A computer virus is a destructive program that spreads itself from one computer to another via emails, file attachments, chat clients or the Internet. Once your computer is infected, your hard drive can be filled with useless programs, wiped clean of its contents or incur a total system failure. Removing and preventing viruses from infecting your system is a two-part task: you must install an anti-virus program, and you must beware of files and programs you are opening and downloading. There are several free virus removal tools available for getting your computer up and running again.
Avast! Virus Cleaner
One free virus removal tool is avast! Virus Cleaner---a program that is small in size but scans every area of your system and removes any viruses along the way. Avast! Virus Cleaner starts by checking your computer's memory and wraps up by restarting your system and disabling any viruses currently running. Use the link in References to download a copy of the free tool.
A-Squared Free
A-squared Free is a free spyware and virus removal tool. Not only does this program remove destructive programs from your system, but it also monitors your system for incoming viruses and spyware. A-squared Free scans for any viruses and spyware at the same time so your system is not bogged down with two separate scans. To download the free virus remover, see the Resources section.
Avira AntiVir Personal
Have an older system that is infected with viruses? Download Avira AntiVir Personal is a program geared toward removing viruses from older systems as well as newer ones. To download, see the Resources section for a link. Avira AntiVir can also be used in Safe mode in case you can't get your Windows operating system to start up.
BitDefender Free Edition
BitDefender Free Edition is a virus remover and full-time virus scanner that also stops future virus infections on your computer. You can set the program to scan for viruses at a certain time or set it to scan a specific folder or file immediately. BitDefender Free Edition does require an Internet connection that is always active. To download the tool, see the Resources section for a link.
Tags: your system, your computer, Avira AntiVir, BitDefender Free, BitDefender Free Edition