Does Windows 7 Get Viruses?

In a word … Yes! Windows 7 gets chased by viruses in the same manner that XP and Vista still does. It can in fact get both virus and malware infections! We have already begun to have Windows 7 based computers trickle into our shop for virus and spyware removal. The virus removal business is still going strong, but it is our goal to equip and educate you to prevent these problems … for we are the Good-Guys!

I admit that I totally hate Vista, and although Windows 7 is vista-like, I am more than happy with Windows 7. As for those new Windows 7 internet surfers that got infected already, I will have to say that these internet surfers probably let their trial antivirus products expire, or never activated it, all the while practicing the same ‘ole risky internet surfing habits they did before, no matter what operating system they had. In other words…it could have been prevented. You would be surprised how many people rely on “hope” to prevent getting infected. You might get away with “hope” protection if you have a Mac, but that is only because the virus perpetrators are not targeting Mac users, not because they are immune (which they aren’t), but because Microsoft is the defacto standard for government, business and most consumers.

Infections and Windows 7 Upgrade Issues

I have installed Windows 7 Ultimate on 3 of my computers so far and am more than satisfied. While I have heard of people having issues even upgrading, I’ll bet that they had some form of malware infection, application or driver incompatibility that they didn’t resolve before upgrading. Please run and heed the results from the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor before actually upgrading. And by all means, don’t try to upgrade an infected computer!! It could prevent the upgrade from installing properly and you may just end up with a broken computer.

Moving on…Windows 7 boasts a much improved version of its built-in firewall, scaleable User Account Control, as well as Windows Defender for malware protection. If you have no or expired antivirus software, you might at least install Microsoft Security Essentials which is available for free from Microsoft. I haven’t seen enough computers using this product to form an opinion yet, but as I usually say, freeware usually only offers “basic protection”.

So although the threats are still out there, Windows 7 is a bit harder to infect and when it does get infected, I can say that it is much easier to disinfect than the same infection on a Windows XP computer. With that said, why not learn more about prevention. Use a Standard User account for your internet surfing, make sure you use multi-layered protection with at least 2 top-tier antivirus and antispyware products. You can also compliment this protection with links scanners, firewall and anti-spam products. An always do your homework before clicking that link, and if you download anything, right-click the file and scan it with whatever security product you have before ever opening it.

AntiVirus and AntiSpyware Recomendations

Since viruses and spyware seem to be like death and taxes these days, why not protect your investment this year with 2 top-tier products that I personally recommend and use myself. You can even try them for free!

ESET Nod32 Antivirus or ESET Smart Security Free 30 Day Trial

Use one or the other, but not both. Never use more than “one” antivirus product on the same computer

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SUPERAntiSpyware Free or SUPERAntiSpyware Professional Free 15 Day Trial

Free version is a passive scanner while the Professional version provides active real-time protection. Only use “one” active antispyware product on the same computer.

Free McAfee SiteAdvisor

Free SiteAdvisor software adds “green-yellow-red” safety ratings to your browser and search engine results.

So, although Windows 7 can get virus and malware infections, you can prevent them easier than ever before with a few good security products and some internet street smarts. The software you can get now, but you need to keep checking back to get the street smarts. So why not just sign-up for our Free Newsletter to keep informed. Till then, thank you for checking in…

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