Showing posts with label Anti-Virus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Anti-Virus. Show all posts

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Money Saving PC Virus Removal Tips

 

virus[1]

Typical Virus Removal Cost $199(per computer), my charge $75(per computer), this Solution, $39.99(for up to 3 computers with 1 year subscription including Anti-virus and 24x7 Tech Support), Interested?

I'm sure you've had one before, matter of fact if you are using a free anti-virus program right now I'm sure you probably have some malware on there right now. Don't feel like paying north of $170 to fix the problem or Having to Restore your entire computer losing all your data and Programs? Well, you're welcome.

 

 

 

Step 1) Anti-Virus

AVG Anti-Virus 3 User AVG has been making names for itself in the Tech World for some time now with its limited version of Anti-Virus called AVGfree available on Download.com but the paid version gives you so much more features that's its pretty much nonsense not to use it to clean Viruses off your computer. With this $39.99 software, available of AVG.com or locally at Office Depot, you can actually install on up to 3 computers to protect for 1 year. So grab it even if you only have 1 because you can share or sell the other 2 licenses with friends/family to split the cost. Its as simple as Installing, following on screen prompts(being sure to be connected to high speed internet), and then running a full system scan. Be advised this 1st step alone will take hours to complete, I recommend letting it run overnight or during a time frame you do not need your PC at all.

 

 

Step 2) Malware Removal

malwarebytesNow normally this would be a first step since the free version of MalwareBytes is not an Anti-Virus per say, but more of a removal tool. Sounds confusing but the idea is that typical Anti-Virus programs prevent infection, not cure it. This software is actually free and, believe it or not, used by your local retailers in those $200 services, insane right? Install, update and run a full system scan with this software after AVG has completed. Again this can take a while so let it run as long as needed without interruption.

There is a paid version called Malwarebytes Pro that acts as both a remover and anti-virus if you wish to do that instead of AVG, but it does run $24.95 for 1 PC (multi-licensing discounts available) for Download only, having a disc will run an additional $9.95.

 

 

Step 3) Correct Registry Errors

ccleaner

This may sound funny, but it actually stands for "Crap Cleaner". Now I don't entirely understand why Microsoft does it this way, but there's a Slew of trash on your computer that you don't, have never, and will never use. But it's there, causing performance issues on your computer from within hidden folders you didn't even know existed. Now in all fairness you yourself have probably caused some of these issues downloading free programs and not uninstalling them properly, or the developer themselves didn't know how to write it all the way accurately and sometimes even windows updates themselves can cause issues. Mainly because people blindly install whatever's there without reading. All updates for windows are not all updates you need. Learning which ones you need is a time consuming process that most don't want to do learn, so just pay someone else to handle it at least once a year, its called an "Optimization" or "PC Tune-Up" at most locations. With Ccleaner (another free program) it will actually clear out a ton of junk files, temp files, internet histories and even fixes Registry Errors(main cause of crashes and performance issues).

Download CCleaner free here

 

 

Well, there you have it. If you simply do not have the $200 to spend getting your computer fixed correctly this is a Band-Aid that you can put on it to better the problem. Keep in mind though that this solution is make shift, there is still a large degree of computer expertise needed to fix the problem. Viruses are not all the same and this solution will only ensure most of the software issue is mended. This solution does not take into account that your virus issue could've damaged your hardware as well. Also variables will more than likely come up because these programs scan what could be viruses and will catch normal files necessary to run your programs that utilize the same format. By now you may be thinking... that $200 ain't so bad. You're right, you aren't paying for a product when you get a virus removed, you are paying for the expertise of getting the job done right.

But just in case though we offer remote and mail in service internationally if you need it done correctly for an affordable price (include city/state/country and Problem experiencing).

 

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Friday, June 17, 2011

Whats The Difference: Anti-Virus Protection

 

virus[1]

The main woes of Windows Users, Viruses & Malware (which are different). They can do anything from create pop ups for advertisements to changing all of your files into virus files secretly so that everything you click replicates and runs it to steal personal info from you to send to a third party until it eventually corrupts and crashes your entire computer... Sucks huh? Well Anti-Virus is something you HAVE to have, not something you Might need unless you are skilled enough to repair your own PC. Otherwise average Virus removal (if its even possible) cost topples the $200 mark and will typically leave you without your PC for at least 48hrs. Since Anti-Virus only runs $40 - 80 a year, its safe to say that Prevention is cheaper than the cure. Let's go over the main differences of what you will see available in retail Locations.

 

Anti-Virus: $40 per year (1 User)

Norton_Antivirus_2011[1]McAfee-AntiVirusPlus-2011[1]332508-0[1]

One way Protection of malware being downloaded to the computer via Internet, internal Network, CD/DVD and/or USB.


 

Internet Security: $70 per year (3 user)

Norton-Internet-Security-2011[1]box_prod_mis_2011_271X308[1]webroot-internet-security-essentials-2011[1]

Includes all Anti-Virus protection but adds two-way identity theft protection for those doing secure websites such as online banking, shopping and even secure, Password protected logins like Business servers, Social Networking sites etc. etc. etc.


 

Total Protection: $99 (3 User)

Norton%20360%20Version%204.0[1]boxprodmtp2011271x308[1]l_06921720[1]

Anti-virus + Internet Security + Online remote backup (size varies between companies) and typically tune up tools built in to keep your computer running at peak efficiency which is usually included in Annual Tune Ups costing $70-99 a year.


 

Now the name brand of the Anti Viruses/Malware Protection program you decide to get will provide you slight differences in install time and interface/usability but when purchasing within a retail location the likewise categories will have similar protection levels. Once you set it up properly there is nothing you will need to do besides read any pop up messages when it requires your input.

If you are relying on a free antivirus programs (Avast and AVG being the most popular) keep in mind two crucial things you will be sacrificing.

 

Technical Support

You are not entitled to any customer service because in all reality, you are not a customer. You are a Cyber Guinea pig testing new products/features for a company in exchange for free software. Your computer is simply a test subject to compile data to help improve the paid versions of the companies software.

Real Time Updates

Free programs will not allow you to clog up their severs getting the newest updates so they will be restricted on how often they do so automatically (usually once a day vs. the Up-to-the-Minute Paid service).

 

Those will be the two main differences but there will a ton more in programming expertise, amount of digital signatures known to protect from, compatibility with windows and also with various manufacturers. Incorrect programming could literally stop functionality to the hardware of your machine.

Bottom Line, you get what you pay for. Don't skimp to save what amounts to $0.11 a day on what will cost you at least $200 to fix. It really isn't worth it. If you absolutely CANNOT afford it, use AVG and make sure you only use your credit/debit cards on sites you know are legit (that's means no exclusive Jordan's and Fake designer handbags from over seas).

 

Hope this helps you out, For additional Tech Support including Anti-Virus Install and Virus Removal feel free to hit me up for moderate remote and ship-to fees on Hardware & Software.