One of the most frustrating situations a computer owner faces is finding out your system is infected with a computer virus. One of the best ways to avoid getting a computer virus is to install a good antivirus program on your computer and it’s important to update your antivirus frequently to prevent new infections.
Another way to avoid a computer virus is to understand how you acquire them in the first place. Many people have the wrong idea about how a computer becomes infected with a virus, so here we explore the top 10 myths about computer viruses.
1. Websites Such As Adult Sites Are The Most Likely Places To Contract A Virus
Many people feel that those who visit adult sites are at a higher risk of contracting a computer virus. However, this is not true. The fact is that most of these websites have plenty of financial resources to be able to afford the best security measures. You are more likely to get a virus from a personal website, a non-profit site, or even a church website than from an adult site.
2. Not Installing An Antivirus Will Prevent A Virus
A somewhat backwards type of logic, some feel that if they never install an antivirus they will never contract one. They tend to get this idea because they feel that they’ve lucked out so far by not having a virus. Chances are, they already do have a virus if they ever go online. Many viruses operate in the background, quietly stealing your valuable information or damaging your personal files, all while going undetected.
[Read also: The Essentials of Antivirus Protection]
3. Error Messages Automatically Mean You Have A Virus
Just because you are receiving error messages, it does not necessarily mean that you have a virus. Many different reasons besides viruses can cause error messages. Sometimes an antivirus program itself may be the culprit behind the error messages. If you are unable to resolve the problem yourself, it’s best to have your computer checked out by an IT professional.
4. Mac Users Cannot Get Viruses
This is completely untrue. Mac users can and do get computer viruses, although perhaps not as frequently as PC users. Many a Mac has become infected with Malware and Macs are no longer considered to be “virus-proof”.
[Read also: Can My Phone Get a Virus?]
5. Antivirus Is Fool-Proof
By simply having an antivirus program installed on your computer, you are not completely safe. Viruses change all of the time, so you have to keep the program updated. Install the best antivirus software you can find, and update regularly to avoid issues.
6. That Little Antivirus Pop Up Box You Just Clicked On Removed The Virus
If you’re surfing the web and encounter an unfamiliar looking little pop up that claims your computer has been infected with a virus and instructs you to click on it to remove the virus, don’t do it! This is known as the “antivirus virus” and it infects your computer when you click on it.
7. Email Viruses Can Only Infect Your Computer If You Open An Attachment
Sometimes, even without opening an attachment, you can still contract a virus just by opening the email. Even emails without attachments can sometimes transmit viruses.
8. The Big Blue Screen Means You Have A Virus
Almost everyone has encountered the dreaded blue screen that informs us that our computer has crashed. Many people automatically jump to the conclusion that the computer is infected with a virus. In most cases, the blue screen is typically caused by faulty hardware or bad drivers.
9. Reinstalling Windows Will Restore Everything Back To Pre-Virus State
Some users assume that the re-installation of Windows will fix everything back to the way it was before the virus infection. Copying files from a back-up drive can actually cause the computer to become re-infected with the virus, so be sure to scan your documents and data to be sure they are virus free.
10. Firewalls Will Protect Your Computer From Viruses
While firewalls are important and should still be used, know that they will not protect your computer from spyware, trojans, or viruses. Enable the firewall, but don’t depend on it to protect you from viruses.
Conclusion
Do antivirus programs really work? Yes, they do. Choose a quality program that offers valuable features that work along with your personal computer habits is important. Practicing safe browsing habits is essential, and keep in mind that some infections may be unavoidable because new threats appear daily. Keeping the antivirus updated and running is the key to avoiding a virus.
In short?
You are always in risk to get a virus on your computer! 😉
Interesting points, Peter.
Which antivirus do you suggest?
BitDefender 😉
I used to know a guy that would totally erase, reformat, and re-install Windows when his computer screen would flicker a little. I thought he was crazy to go through all that without knowing for certain.
I hear the Apple and Linux people saying all the time that they can’t get virus. I wouldn’t count on that for sure, but if they put that much faith into their system more power to them. I don’t know if I would.
On a side note I see you recommended BitDefender. Have you tried the free version, or know how it compares to the paid version?
I have Norton Internet Security, which is going to expire in a couple of weeks. I have been thinking about trying something different, but I have been thinking about going the free route. That is if I can actually get Norton to uninstall and totally removed. Seems to me I had a heck of a time doing so years ago, but I could be thinking of McAfee for that matter too.
Hi Ray,
The free version of Bitdefender offers the very basic antivirus protection and runs in the background with almost no input required for the user. It’s entirely automated and maintenance free, which makes it a great option for people who want Bitdefender protection, but are not particularly tech savvy or don’t want to bother with configurations. It’s also minimalist in design and light on resources, which means that instead of a traditional dashboard, it opens in a small window in the bottom right corner of your screen when you access the program from your system tray. However, even in this basic format, you are still getting the same unbreachable Bitdefender security when it comes to identifying and blocking threats.
The paid version (Bitdefender Antivirus Plus) comes with a few extra perks:
Safepay – safeguards your online payments;
Vulnerability scanner- makes sure your system is always up to date (and reminds you to upgrade outdated software or install Windows patches)
Desktop security widget – enables quickscans from the desktop
MyBitdefender Dashboard – provides security status information and remote management
USB Immunizer – immunizes flash drives while they are connected to your computer
Safego – protects your privacy and security against social-media specific threats
Wallet – stores and protects sensitive credentials, and more!
Thanks for that info and input Peter. I think I will be giving BitDefender a try. I don’t normally go the free route when it comes to antivirus software, but I have heard good things about the in the past.
[ Smiles ] The biggest rumour was that porn sites were the major contributor of viruses and you shattered that rumour.
Thank you, Peter for another one of your very informative articles!
I have been using Avast! for years now and it’s perfect. Sure, it asks me to upgrade to a paid version from time to time but all in all it’s been flawless. I’ve had viruses while using McAfee and Norton!
My biggest tip is to use an ad blocker – so many viruses come from web sites that if you block the “ads”, many viruses will be blocked.
That and, never run an executable file unless you know what it is!
I’ve always wondered, so I was hoping you could tell me if there really is a big difference between the free antivirus software and the paid versions. Also, I’m currently using Avast free version, and keep getting theses messages saying that a “threat has been detected”. It seems however that it seems like a marketing thing to promote their paid version of the software. I cant be certain though and never wanted to test fate. Any thoughts?
I’m not sure it could be a real infection or it might be a marketing thing just like you said, it’s very hard to tell. However, I would try scanning the system using another antivirus software and see what’s the outcome.
I am glad you have posted this. I have a rather annoying friend that thinks she knows all and was saying about my laptop being dead now I’ve had the blue screen.
I’ve had the blue screen because I abuse my laptop and let it regularly over heat, through no choice.