ANTI-VIRUS

Anti-Virus and other threat protection for your devices is important for the health and well-being of your computer as well as the protection of your data.  At Concept Computers we offer the industry-best in anti-virus, anti-malware and threat protection.

Need to renew your anti-virus?  Please call 604-986-7680 and we will remotely renew your anti-virus and complete a check-up of your computer.  Or, drop off your computer to 1257 Marine Drive, North Vancouver for a full check-up, cleaning and anti-virus renewal.

Looking to purchase an anti-virus program for your computer?  Please call 604-986-7680 and our staff will advise on the best course of action.  Typically, we can install the anti-virus program remotely as well as ensure your computer is clean and properly up to date.

Anti-Virus FAQs

What is a Computer Virus?

The term "virus" or "computer virus" refers to anything unwanted or harmful on our computers. A virus is a piece of code or program that, when executed, it modifies other computer programs and inserts its own code. The term "virus" is often misused to refer to other types of malware. "Malware," along with computer viruses, refers to many other forms of malicious software, such as worms, ransomware, spyware, adware, trojan horses, keyloggers, rootkits, bootkits, malicious browser helper objects and others.



Can I add an anti-virus program if my computer already has a virus?

The short answer is no. Due to the nature of viruses and how they hide themselves on your computer, an anti-virus program is unable to fully detect and remove a virus or other threat once it has already infected your computer. Properly and completely removing a virus or other malicious software from your computer requires an experienced and professional hand. Simply scanning an infected computer or downloading free tools that claim to remove viruses (often adding to the problem by actually downloading malicious software) usually misses the infection entirely or causes damage to the operating system. As it can be difficult to define exactly what type of infection or malicious software is on your computer, it is also difficult to choose right tool or procedure for removal. The only way to guarantee a clean machine is to choose an experienced technician. A good technician will ensure your data is safely backed up before, proceeding to the next state of repair.



How to protect myself from a virus?

The only way to 100% protect one's self from a virus or malware infection is to completely stay off the internet. This is not realistic for most people, so what can we do to keep ourselves safe? First, you need to start with a good antivirus program. Not all AV programs are the same, and stay away from anything free (you do get what you pay for). Many anti-virus products available today are simply unable to handle today's constant onslaught of viruses and malware. Badly designed products can also seriously effect your system's performance. At Concept Computers, we are constantly evaluating the very best solutions available. Secondly, smart browsing and email practices are a must. Searching for info and then clicking on random results is one of the top ways people get themselves into trouble. It is important to ensure you are clicking on legitimate websites and links. Downloading unknown email attachments (or clicking links, a practice known as "phishing") is another common way people get themselves infected. If you are unsure of the sender or the message contents, do not open it! Increasingly, scams are becoming more and more prevelant and sophisticated. Rule of thumb, Microsoft and other major companies will never contact you or pop up on your computer saying there is a problem. Never call a 1-800 number that appears on your screen or email, and never let someone you don't know access your computer remotely. If you are ever in doubt, or feel that something may not be quite right, call a trusted computer professional such as Concept Computers at 604-986-7680.



Do Macs get viruses?

The short answer is yes. There is a common misconception that macs don't get viruses. Macs are just as vulnerable as any other computer to viruses and malware.



What anti-virus program is reccommended?

At Concept Computers we research the best anti-virus program throughout the year to ensure that we are offering you the best protection on the market. Many factors are taken into consideraion when choosing an anti-virus program and our reccommendation may change year to year. Currently Concept Computers uses Emsisoft Anti-Virus/Anti-Malware program and our Concept Support combines full anti-virus and threat protection combined with our remote support and on-going maintenance program.