How To Remove a Virus From Your Computer

how to remove a virus from your computer

how to remove a virus from your computer

Is your computer running slowly or acting weird?

If so, your computer might be infected with a virus. In this article we will cover how to remove a virus from your computer.

Knowing the enemy

If you think that your computer has a virus, you are probably right. However, it’s important to know what you are facing and whether your computer issues are due to another factor.

So the first thing you need to do is scan your computer. There are many free programs out there that will do this for you.

Getting rid of the virus

Don’t worry if the scan pointed out a virus or numerous viruses. The vast majority of viruses can be removed easily. However, you may have to spend some money on a good antivirus program.

There are some good free ones out there, but if you want to ensure that your viruses are removed effectively choose a premium option.

Double-check

Scan your computer again after you’ve chosen your antiviral program. From there you simply follow the directions of your program. Most programs will remove multiple viruses with a click of the mouse.

Unfortunately, it may take hours to remove the virus completely. It’s possible to continue using your computer while the virus is being removed, but we don’t recommend it. Using your computer while it’s infected is not safe and doing so will slow down the virus removal process.

After your program says that the virus has been removed, rescan to ensure your antivirus program has worked effectively.

If it’s still there, you will have to receive support from an IT company. If you need this additional support contact us. We can remove even the strongest of viruses.

What is IT Support?

what is it support

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When small businesses sign up for IT support, they get access to a variety of services. Tech support isn’t any one product or service that you can buy. It’s a complete package that can improve several aspects of your business.

What is IT Support?

We posted a white paper not too long ago outlining all of the features that come with tech support. Here’s a list of some of the standard features:

  • Networking control
  • Email & messaging services
  • Total backup
  • Absolute security
  • Complete server monitoring
  • Unlimited network support
  • Vendor relationship management
  • Hosting services
  • Wireless Networking
  • 24×7 Response

Typically when we talk about our services, we break them down into four main groups:

Network security

One of the biggest challenges small businesses face today is network security. Contrary to popular opinion, small businesses are a popular target for hackers because they don’t typically have advanced security. With IT support, you don’t have to worry about network security, other than training your employees. All of the hardware and equipment are taken care of.

Support

Not only do we constantly monitor your network, but we also offer 24/7 support. That means that if you ever have any problems with your network or technology, you can just call us and we’ll fix whatever’s wrong.

Data backup

In addition to protecting your data from hackers, you also have to back it up to prepare for data loss. Even if you already practice data backup, you may want to consider other options such as cloud computing. We help businesses set an automatic data backup plan so they can set it and forget it.

Communication

IT support also can be used for email and mobile messaging. In addition, although it’s not offered in the package, businesses can also ask about VoIP, a cost-effective alternative to landline phones.

To learn more about IT support, or anything else, please contact us.

IT Support Celebrates The Return of the Start Menu

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Although Windows 8 boasted several improvements to the operating system, its much-loved Start menu disappeared. After much clamoring by users, Microsoft decided to bring back the Start menu for the upcoming Windows 10. (There is no Windows 9.) As your IT support experts, we wanted to let you know of several enhancements that have been added.

  • The left-side of the menu still shows traditional applications and folders. But the right side can include the tiles introduced in Windows 8. You can resize the tiles, add or remove each one, or remove all the ties if all you want is the traditional view on the left.
  • The size of the Start menu is under you control. Move your mouse to the top edge and move it to the top of your screen for the biggest layout possible. You can also move the mouse down to shrink the menu.
  • Bored with the way the Start menu looks and behaves? Right-click any empty space in the menu and choose “Personalize” from the pop-up menu and you can define the background color. Choose “Properties” and you can define everything from the number of displayed items to the way icons and menus look and work.
  • If you want to uninstall a program, there’s no need to do it from the Control Panel. Right-click on the application name in the Start menu and choose “Uninstall” from the pop-up.

Windows 10 is currently being tested so some of these features may differ in the final version. The new operating system is due out in late 2015. If you want more information about Windows 10, need help in preparing your business for the upgrade or have any other IT support questions, please contact us, your IT support experts.

The Four Myths About IT Support

the four myths about it support

Let’s take a moment and dispel some of the misinformation surrounding IT support ae-itsupport . Here are four myths that you can now discount.

IT support is too expensive and your small business can’t afford it

This is one we hear all the time. This is really more of a worry than it is a thought since it doesn’t make too much sense. Overall, there are two reasons why you can afford IT support. The first is that the service itself is cost-effective. It’s not going to be your biggest expense and the monthly bill is predictable. The second reason is that it lets you concentrate more on your business. Our economy is based off of people specializing in what they do best. Let IT professionals take care of your network and focus on your clients and products.

In-house support is better than outsourced support

While it’s certainly more expensive, in-house support is not always necessarily better than outsourced support. Ask yourself what kind of IT support you need in the first place. If it’s just normal everyday stuff, then outsourcing IT support will be just fine. If you’re asking why businesses would choose to outsource support instead, take another look at the first myth.

Businesses don’t need IT support

If your business only has one laptop, a printer, and a basic wireless network, then you probably don’t need IT support. But once you start adding more devices, you have to start thinking seriously about network security. Plus, there are a bunch of other services like cloud computing and VoIP. Your business needs IT support the same way you need Internet access.

IT support teams don’t listen to businesses

We’ve all brought our car to a mechanic only to be ignored when we suggest what could be wrong. We drive the same car every day, so they should probably hear what we have to say. We keep this same mentality when working with businesses. Whether you have a problem with your data or you need advice about which IP phone to buy, we’ll listen to you before making a decision.

To talk more about this, or anything else, please contact us. Thanks.

IT Support: How a Conflict of Interest Affects IT Expenses

it support how a conflict of interest affects it expenses

 

IT support teams understand the technology

There’s often a conflict of interest when it comes to IT-related purchases. In the end, it all comes down to who’s making the decision and what he or she values to be the most important. Sometimes this isn’t the best option for the entire company.

IT spending should be left to IT teams. They understand the technology best and know exactly what the business needs to upgrade in. Their decisions should be verified by the accounting team, of course. It’s a system of checks and balances that keeps expenses under control.

In some companies, the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is in charge of IT spending. This is presumably because they want to decide which marketing software the company uses. A recent CIO article explains how this scenario can lead to a spending catastrophe:

“When CMOs take control of IT spending, then they may well move fast and break something. With budgetary responsibility comes the responsibility for things like security, scalability and performance. The first time the systems go crashing down because they can’t scale sufficiently, or for whatever reason, the CMO is going to have to go looking for help from the CIO.”

If your business doesn’t have an IT team, don’t just put a random person in charge of IT expenses. Chances are they don’t know the equipment well enough to make a prudent financial decision.

If you need advice or consultation, consider getting in touch with an IT support team. They understand the technology and can tell your business what needs to be upgraded and what you should buy. If you already outsource your IT support, then make sure you contact them before making any major technology purchases. All of this is in the best interest of your business.

If you’d like to talk more about this or anything else, contact us. Thanks.