Computer viruses and virus removal

There are several categories of what computer professionals call malware: viruses, trojans, worms & spyware just to name a few.  While there are technical differences between them, most non-computer professionals simply refer to the entire group as viruses.  No matter what you call them, however, once one of them has taken up residence in your computer you just want it removed as quickly as possible.

Do you have a computer virus?

A great question. Sometimes it's obvious that a computer has virus and sometimes it's not, it really depends on what the particular piece of malware is designed to do.  Some viruses will announce their presence and actually pop up a message saying something like "You've been infected by the whatever virus."  In fact one of the earliest computer viruses, called "the Creeper", did just this - once it infected a system it would spread itself to every other connected computer and display the message "I'M THE CREEPER : CATCH ME IF YOU CAN"

However, not all viruses publicize the fact that they've installed themselves on your PC. Another way to see if you have a virus is to check your antivirus program and see if it's running.  The first thing many viruses do is look for and shut off any antivirus program they can.  If your current antivirus software is disabled, try turning it back on.  If you can't, or if it shuts off again, you're probably infected with something.

Unfortunately, some viruses are harder to detect.  If you experience any of the following symptoms you may have a virus:

Basically, if it seems like your computer is suddenly acting weird you should suspect a virus.  If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above contact us today.  Let us ask you a few questions to better understand your situation and we'll provide you with a free estimate.

Virus removal

Getting rid of a virus can be tricky, even for a professional.  There are tools and utilities that the experts use (some targeted to a few specific types of viruses, some more general purpose) that get the job done.

If you want to try to get rid of the virus by yourself understand that the easiest viruses to get rid of fit the following scenario:  You have an antivirus program installed but you have let the subscription expire (so your antivirus program isn't receiving updates and can't protect you from newly created viruses) and you catch a newly created viruses.  If you find yourself in this situation and if you can get your currently installed antivirus program started, then all you may need to do is to restart your antivirus subscription, put all the updates on your antivirus program and run a full system scan.

If this doesn't work for you (you can't get your antivirus program started, or the scan doesn't find anything but the problems persist) then contact us immediately.  Let us ask you a few questions to better understand your situation and we'll provide you with a free estimate.

Virus prevention

The best way to deal with a virus is to not let it get on your computer in the first place.  Having an installed antivirus program with an up-to-date subscription is the cornerstone of of this strategy.  Currently, we recommend the following antivirus programs:

We recommend these products for two reasons:

1. They work
2. They don't consume enormous amounts of PC resources, which leaves more of your computer's resources to do the stuff you want to do.

Remember, one of the most common ways that a virus slips on to a computer is when a user has an antivirus program installed but has let the subscription expire.  So, no matter what antivirus program you use keep the subscription up-to-date!

If you'd like assistance in selecting, installing or configuring these products we'd be happy to help.  Contact us today for a free estimate.

Phone: (248)689-1439
Email: info@OaklandSolutionsLLC.com 

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From our customers

"Thank you so much for all the help you gave me last Saturday and Monday getting my computer up and running!  I had no idea how I was going to transfer all my data and you came in with a smile and knowledge and went right to work on my problem.  You put my mind at ease immediately with your ability and know-how.  You even went an extra mile to make sure that I retrieved all of the data that I needed to run my business.  I now feel so much more secure knowing you are a phone call or e-mail away.  You took a frightening situation for me and calmed my fears assuring me you could fix it.  Thank you so much, may God bless you abundantly!"

Judy Gilbert - Berkley, MI

"Oakland Solutions, LLC, just left my new apartment having set up my computer network and reconnected me to the internet - and installed new free virus product.  As I wrote the check I told them 'value well received!'"

Norma Mullin - Rochester, MI

"Oakland Solutions LLC was quick to respond to our call, friendly and efficient. We were questioned about our computer problem over the phone, and given a possible diagnosis and cost estimate right then.

"There is so much we like about this company: first, their policy of "no solution, no charge" is reassuring; second, these are people who obviously enjoy solving techie problems. It was a pleasure to watch them at work; third, they make sure you understand what went wrong and how to avoid it; fourth, they quickly take care of any other problems they finds as they're working.

"I could go on, but the bottom line is Oakland Solutions does the job fair and square, and does it well."

Mike and Gretchen O'Donnell - Rochester Hills