How Does a Computer Get Infected with Viruses, Spyware or Malware?

There are dozens of ways a computer get infected with spyware, viruses, or malware. The constant use of Internet has increased the risk of infection by viruses and malware, leading to potential data loss and identity theft. Every internet user should be versed in how to prevent virus infection. Armed with the knowledge to avoid getting and spreading virus infections, you’ll not only make the internet safer for yourself, but for everyone else you connect with.

No antivirus scanner

If you’re running a computer with Microsoft Windows, we highly recommended you have some form of antivirusspyware or malware protection. This software can remove any existing viruses or spyware, and it helps prevent future infections.

Accept without reading

One of the most common ways a computer becomes infected is when a user accepts what they see on the screen without reading the prompt before proceeding. 

  • While browsing the Internet, an Internet advertisement or window appears that says your computer is infected or that a unique plug-in is required. Without fully understanding what it is you’re getting, you accept the prompt.
  • When installing or updating a program, you’re prompted (often check boxes already checked) if it’s okay to install additional programs that you may not want or are designed to monitor your usage of the program.

Note: When installing a program you are given the options between an automatic and custom install. If you are installing something from the Internet, we suggest doing a custom install to make sure nothing else is added or changed during the install.

Download the infected software 

When downloading any software (programs, utilities, games, updates, demos, etc.) via the Internet, make sure you’re downloading the software from a reliable source. Be sure to run your downloads through your antivirus and spyware scanners upon completion. As we stated in a previous section, during the installation process, read all prompts about what the program is installing on your computer.

Open email attachments

Don’t open the email you were not expecting to receive. Computers can become infected when users open email attachments that contain malicious code. Even if the message is from a co-worker, friend, or family member, always use caution before opening a link or downloading an attachment.

Visit unknown links

It is possible for anyone to create a website and if a malicious person has designed the website it could give them access to your computer, send malicious files, or obtain sensitive information about your computer. Always be cautious and suspicious of any link sent to you over chat, e-mail, or SMS.

Pirat software, music, or movies

If you or someone on your computer is participating in unlawfully exchange copyrighted music, movies, or software, you may be at risk. Sometimes these files and programs contain viruses, spyware, trojans, or malicious software in addition to what you believe you are downloading.

Insert or connect an infected disk, disc, or drive

Any disk, disc, or thumb drive connected or inserted into your computer can be infected with a virus. As long as something is writable, a virus can move from a computer to that disk, disc, or drive. A common tactic used by hackers to gain access to a network is by leaving out a thumb drive with malicious code on it. Then, when a user puts the thumb drive into their computer, it becomes infected with a virus or trojan horse.

Not run the latest updates

Many of the updates, especially those associated with Microsoft Windows, are security oriented. Always keep your operating system and programs up to date. The plug-ins associated with your browser can also contain security vulnerabilities. To make sure you have the latest versions, run the Computer Hope tool to check installed plug-ins and their versions.

Why is Your Computer Running Slow? How to Fix It?

When your computer is running slow, and work is piling up, we can all relate to how annoying it is!  Before giving up, here are a few steps that you can check to help it get faster.

Reboot

If your computer has not been rebooted recently, make sure to reboot it before following any of the steps below.

Background programs

One of the most common reasons for a slow computer are programs running in the background. Remove or disable any TSRs and startup programs that automatically start each time the computer boots. To see what programs are running in the background and how much memory and CPU they are using, open Task Manager.

If you have an antivirus scanner on the computer, spyware protection program, or another security utility, make sure it is not scanning your computer in the background. If a scan is in progress, it can decrease the overall performance of your computer. If this is the case, allow the scan to complete, and the computer’s performance should improve.

Delete temporary files

As a computer runs programs, temporary files are stored on the hard drive. Deleting these temp files can help improve computer performance.

First, we suggest using the Disk Cleanup utility to delete temporary files and other files no longer needed on the computer.

Free hard drive space

Verify that there is at least 200-500MB of free hard drive space. This available space allows the computer to have room for the swap file to increase in size, as well as room for temporary files.

