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The computer virus has evolved a long way since the first known example, the creeper virus written in 1971.
The term "Computer Virus" was used to describe a computer program that could copy itself and infect another computer without the permission of the user. It is now common, although not strictly correct, to use the term to refer to other types of malware such as worms, trojan horses, rootkits, spyware and adware. These other forms of malware are similar to computer viruses but infect our computer in slightly different ways.
The rapid deployment of the internet has caused a rapid increase in this malware. The internet provided an ideal way for this malware to spread. According to F-Secure, an anti-virus and computer security software company based in Helsinki, Finland, as much malware was produced in 2007 as in the previous 20 years altogether.
Viruses started as an experiment by academics, but now this malicious software has come to be designed for a profit motive, either more or less legal (forced advertising) or criminal. They can be used to extract personal information, bank or credit card details. Take control of your computer and use it to send spam email, or to attack other computers.
This malware can infect your computer in several ways. If you have not installed the latest security patches for your operating system, it can be infected just by visiting a previously infected website. They can be installed on your computer when you open an attachment to an email. If you download software from the internet, especially from peer to peer sites, it may have the virus attached. More recently viruses have been spread by using applications on social networking sites such as facebook.
The best way to protect your computer from these viruses is to always keep your computer's operating system up to date and install anti-virus software. Do not open attachments to emails unless you are absolutely sure they are virus free and do not download any software onto your computer unless it is from a legitimate source.
Anti virus software is available from many different companies, and when you purchase a computer it usually has anti virus software installed. The pre installed software will usually protect you for a few months, sometimes up to a year. You will then be asked to pay a subscription. There is an alternative to paying for protection. There are companies that offer their anti virus software, free for personal use.
Anti virus installation and virus removal service
Installation of Free anti virus software €20
When your pre installed virus protection has expired we can install virus protection software from companies that offer the software for free for personal use. The cost of our installation service is often less than the cost of the subscription, and you will not have to pay again in a years time! Note we can not install the software on computers used for business.
We install software from two different companies. New viruses are appearing all the time. Virus protection only works once the virus are known. Different companies add the new viruses to their protection at different times. Using two different companies gives better protection against new viruses.
Virus removal service. From €40
If your computer has been infected, we will try to remove the virus. In the majority of cases this should be possible for the €40 fee. If we can not remove the virus you will not be charged. If required we will install the free anti virus software at no extra cost so you will be protected in the future.
Annual Computer Service. €60
You service your car regularly, why not your computer? In our annual service we will :
- Check that your operating system is up to date and update it if necessary
- Check your hard disk for errors
- Defragment your hard disk
- Check your computer memory
- Scan your computer for viruses
You must have a valid licence for your operating system. Having an out of date operating system is one of the major reasons computers become infected with viruses. Virus writers use known faults in the operating system to infect your computer. If your operating system is not up to date it is possible to be infected just by visiting a website.
Hard disks have many moving parts and are a common cause of computer failure. If your hard disk fails, you could loose all the data on it, including all your downloaded files and your digital photos. We can check your hard disk for errors, an early sign of problems to come.
Over time the filing system on your hard disk can become fragmented. This results in the poor performance of your computer. We will defragment your hard drive to ensure it is running efficiently.
Computer memory can fail over time. If your computer memory fails whilst your computer is running it can cause other problems such as corruption of data on your hard disk. We will run a suite of tests to check that your computers memory is functioning correctly.
We will use software from two companies to check your computer for viruses. Even if you have virus protection it is possible that your computer could have become infected. If required we can leave the free anti virus software used on the computer.