Unless you’re a sadistic computer geek, chances are that you’re not interested in reading a mass of boring details on how to prevent computer viruses or remove a computer virus. You simply want to protect your system. The good news is that you only need to follow a few easy rules and daily routines in order to guard your precious information. I promise not to shower you with a long list of boring details; instead, I’ll provide you with a short list of boring details. I’m merely pulling-your-leg wise grasshopper; I’ll try to keep this tutorial short and sweet.

To begin, we’ll review a list of “Things That You Probably Shouldn’t Do.”  This isn’t a complete list by any standard, but it conveys the general message.

1. Don’t open emails or email attachments that are sent from an unknown source. Email attachments are the most common method used to transfer viruses. If you’re not familiar with who sent the email, simply don’t open it; place it to your spam folder.
2. Never run Free System Scans that are provided by an unknown source. For instance, you receive a message from an anonymous service warning you that your system may be infected with a virus. The service is offering a free system scan that utilizes their software; you decide to give it a try only to realize that the scan is actually downloading a virus. In order to have the virus removed, you’ll have to pay a fee. There are number of free applications that you can utilize to perform a system scan. This is reviewed in more detail later.
3. Never download free toolbars or applications that you aren’t familiar with. Generally, free applications, toolbars, and the like are merely Adware or Spyware applications.
4. Avoid Adult Websites! (Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to... Well, you know the rest).
5. Never fill-out web forms or give personal information to an unknown source. For example, you receive an email from the FBI telling you that they’re interested in pursuing you as a candidate for employment. However, in order to start the application process, they’ll need some personal data that includes you social security number, date-of-birth, bank account information, etc. Don’t do it! (believe it or not, I’ve actually received this type of email).
6. Never ever run Windows ME as your operating system (I suspect that Windows ME is a virus in of itself – ha, ha).

Even after doing everything within your knowledge to protect your data, you’re system may still become infected. Listed below are some common signs that computer is almost certainly contaminated:

• An unwanted toolbar or application continues to attach itself to your web browser (even after you try to delete it).
• Several programs or applications appear on your system that you didn’t install.
• Your system is extremely slow.
• You system is bombarded with pop-ups and ads.
• Strange audio messages are coming from your computer speakers.
• Your system displays various error messages when you try to shut it down.
• Your system continues to spit pea soup at you while calling you foul names (I can’t help it, I gotta have some fun when I’m writing).

Now that you suspect that your system has been contaminated, you could employ the assistance of free virus detecting software (antivirus programs). In all my years of providing desktop support, I’ve never utilized any single antivirus program that was able to remove every virus type. The truth is that you’ll need more than one program as each has its own limitations. I utilize the following programs:

• AVG 8.5 (Free)
• Avira AntiVir Personal Edition (Free)
• Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (Free)
• PC Tools Spyware Doctor (Cost)
• SuperAntiSpyware (Free)

If you’re interested in downloading any of the free antivirus programs listed above, simply click on the corresponding link. I also encourage to you utilize at least one payment-based antivirus program (one of your choosing), as they generally provide a level of protection that’s not available in free programs. A list of some of the best payment-based antivirus programs has been included at the end of this article.

Because I made a promise not to bore you with too many details, I decided not to include instructions on how to download any of the applications; the process is fairly straightforward. It’s simply a matter of following a few basic instructions that are provided during the process.

Also, toward the end of this tutorial, I included a number of videos that should help you along the way.

Important Note: I encourage you to run a system scan for viruses on a daily basis. When a threat has been detected, remove it immediately regardless of how serious it may or may not be. It’s a good idea to include this procedure as a part of your daily computing activities.

Before you start watching videos or downloading applications, it may be wise to gain at least a fundamental understanding of common computer viruses. This is not a thorough explanation of viral types, but should serve as a good introduction.

A computer virus is essentially defined as “A program that has the ability to reproduce itself, or self-replicate.” The following provides a brief description of five common viral types; Spyware, Adware, Trojan Horses (or Trojan invasions), Malware and Worms.

Spyware is by far the most common viral type, and is used to monitor the computing activity of a user. Adware is essentially a type of Spyware that’s used to monitor a user’s internet surfing habits.

Trojan horses aren’t designed to self-replicate and therefore aren’t viruses in the traditional since, but are harmful programs camouflaged as helpful solutions, or add-ons for your existing software. Trojans are especially dangerous as they’re usually intended to steal personal information, or damage your computer at a predetermined date or time.

Malware is used to damage system data, or interrupt computer system functions. Like Trojans, Malware infestations are extremely nasty due to their ability to alter your systems registry (the system registry stores settings and options for your operating system).

A computer Worm differs from a traditional virus in that it can run without a host (a computer on a network). A customary virus needs a host program or computer program to run; the virus code runs as part of the computer program on the host (computer). Conversely, a computer Worm can spread exponentially throughout a computer network without a host program.

Great, you’ve almost come to the end of this tutorial. If you'd like more information about antivirus programs, a list of some of the best payment-based virus removal programs has been included below.

In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to view 5 videos on how to remove computer viruses by utilizing some of the applications mentioned earlier.

Thanks for reading my brief tutorial on how to prevent computer viruses; I sincerely hope that the information was helpful. I welcome your feedback!