVG). You can find Malwarebytes here:
www.malwarebytes.org/
Spybot Search and Destroy
Spybot isn't exactly an antivirus program, instead, it destroys spyware. Think of it as a program for cleaning up the little nuisances antivirus programs sometimes miss.
Spybot is completely free, and similar to Malwarebytes, it is not automatic. You need to run it every so often in order for it to work. You can find Spybot here:
www.safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/index.html
HijackThis
HijackThis is a powerful scanning program, able to locate and repair problems caused by viruses within your machine. While it doesn't actually remove viruses, HijackThis is a VERY powerful diagnostic program, capable of locating some of the toughest infections. HijackThis should NEVER be used by an inexperienced user, as it is quite easy to make a mistake and render Windows inoperable. If you really do know what you're doing, HijackThis can be found here.
www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/tools/security_tools/hijackthis/download
The next thing to keep in mind is how to properly run an antivirus program - they're only so many bits of code if you don't actually scan with them.
Updates
Hackers make new viruses every day, so be sure to periodically update your Antivirus programs to keep up with them. Most programs have a nifty Automatic Update feature, which usually runs about once a day, all you have to do is make sure its allowed to run. For programs that don't automatically update, be sure to manually do so at least once a week AND before every scan. If you try scanning with an out-of-date antivirus, there's a very good chance of it missing something.
Scanning
As a good rule of thumb, try to scan your computer once a week for viruses. This way, you can catch them early, before they have a chance to do any damage. If you're forgetful, or just plain lazy, most programs have options to set daily or weekly scans, making things easier. It is also a good idea to run a scan if your computer starts acting strange(unexplained crashes, popups, slowdowns, ect.)
Look for Patterns
If you seem to have viruses after every scan you run, it might be a good idea to start investigating. Chances are, there's a virus that isn't being removed, or you're simply exposing your computer to infection without realizing it. Do a bit of online research on the problem, or perhaps post something here on one of the other threads.
There's only so much an antivirus program can do to keep viruses and spyware at bay, so like it or not, keeping your computer clean also involves good habits.
Filesharing
We all know how easy it is to download music illegally off of Limewire, or use a Torrent to steal that new game. Keep in mind however, when you start downloading stuff illegally, you also run into viruses. People post anything they want online, so its a good idea to think twice before simply hitting the "Download" button.
Be Alert!
If your Antivirus program starts giving you error messages, or your computer simply starts acting strange, investigate immediately! Ignoring a problem doesn't make it go away, especially when dealing with some kind of virus. Popups and strange messages are usually a sign that something more serious is on its way. Also, if you start seeing programs appear that you don't remember installing, it's a good idea to scan immediately, and perhaps do some research on the newcomers. Remember, Google is your friend.
Updates, Updates, Updates
As much as we all hate the pesky Microsoft restart messages, every so often it's a good idea to bite the bullet and update your computer. Updates often include security patches, which help to keep new viruses from even infecting your computer in the first place.
An Ounce of Prevention...
Be sure that you have your Firewall turned on, it actively works to stop unauthorized connections, adding another layer of protection against whatever you don't want coming in. It's also a good idea to practice safe browsing habits, as almost all viruses come straight out of the internet into your computer. One of my favorite tips is to consider using Mozilla Firefox as an alternative to Internet Explorer. Firefox does an excellent job of keeping most web-based viruses out, and is far safer than Internet Explorer on any website. You can find FireFox here:
www.mozilla.com/en-US/
I hope this guide proves useful to everyone, and I'll be sure to update it as time goes on. If you have any suggestions, throw me an email at Mitch@Comptechllc.com, and I'll be sure to include them. Thanks for reading!
A Little Bit About Viruses
For those of you who may be confused when we start talking about viruses, worms, ect., I've added a few descriptions here.
Malware
Malware is an all encompassing term for any sort of program which runs maliciously on your computer. Whether it involves stealing credit card numbers, deleting half the files on your hard drive, or causing hundreds of annoying popups, everything falls under the category of Malware.
Virus
The best known threat to computers, a virus is simply a program which works maliciously inside your computer. The caveat however, is that a Virus is must be initiated by a user, perhaps by opening an infected document, or playing an infected music file.
Worm
Similar to a virus, except that a Worm does not require the user to start something in order to run. Rather, they are capable of jumping from computer to computer as long as any sort of connection exists.
Spyware
Spyware is a program which works to steal data from your computer, ranging from what websites you visit to your passwords, even credit card numbers and entire identities. Spyware is a relatively new threat compared to Worms and Viruses, and while it can at times seem harmless, simply giving the occasional popup it should never be ignored.
Trojan
A Trojan is a malicious program installed by the user which appears to be legitimate. A good example would be the infamous WinAntivirus 2009, a program which would display messages claiming that the user had an viruses on their computer, and then prompt ask for the user to buy an "antivirus" program to remove them.
Rootkit
A program which works to hide viruses on your computer. Rootkits are often difficult to locate, and even more difficult to remove, as the entire premise of a Rootkit is to hide the existence of viruses from the user.
Choosing an Antivirus Program
The most important thing when it comes to dealing with viruses is having a good antivirus program, which can sometimes be a tough thing to find. There are a few factors you need to consider when looking for a program:
A) Reliability
Some antivirus programs work like a charm and catch everything you throw at them, other programs are about as good as a bear trap is useful for fishing.
