Virus Removal

The Internet is full of viruses that can damage computers files, clog network access, and fill you email box. As a Znet customer, your email is scanned for viruses, but some may still get through. It is very important that you have a virus scanner installed and kept up to date. Please encourage all of your friends to do the same.

 

Removal Tools and Online Virus Scanners

Network Associates - stinger This is a stand alone program can identify 29 different viruses/worms
Trend Micro - online virus scanner
McAfee Free Scanner - free online scanner
PC Pitstop - all purpose computer website.
AVG - a free virus scanner

How to Prevent Infection

There are some basic rules to follow to help protect your computer from infection.

1. Always have a virus scanner installed and kept up to date. Normally, a retail virus scanner will cost around $20 to $30. To get a virus removed form your computer by a technician will cost around $100. A virus scanner is one of the best investments you can buy for your computer.
2. Encourage all of your friends to have virus scanners. If you have to, tell them you wil not accept any attachments form them unless they have a virus scanner. Without a virus scanner, your friend can send viruses as easily as a stranger.
3. By default Windows will hide known file extensions. So most viruses will send attachments that will have 2 file extensions, one you see and one you don't. Example, the Netsky virus will send an attachment like corrected_doc.doc. What you don't see is the real file name is corrected_doc.doc.pif. To turn off this feature, open My Computer, click Tools - Folder Options - View. Incheck the box "Hide file extensions for known file types". For Windows 95/98, click View - Folder Options.
4. Subscribe to the virus newsletters from one of the major anti-virus software companies. The newsletters will notify you of the new viruses released and how to identify them. Click one of the following links to subscribe.
   
   TrendMicro - http://www.trendmicro.com/subscriptions/default.asp
   Norton - http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/newsletter_regions/en.html
5. At least once a week, run your Windows Update. Some viruses can infect your computer through a security hole in Windows. There are 3 catagories of the Windows Update, Critical Updates and Service Packs, Windows and Driver Update. The important catagory is the Critical Updates and Service Packs, the rest of the catagories are optional. Follow the intsructions on the website for downloading and installing of the updates.
   
   Note: We can not help you with Windows Updates over the phone. The patches and service packs are the property of Microsoft, if you have any problems with your computer after the installation, contact support.microsoft.com or call your local technician.