StuCoRe Computers, LLC

In the computer world, an ounce of prevention is worth 150lbs. of cure. If you do not have a commercial Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware package installed and functioning properly, you are AT RISK; it's as simple as that. Viruses have mutated to the point where even the most careful can get infected without even knowing it.

Below are some time-tested tips for preventing infection. However, if you need help in eliminating an existing moderate to severe infection, contact StuCoRe for the professional help you need.

Virus Prevention Tips

Some viruses cannot be helped – they just manage to find their way in and cause trouble. However, nearly 90% of infection is caused by user-initiated action.

To prevent viruses, follow the below rules:

1. Downloading FREE media of any kind (music, movies, or even pornography) – this is also ILLEGAL though most ignore this fact.

   1. Therefore, LimeWire, Frostwire, Kazaa, Gnutella, etc. are ALL problematic. If you use these programs, you put YOURSELF at risk for infection. There is NO way to prevent infection by this kind of user-initiated action.

   2. Services like iTunes, Rhapsody, etc. are GOOD. However, you must PAY for guaranteed non-infected material. It is the way of the world and the basics of economics. Those things never change.

2. FREE games from non-trusted sites. Sites like MSN or Yahoo are perfectly fine. Sites like Pogo, Miniclip, and the like are suspect BECAUSE they allow THIRD-PARTY developers to integrated into their site.

3. Visiting relatively-unknown foreign websites. Foreign websites (not just non-English) sites can be very dangerous if they are not top-tier companies. “Drive-by downloads” commonly infect PCs just by visiting the site by your own action.

4. Using services like MagicJack, CouponBar/Printer, or the like ALSO infect your PC with spyware and adware. There is NO way to enjoy the services of these companies without taking along their infections. This is how they make money on the product they either give away or sell for very cheap. STAY AWAY.

5. SEARCH for things you are looking for and click on the links. Google has already pre-screened, for example, bad sites and has eliminated them from their search links. If you just go straight to a website however (like www.whitehouse.com) you will be directly at a pornographic website, instead of the Federal Government's website.

6. When in doubt, stay out. If you are not sure if a certain program, activity, game, or media is free from viruses, just move on. There are hundreds of sources for the same thing across the Internet; there is no reason to take a risk.

7. Finally, be pro-active. If you get infected, follow the information on the “VIRUS SELF-HELP” sheet IMMEDIATELY so you can either eliminate or at least slow down the damage caused by the infection. Also, the sooner you seek professional help the less likely it will cost a lot to repair.

Need help with a moderate to severe infection? Call StuCoRe to help fast!