Want to throw my computer

[sinnfein]

So it seems like all of a sudden today my computer got slammed with a bunch of viruses. So I went to get a new virus program but found that I can't get it installed cause there is a virus affecting the installer program, the auto run feature also doesn't work now, so instead of trying to fix it I'm just going to buy a new one. I have been using my phone for my internet access all day now at lay its faster than my computer was (the computer is like 5 years old anyway) any reason to get a new computer I guys. well thanks for letting me ramble a bit

-dan-

[Slartibartfast]

If you just use your computer for browsing, email,etc... consider loading something like ubuntu or linux mint. Faster and more secure.

[ndw76]

Ever wanted to know what was inside? Now is your chance. All you need is a big screw driver and a hammer.

[mainaman]

if you can reinstall the OS with full dis format you will be fine.

[ScoutHikerDad]

Yeah, I know what you mean. I'm typing this on a desktop computer that is at least 6 years old, but it still works (sometimes!). As we upgrade and replace our laptops, I let my 13-year old budding engineer "work on" the old ones. It's always interesting to find the various parts laying around his room.

And speaking of upgrades, still trying to figure out if I like the new/improved forum. Probably in a week I'll forget it changed at all. Thanks site developers and administrators for all your work. Aaron

[TheZ]

That's rough man if you were closer I'd offer to help! Is it the one that pretends it's antivirus software that's been going around?

Try restarting in safe mode, then do nothing but open your antivirus and see if it works.

[JimmyHAD]

If you just use your computer for browsing, email,etc... consider loading something like ubuntu or linux mint. Faster and more secure.

+1. Had a virus disable my up to date Norton anti virus program, disable the Windows restore feature. I got a program online, can't recall the name and wiped the hard drive completey. Lost everything but got rid of the virus. Loaded Linux Ubuntu and no problems for the past 5 or 6 years. Nice to get away from dependence on microsoft.

[sinnfein]

Yea it pretends its an anti virus, tried starting in safe mode but that didn't work, glad I have most of my stuff backed up on externals. Just a couple things I need to transfer when I get a new computer, just afraid to transfer the virus.

-dan-

[Slartibartfast]

If you have the ability to burn a cd. You can download Knoppix, then boot from it and scan you windows drives for viruses.

More info, I guess there are some other options other than Knoppix too.
http://www.linuxjournal.com/content/...indows-machine

[LX_Emergency]

I always wonder what it is that people do that they get all these virusses. I don't remember getting one in at least 5 years. And even then the virusscanner did it's job and picked it out before it could do harm.

First I'd have a look at what activities you do on your computer.

Do you play games a lot or run a lot of native windows programs for which you can't find any substitutes (if you've even looked. There is a VERY large open source community with LOADS of programs out there) then stick to windows....back up what you can, scan it very well and re-install the complete shebang.

Do you use wordprocessors, e-mail, internet, maybe some light photowork and/or audiowork.
Get a version of Linux, like Ubuntu, Linux Mint of one of the many other flavours. They're great, not at all difficult to come to grips with (the basics at least), work faster than most windows versions (at least on my PC no windows has ever run as fast as linux the time that I had it), are more secure and are completely free.

For your average PC user that doesn't do any hardcore work I highly recomment Linux over windows.