Every week, I get calls to remove computer viruses.  Most are harmless, but occasionally I run across something that even I can’t get rid of.  When that happens, here’s what I have to do to fix it:

1. Remove the hard drive from the infected machine.
2. Connect the hard drive to another machine that has good anti-virus, the latest virus definitions, and the auto-run function completely disabled.  I use a USB to HDD adapter so that I don’t have to open the case of my own PC.
3. Scan the infected hard drive and remove any viruses that are detected.
4. Create a temporary folder on the scanning PC to store data.  If there are multiple accounts on the infected computer, you’ll need to make sure you copy the data for each user.  If Outlook or Outlook Express are used, you’ll need to dig deeper to backup these files.  Hint: They are stored in hidden folders.
5. Once you are certain that you have backed up everything that your dumb friend (I’ll get to that in a minute) or customer might want, reformat the offending drive.
6. Reinstall the drive into the original computer.
7. Reload the operating system.  Microsoft is getting good at saying “no” when it comes to licensing.  There are many different ways to get an OS back on the PC.  You are on your own this time.
8. Copy the backup data back to the now clean machine.
9. Explain that each program will need to be reinstalled.  Yes, your data is still there.  It’s worthless without the programs that created it.

I have to admit that I spared you from the gory details, and how long it really takes to do all of this.  I don’t mind doing it because there’s nothing on TV anyway, and it keeps my paws out of the refrigerator.  I should probably mention that I won’t do it for free either, especially for friends and family.  They are usually the hardest to please.

So what does any of this have to do with getting your own computer?  Most people blame a sick PC on someone else.  When I boot one up and see that there are six accounts, I just shake my head in disgust.  Face it people, computers are cheap now.  Buy Junior his own computer.  Your computer is your lifeline with the outside world.  Chances are that there are few days, if any, that you’re not using your computer.  The data contained within is private.  If you’re like me, you probably pay your bills, manage your bank account, log in to social networks, check your email, store your videos, music, and photos, get the weather and news, and do your taxes, all with this magic box.  Why would you share it with anyone?

Each time someone uses your computer, you are putting your data and your identity at risk.  Your kid thinks that Limewire will get him the latest crap from TI (I have no idea who that is by the way).  What he may be doing is sharing everything about you with the entire world.  Joe the Terrorist also uses Limewire.  If he happens to stumble across your banks account or social security numbers, he’ll probably use them to fund his next suicide mission.  I can’t stress this enough:  LIMEWIRE IS BAD!  That’s just one example of how the bad guys can get you.  You were just being nice and that’s exactly what they were betting on.

MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter can also threaten to your computer.  Personally, I use Facebook and have never had a problem with it.  My daughter hasn’t been so lucky.  One day, her computer instantly notified her that she was infected with sixty plus viruses.  All she needed to do was enter a credit card number and all would be right again.  She couldn’t do much of anything until Daddy came to the rescue.  She was a bit confused about my silly grin as I got another chance to be her hero.  She was using HER computer when it happened.  I cleaned it up for her and didn’t have to worry about my data or my identity.

Allowing others to use your computer can cause other problems too.  Years ago, a friend stopped by and asked if he could check his email.  He was on my PC for about ten minutes.  Later I discovered that my icons had been rearranged, my background and screensaver had been altered, and my browser was now missing all of the controls at the top.  Needless to say, that was the last time he touched my computer.  The guy actually thought he was doing me a favor because that’s the how he likes HIS computer.  Dude, if you’re reading this, please don’t do me any more favors.

As stated above, most computers contain way too much personal data, which could be damaging if lost or stolen.  Back it up often and don’t give others the chance to compromise your privacy.  One of my favorite things to tell my customers is to treat your computer like you treat your spouse.  You wouldn’t want someone else on your husband or wife would you?  Why would you let others on your computer?

If you’ve purchased a new computer over the past couple of years, chances are it contains Windows Vista.  If so, you are one of millions who has experienced slow startups, frequent reboots, hardware and software incompatibilities, and more frustration than any owner of a modern-day computer should ever have to face.  To make matters worse, there doesn’t seem to be much help with these problems.  Take a fast, quality computer, load it up with Vista, and for some reason, it becomes slow and problematic.  To remedy the problem, you have only a couple of choices.  You can reload it with Windows XP or patiently wait around for the next operating system.

Let’s say you want to downgrade to Windows XP.  The first step would involve locating drivers for Windows XP.  Some companies, such as Sony, only offer drivers for the operating system that shipped with the PC.  In most cases, with a little patience, those drivers do exist.  Knowing where to find them may be a bit of a challenge.  If you are able to locate compatible drivers, the next step is to locate an install CD and a new license key for Windows XP.  TigerDirect.com still offers Windows XP OEM ranging from $89.99 to $139.99, depending on which version you want.  Most people will be happy with Windows XP Home at $89.99.

So, you’ve got drivers and you have an XP installation CD.  Now what?  You’ll need to backup your data.  You’ll also need to expect some software to be gone forever.  Most of those little programs that shipped with your computer will not be available for free if available at all.  You’ll need software for DVD playback, CD/DVD burning, and for other hardware such as printers, scanners, cameras, etc.

At this point, you should be ready to convert from Vista to XP.  This is where my advice stops and hopefully your own knowledge of computers takes over.  This may seem like more trouble than it is worth, but when you consider how many problems you’ll avoid in the future, you may just change your mind.  Another option would be to have someone do it for you to save time and prevent costly mistakes.  I can help.