If you are looking to clean your pc, it is obvious that something is wrong with it. Your computer may have collected dust due to non-use, but that can be cleaned with a rag, and does not need the advice of experts on the internet. No, there is something more sinister, which you are at a loss, how to tackle all by yourself. Most computer users running Windows Operating Systems face the problem of a virus or a malware attack, and they need some advice on how to remove the culprit and how to do that the easiest way. For most, the easiest way is also the free way.

In order to remove a virus from a computer system, we must first gain some knowledge of virus and malware, and what they can do to a computer system. A computer virus is a set of computer code or a program, written by some programmer for a very specific purpose. Just like you use the word-processor program or the accounting package in your computer, the virus is also a program or a package which your computer runs. The difference between a virus program and other programs is that, whereas the other programs are designed to be a help in increasing your productivity, a virus program generally detracts from your computer’s performance. That is because it is designed to cause damage, such as a complete blockage of operation, computer malfunction, stealing data, and passing over the computer’s control to an external agency.

Well, if it is so harmful, why have the virus running on the system in the first place? And, how did it get in? These are the two questions, answers to which, are known to only you, the computer owner. Some preventive methods, good and clean computer habits, are a must if you want to avoid answering these two extremely awkward questions about computer viruses.

First you should be aware that computer viruses exist, and they cause serious damage. You should use application software from known and reputable sources alone. Any unknown or unfamiliar program should preferably be investigated before use. Programs carried over by LAN, CD/DVD, or USB Sticks should be properly scanned. Visits to unknown internet destinations should be made with extreme care. Firewalls should be put up to block external intrusions.

As a first level of defense, an anti-virus program has no parallel. Running in the background, it keeps a constant vigil over the type of programs you run, and the sites you visit. Several free anti-virus programs exist in the market place along with the paid ones. Most of the paid anti-virus programs allow you to try their programs for free for a certain number of days before you are required to pay up or remove the software from your system. However, it should be understood that the free anti-virus programs lack the full functionality of the paid versions. Some will detect only certain types of a computer virus and not others, while some will detect all, but lack the power to remove them, and some are in between, detecting some and removing some, at the same time warning you about the remaining virus and what the paid version would have done to them.

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