Scan for malware or Viruses

Today, spyware and other malware is a big cause of many computer problems, including a slow computer. Even if an antivirus scanner is installed on the computer, we recommend running a malware scan on the computer.

If your computer is infected with one or more viruses, this can cause your computer to run slow. If your computer does not have an antivirus program installed, It is recommended that you install an antivirus program for active protection against viruses.

Hardware conflicts

Verify that the Device Manager has no conflicts. If any exist, resolve these issues as they could be the cause of your problem.

Update Windows

  • Make sure you have all the latest Windows updates installed on the computer.
  • If you are on the Internet when your computer is slow, make sure all browser plugins are up-to-date. You can also try disabling browser plug-ins to see if one of them is causing the slowness.

Update your drivers

Make sure you have the latest drivers for your computer hardware, especially the latest video drivers. Having out-of-date drivers can cause an assortment of issues, including slow performance.

If you have done any of the above steps but your computer is still acting slow try rebooting the computer again at this point

Hard drive upgrade

One of the biggest bottlenecks of a computer is the hard disk drive. Upgrading from a hard drive to a Solid State Drive (SSD) can significantly improve the performance of a computer.

Run Registry Cleaner

We normally do not recommend Registry Cleaners. However, if you have followed all of the above steps and your computer is still slow, try running a Registry Cleaner on the computer.

Computer or processor is overheating

Make sure your computer and processor is not overheating. Excessive heat can cause a significant decrease in computer performance because most processors automatically reduce the speed of the processor to help compensate for heat-related issues.

Hardware issues

Finally, if your computer is still slow after trying all of the above recommendations, there may have a more serious hardware related issue, such as a failing component in the computer. Examples of failing hardware could include a failing or bad hard drive, CPU, RAM, motherboard, etc.

If your computer is more than five years old, the age of the computer could be the cause of the slow performance. As more advanced software programs are released, they are optimized to run more efficiently on newer computers. Older computers are not able to run these new programs as well, which can cause them to perform more slowly.

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Best Communication Software & Tools

Communication software and tools allow users to communicate with other people through internet easily all around the world. They are used for different purpose, such as video chatting, video conferencing, online teaching, meeting for business, making phone calls, talking with friends or family members, instant messaging service, etc. If you want to use any of these features, here you can find one for your computer. 

Skype 

Skype is a software that enables you to make free calls anywhere in the world. It offers most of products free of cost so that users can communicate easily with their friends. With Skype, you can make video and audio calling free of cost. Skype also offers free instant messaging and cheap phone call services to internet users.

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LINE

With LINE you can exchange free instant messages with friends whenever and wherever. LINE is available on all smartphone devices and  PC or Mac. LINE lets you share photos, videos, voice messages, contacts and location information easily with your friends.

ManyCam

ManyCam is a free webcam software and video switcher that allows you to enhance your video chats and create amazing live streams on multiple platforms at the same time. With ManyCam, you’ll be able to create professional-looking broadcasts on your favorite platforms, record your screen, add many effects and much more.

ManyCam for desktop and mobile

Camfrog Video Chat

Camfrog Video Chat allows you to join real streaming video chat rooms where you can hear, see, and chat with many people at a time. Instant message a user to get to know them before you Webcam chat, and add them to your contact list. This videoconferencing software also works behind most firewalls and routers. It allows multi-user videoconferencing where you can join a room with up to 1000 users and just click a user name to begin seeing someone.

Camfrog Video Chat for Windows

TeamSpeak Client

TeamSpeak enables people to speak with one another over the Internet. TeamSpeak is flexible, powerful, scalable client-server software which results in an Internet based conferencing solution which facilitates communication between users.

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Mozilla Thunderbird 

Mozilla Thunderbird makes e-mailing safer, faster, and easier with such features as intelligent spam filters, a built-in RSS reader, and quick search. Thunderbird was designed to prevent viruses and to stop junk mail.

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