Antivirus Software is something that everybody is familiar with and many people opt for a built in product like Windows Defender or go for some free Software like Avast or AVG that they hope will give them some additional protection. Other people prefer to pay for Norton 360 or McAfee Total Protection or one of a number of other Antivirus products. Once you have made your choice - can you just leave it there? Many people do so and presume they are automatically being protected against everything that is out there but you aren't. The problem is that Antivirus Software concentrates on Viruses but there is Malware, Spyware, Adware, Greyware, Crapware, Ransomware and Potentially Unwanted Programs to name just a few additional things that you need to be looking out for.
This type of problem is largely nuisance based and you may experience slow performance, annoying pop-ups, being disconnected from the Internet or even experience your Computer randomly switching itself off. Malware can be slightly more malicious but the important thing to note at this stage is that the Antivirus product that you were relying on to do all of this simply doesn't as these are not viruses. You therefore need to manage the situation yourself preferably by being aware of what is landing on your Computer or if not by carrying some routine maintenance.
It may help at this stage to have a slightly better understanding of how you get these unwanted programs in the first place. Downloads are the biggest culprit and if you regularly search for free downloads of music and games you will find these programs getting bundled in with what you are downloading. Free programs have to be paid for in some way or another and it may be that the site you are downloading from have an agreement that one download includes something else that you don't really want. If you are observant you will sometimes spot an unwanted tick in a box and removing it spares you from an unwanted installation, however sometimes the Software just sneaks through and for this reason a regular cleanup is important if you want to maintain reasonable Computer performance. An example of this type of thing although it obviously isn't malicious is when you install Adobe Reader from Adobe's website. You will find Google Chrome being bundled in with the download although if you are observant you can just remove the tick and not download it.
If you are experiencing poor performance or pop-ups and suspect your Computer needs a clean up then this is a Service offered by Churchdown Computers. A full explanation of the programs used is given and you will then be able to manage the situation yourself moving forward. If you are interested in this service then call Mark on 07557 483438, e-mail mark@churchdowncomputers.co.uk or fill out the form at the bottom of theContact page.
