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Why is My Computer Running Slowly?
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The most accurate way to describe the multiple threats to your computer is to call them “malware” or malicious software. Malware can be a virus, a worm, a trojan, a spy program, or even a hoax that gets you to do the dirty work by forwarding the information to everyone you know or deleting a necessary or useless file from your computer. Vulnerability to some of these threats can be lessened with good virus scan and firewall programs as well as good computing practices.
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It isn’t enough not to open e-mail attachments from someone you don’t know. There are many more ways that your computer can become infected. In the end, it is important to remember that malware is a part of computing life. This is unfortunate. However, we don’t stop going to the grocery store and business meetings because we might catch a cold from shaking hands or touching a piece of fruit someone else has touched. It is the same with malware on your computer. Don’t let it stop you from going about your business.
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Keep your virus scan program and Operating system updated--you are only as protected as your last update. Know what to recognize when malware may be slowing down your system. Run programs regularly that clean off or delete trojans, spybots, adware, and dialers. REACT when your computer starts behaving differently! Don’t just assume it is ok when you see a window pop up for something your have not installed. REACT when new tool bars show up in your browser and new files show up on your desktop.
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My grandmother always said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When you did get sick, a day of rest in bed and chicken soup was in order. The analogy holds. Be vigilant with updates, back up your documents, and when something does get a bug-take the time to fix it and heal up!
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