System Restore
If the hardware on your computer is
working correctly BUT the software is NOT, it could be caused by the
following:-
1.
MALWARE (VIRUS / WORMS / TROJAN HORSE)
They infect your computer and are usually transmitted as part of another piece
of software that you download from the internet or copy from a floppy
disc, zip disc or other media format. they may have come from an already infected computer.
They can also hide in e-mail attachments.
Once on your
computer it will try to replicate itself and attach
to other software or e-mails that you send.
Unfortunately, most also have some sort of destructive attack
phase where they do
some damage. A
trigger will
activate the attack phase, and the virus will then "do
something". This could be anything from printing a silly message on
the screen to erasing all of your data.
The trigger might be a specific
date, the number of times the virus has been replicated or something
similar.
2. SPYWARE.
Spyware and other unwanted software can add additional toolbars to your
web browser that you don't want or need. If your web browser settings
change it could have been "Hijacked". Spyware can change your
home page and search page settings. Even if you know how to adjust these
settings, you will find that they go back every time you restart your
computer. We are finding
that spyware is more of a problem than viruses.
We estimate that 90% of computers that come into the workshop have spyware.
3. POP UP ADVERTISEMENTS.
This unwanted software may bombard you with pop-up ads that aren't
related to the website you are looking at. These ads are often material
that you may find offensive. Usually you see pop-up ads as soon as you
turn on your computer even when
you are not browsing the Web.
4. SOFTWARE
INSTALLATION.
You computer may run
slow or error messages may appear if there has been a problem during
the
installation process of new software that you have purchased.
HOW TO AVOID PROBLEMS.
Install a good anti-virus software such as Norton Internet Security and
make sure you keep the virus definitions up to date. You normally get this free for 12 months but then have to pay
a subscription. If you get an email with an attachment and you do not
know who sent it, DELETE IMMEDIATELY as it may contain a virus. Some
downloaded software can also carry a virus or spyware. If you have anti-virus
software installed check any downloads before you view them. Please
click
here for latest virus information from Symantec. You also need to install anti spyware
software.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM.
Malware and spyware can make your computer run slow. They use system
resources, mainly RAM memory, which slows down your computer. It can
become unstable, errors may appear
and your computer may crash. Removal software might not recognize the particular malware or spyware your computer is infected with.
Often, the best way to deal with this problem is to
firstly
backup your data and then perform a "System Restore" on your
computer. You must ensure that before you go back onto the Internet you
protect your computer with internet
security, anti-spyware software and
the latest Microsoft service packs.
If you do not feel confident about
restoring your computer back to
factory setting using the CD's that came
with your computer then
PC Doctor can help you.
Just call us for a quote or more information.
You can also call in at our workshop.
Click here for details
of how to contact us. |