B) Speed
All antivirus programs slow your computer down, some will be barely noticeable, others will make your machine crawl.
C) Ease of use
Trust me, you don't have to be an expert to use one of these things, they can be pretty simple.
D) Cost
Believe it or not, you don't have to pay tons of money for a good program - in fact some of the best ones are free!
Bad Antivirus Programs
Norton Antivirus
The very worst program you can have. Norton puts an enourmous amount of strain on your computer, almost never catches dangerous viruses, and costs a ton of money!
McAfee Antivirus
Not quite as bad as Norton, but still doesnt work anywhere near as well as it should, and slows your computer down a good bit.
SpySweeper
This program is a scam for the most part, it slows your computer down, doesn't do anything useful, and leaves a hole in your wallet.
Suggestions for Good(and free) Antivirus Programs
AVG Antivirus
This program has two editions, the Free Version, and the Full Version. In terms of overall defense, AVG stands out for being able to cut down almost any virus, and offering an excellent balance of performance and power. Both versions of AVG are excellent, user friendly, fast, and effective, however I find that the Free Version is more than enough for any home computer. You can find both here.
free.avg.com/
Avast Antivirus
Similar to AVG, Avast comes in two versions, home(free) and corporate(obviously not free) Avast stands as a flexible, high performance antivirus program, creating as little strain as possible for your computer. While it doesnt catch quite as many viruses as AVG does, its speed, efficiency and segmented firewall make Avast an excellent choice for slower computers and gamers. You can find Avast here.
www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html
Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is one of the most powerful antivirus scanners you can find, and like AVG, it has both a free Version and a Full Version. One thing to keep in mind however, unlike most antivirus programs, Malwarebytes does NOT run automatically(unless you have the full version), and should be used in conjunction with another program(such as AVG). You can find Malwarebytes here:
www.malwarebytes.org/
Spybot Search and Destroy
Spybot isn't exactly an antivirus program, instead, it destroys spyware. Think of it as a program for cleaning up the little nuisances antivirus programs sometimes miss.
Spybot is completely free, and similar to Malwarebytes, it is not automatic. You need to run it every so often in order for it to work. You can find Spybot here:
www.safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/index.html
HijackThis
HijackThis is a powerful scanning program, able to locate and repair problems caused by viruses within your machine. While it doesn't actually remove viruses, HijackThis is a VERY powerful diagnostic program, capable of locating some of the toughest infections. HijackThis should NEVER be used by an inexperienced user, as it is quite easy to make a mistake and render Windows inoperable. If you really do know what you're doing, HijackThis can be found here.
www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/tools/security_tools/hijackthis/download
Using your Antivirus Program
The next thing to keep in mind is how to properly run an antivirus program - they're only so many bits of code if you don't actually scan with them.
Updates
Hackers make new viruses every day, so be sure to periodically update your Antivirus programs to keep up with them. Most programs have a nifty Automatic Update feature, which usually runs about once a day, all you have to do is make sure its allowed to run. For programs that don't automatically update, be sure to manually do so at least once a week AND before every scan. If you try scanning with an out-of-date antivirus, there's a very good chance of it missing something.
Scanning
As a good rule of thumb, try to scan your computer once a week for viruses. This way, you can catch them early, before they have a chance to do any damage. If you're forgetful, or just plain lazy, most programs have options to set daily or weekly scans, making things easier. It is also a good idea to run a scan if your computer starts acting strange(unexplained crashes, popups, slowdowns, ect.)
Look for Patterns
If you seem to have viruses after every scan you run, it might be a good idea to start investigating. Chances are, there's a virus that isn't being removed, or you're simply exposing your computer to infection without realizing it. Do a bit of online research on the problem, or perhaps post something here on one of the other threads.
Good (and Bad) Habits
There's only so much an antivirus program can do to keep viruses and spyware at bay, so like it or not, keeping your computer clean also involves good habits.
Filesharing
We all know how easy it is to download music illegally off of Limewire, or use a Torrent to steal that new game. Keep in mind however, when you start downloading stuff illegally, you also run into viruses. People post anything they want online, so its a good idea to think twice before simply hitting the "Download" button.
Be Alert!
If your Antivirus program starts giving you error messages, or your computer simply starts acting strange, investigate immediately! Ignoring a problem doesn't make it go away, especially when dealing with some kind of virus. Popups and strange messages are usually a sign that something more serious is on its way. Also, if you start seeing programs appear that you don't remember installing, it's a good idea to scan immediately, and perhaps do some research on the newcomers. Remember, Google is your friend.
Updates, Updates, Updates
As much as we all hate the pesky Microsoft restart messages, every so often it's a good idea to bite the bullet and update your computer. Updates often include security patches, which help to keep new viruses from even infecting your computer in the first place.
An Ounce of Prevention...
Be sure that you have your Firewall turned on, it actively works to stop unauthorized connections, adding another layer of protection against whatever you don't want coming in. It's also a good idea to practice safe browsing habits, as almost all viruses come straight out of the internet into your computer. One of my favorite tips is to consider using Mozilla Firefox as an alternative to Internet Explorer. Firefox does an excellent job of keeping most web-based viruses out, and is far safer than Internet Explorer on any website. You can find FireFox here:
www.mozilla.com/en-US/
I hope this guide proves useful to everyone, and I'll be sure to update it as time goes on. If you have any suggestions, throw me an email at Mitch@Comptechllc.com, and I'll be sure to include them. Thanks for reading!