Virus and Spyware Removal
Virus: Computer viruses are small, self-replicating computer programs that interfere with computer operation. The effect of viruses can range from negligible to devastating, depending on what the virus program does when it runs. A virus might, for example, corrupt or delete data on a computer, spread itself to other computers, or even install a malicious program. (Source: http://its.ucsc.edu/security/policies/glossary.php#v)
Spyware: Computer programs that typically track your use and report this information to a remote location. The more malicious spyware programs may capture and report keystrokes, revealing passwords and personal information. Users are often tricked into installing spyware programs without their knowledge. Spyware is sometimes referred to as adware. (Source: http://its.ucsc.edu/security/policies/glossary.php#s)
Virus and Spyware programs can be the cause of a number of symptoms on your PC including:
- slow response time
- no internet access
- unwanted or inappropriate web pages displayed
- firewall and anti-virus software turned off
- hardware device failure
- complete system crash
If you suspect your PC has been infected by a virus or spyware software, Yarosh Consulting can determine if your system is infected and take the appropriate steps to clean your computer of the virus and spyware software. Depending on the seriousness of the infection, we may be able to clean your system onsite. If the infection is deemed to require more agressive action, we will bring your system back to our office for a thorough cleaning.
During the cleaning process, we will save any data that we can access and attempt to restore your system to normal operating conditions. Sometimes a complete reinstall of the operating system is required to ensure that the virus is completely removed. In this case, you must provide Yarosh Consulting with the original operating system install CDs if not provided on a separate partition on your hard drive.
Rates for virus and spyware removal vary depending on the severity of the infection. Most cases do not require a complete Operating System reinstall and will typically run around $150. For those cases that require a complete Operating System reinstall, expect to pay up to $240.