Virus Removal
A computer virus is a malicious piece of software which replicates itself by infecting executable files and / or documents. They spread by either the user unknowingly passing infected files and documents on to other users, or more commonly these days, by the use of the internet or email.
Your can be infected via the internet by visiting an infected website and tricked into downloading so called clean up and virus removal programs, or be infected by "drive by downloads" where again an infected website downloads a virus onto your computer without your knowing. Visiting certain websites such as those with adult content, illegal music or tv shows and movies, and using file sharing software such as limewire, bearshare and bit torrent also put you at higher risk of being infected.
Malware is a more common problem these days. Malware (Malicious
software), is a generic term used to describe software
which performs malicious or unwanted actions, and without your
knowledge or authority. Malware encompasses Spyware, Adware, Diallers
and other Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUP's).
Virus and Malware technologies are increasingly used together to
infect your computer. This combination, and the fact that viruses
and Malware are becoming more complex, means that antivirus scanners
cannot always successfully remove the virus or correct the damage
it may have caused. Some examples of damage caused are listed below:
- Deletion of files and documents
- Destruction of Windows files and registry changes, causing start-up and usage problems
- Theft of usernames, passwords, credit card details, bank details
- Dialling of premium rate numbers for computers still using dial up modems
- Display of unwanted advertisements, adult material, shopping pages, or popup messages
What We Offer ...
We are experts at manually removing stubborn viruses and malware quickly and efficiently both onsite and in the workshop. We have sophisticated tools which allow us to interrogate your system and identify the infection(s) and remove even the most persistant viruses. Some badly infected systems may take a while to clean up, depending on the speed of your computer and the amount of data you have. Where this is the case, we will either identify this when you call and recommend that you bring the system to us, or we will quickly be able to tell when onsite, and return the system to our workshop. This not only saves you money, but enables us to run a full set of tools against your computer to ensure the infections are resolved.
Internet Security Software
Although we always try to remain impartial we do recognize trends of what software performs well and what software doesn't. This is especially so with antivirus products as we deal with virus removal on a daily basis. Therefore our current recommendation for an internet security product is Norton Internet Security. Products vary from year to year in their performance and effectiveness as different manufacturers introduce new methods and techniques.
You can give us a call to purchase an Internet Security suite - we always have Norton in stock, but can source most products of your choice.
Our rules for Internet Security are as follows: A paid for subscription is better than a free subscription, but a free subscription is better than nothing. Many of the providers offering free editions have paid for subscription services to sell, so naturally you wont get comprehensive cover with the free edition - but it may be suitable for some people. You can check with your internet service provider as they will often bundle an Internet Security product as part of your monthly subscription or for an additional fee.
Purchase Online
If you are confident enough with installing and configuring software yourself, you may want to consider purchasing your Internet Security Software online. Going direct to the manufacturer can be more expensive than purchasing the product on disc. Be aware of providers that sign you up to a yearly renewal system, as your card will be billed at the then going rate - often more than the initial purchase price.
Paid-for subscription services:
Free Solutions:
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NOTE: Some Internet Security companies will automatically sign you up to a subscription renewal system where your credit card is billed at the then going rate just before your subscription expires. NTS Computing recommends you bear this in mind when purchasing direct, as if you change your security provider, you may still continue to be charged. Your renewal price is most likely to me more than your sign up price.
Page content updated on: Thursday, 02 January 2020 11:33
Other related services: Internet Security | Blue Screen (STOP) Errors
