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yungman
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This is the second time my computer sent a lot of email out to my friends, what do I have to do to fix it?
It might not be a virus - it might be that someone has hijacked your email account, and is sending out emails on your behalf. If that's the case, you need to reset the password on your email account. You should also contact customer support for your email account.yungman said:This is the second time my computer sent a lot of email out to my friends, what do I have to do to fix it?
Windows 7 can use Microsoft Security Essentials for free and it is quite good and fast. Along with something like MalwareBytes which is also free it should be all you need. If you do need better protection it's best to spend more money and buy something better than Norton or McAfee which are just generic commercial products not really any better than what comes free with windows 7.r4z0r84 said:Change your password, i have had the exact same thing happen to myself, phishing scams and so forth get sent out to my whole contact list, protect yourself by not opening any emails that you do not know the sender.
If its something on your computer, i personally use MalwareBytes and AVG as they are free, if you want to buy anti virus, Norton 360 slows down your computer the most, Norton Internet Security is slightly better, if i was to purchase an anti virus i would go with Trend micro though. as i am not an average user i do not use any anti virus as i use firefox and abp to block all untrusted websites/images/flash plus i have my email account set to exclusive meaning all mail goes straight to my junk mail box, so i only ever get mail from people i trust and know.
yungman said:I finally managed to change the password. My question now is how can I check the computer to be sure that the virus is not in the computer?
There are a few signs that may indicate your computer has a virus, such as slow performance, strange pop-up ads, and programs opening or closing without your input. You may also notice unusual error messages or programs that you do not remember installing. It is always a good idea to regularly run a reputable antivirus program to scan for and remove any viruses.
There are several ways your computer could have gotten a virus, including downloading infected files or programs, clicking on suspicious links or ads, or opening email attachments from unknown senders. Viruses can also spread through infected USB drives or other external devices. It is important to practice safe browsing habits and always have antivirus software installed and up to date.
If you suspect your computer has a virus, the first thing you should do is disconnect it from the internet to prevent the virus from spreading. Then, run a full scan with your antivirus software to identify and remove the virus. If the virus has caused significant damage or your antivirus is unable to remove it, you may need to seek professional help from a computer repair specialist.
Yes, a virus can cause significant damage to your computer by corrupting or deleting important files, stealing personal information, or even rendering your computer completely unusable. Some viruses are designed to spread to other computers and can cause widespread damage. It is important to regularly back up your files and have reliable antivirus software to protect against these threats.
The best way to prevent viruses from infecting your computer is to practice safe browsing habits, such as not clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from unknown sources. It is also important to have reputable antivirus software installed and updated regularly. Additionally, keeping your operating system and other software up to date with the latest security patches can help protect against known vulnerabilities that viruses may exploit.