Virus & Spyware Removal
Is your computer running slow? Giving strange errors? Won't do Windows updates properly? Is your web browser homepage getting hijacked? Is your antivirus program giving you fits? If you have any of these symptoms then it is likely your computer is infected with some type of spyware or virus.
A majority of computer users don't regularly scan for viruses and spyware. What's even worse is the fact that there is no single scanner utility to remove everything. Many times commercial scanners will find an item, only to not be able to delete or clean it. The ability of commercial scanners to find items varies widely as well. Only about 30% of computer users scan for malware regularly, and of those, over 90% use only one utility.
At Union Square Computers, we have a revolutionary approach to virus removal. We start by booting your computer with a specialized version of Windows, one that we have developed in-house. This version of Windows is clean and uncorrupted by viruses or other malware. Then we perform a battery of scans and tests on your version of Windows. Since your programs and viruses are not active during this process so they have no way whatsoever to hide from scanners and removal utilities. During the tests we use a wide array of commercial and proprietary tools to ensure complete removal of viruses from your system.
Our method of virus removal is much more complete than any scan done within the corrupted operating system. Don't be fooled by other companies who claim they can clean your computer up during an afternoon house call - they will be able to remove the "easy" viruses but will leave behind nastier spyware, adware, Trojans, viruses, and even rootkits. Our removal method can take several days depending on how infected the computer is, but we guarantee that your computer will be returned to you 100% free of viruses and spyware - and with the free tools to help you stay infection-free.
Free Antivirus, Free Malware Removal Tools, and Free Optimization Utilities
Disclaimer: We feel that the following tools, when used correctly, can be useful for detecting and removing malware from your system. Be aware that some malware replaces Windows system files, so when infected files are detected and removed your computer may not be able to boot into Windows. Be sure you know what you are doing and refer to each program's instructions before proceeding! If you are unsure of what to do be sure to contact us before you potentially render your system inoperable.
Windows Vista Users: Some programs need you to have administrative rights in order to remove malware. Simply right click on the program icon and "Run As Administrator" to do this.
Before you start installing programs...
Microsoft Update
Your first line of defense is to make sure that Windows is up-to-date. Contrary to what some self styled IT gurus may tell you, the risk of getting infected by running an unpatched version of Windows is much higher than the risk of Windows Update messing up your computer.
Free Antivirus for Windows XP, Vista & Windows 7
AVG AntiVirus Free Edition 9.0
This free antivirus gives you active protection (aka blocks threats as you work). Now comes with malware scanning and protection.
ClamWin
Hands down the best free virus scanner that we know of, though sadly it lacks active protection. However if you think your computer is infected you will find ClamWin invaluable in detecting and removing malware.
Free Spyware & Adware Scanners for XP, Vista, & Windows 7
Windows Defender
This free tool from Microsoft provides active spyware protection. If you have Vista then it should be installed by default.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
One review out there says Malwarebytes tool is like bringing an M4 to a knife fight. This powerful tool is an essential addition to the malware arsenal. How to use MalwareBytes Anti-Malware.
Spybot Search & Destroy 1.6
Spybot S&D is still one of the best tools out there - be sure to immunize your computer if you haven't already!
SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition
This finds a lot of bugs the others programs will not.
Free Optimization Tools for Windows XP. Vista & Windows 7
CCleaner
CCleaner clears out your temporary files (where malware typically gets a foothold), MRU (most recently used) list, cookies, and even performs non-destructive registry cleaning.
Defraggler
This tool defrags your hard drive much more effectively than the defragmentation tool built into Windows.
PageDefrag
This utility will defrag your Windows swap file every time your computer boots and keep things running smooth.
Mac Essentials
Apple Update
Even Macs get the blues! Stay current with the Mac OS X 10.5.8 Update, which patches a ton of security holes and resolves some performance and reliability issues.
ClamXav
This is the best virus scanner for OS X - and it's totally free. Don't be fooled by the urban legend that Macs are impervious to viruses - scan today and find out what is really running on your computer.
Union Square Computers - 260 Union Square Ste 208 - Hickory, NC 28601
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(828) 328.6688
