For many computer users, an up to date anti-virus program is a must have and is worth paying an annual subscription for. Anti-virus software programs are constantly running in your computers background looking for computer viruses, bugs, worms other malicious malware issues. The software will often connect with a database to stay up to date with the latest version.

However, what happens if despite paying for the latest anti-virus software, your computer still becomes infected and breaks? Whose fault is it? Who will fix it and what options are available? In this simple guide we will explore what to do next?

My anti-virus PC still got infected?

Unfortunately despite being constantly updated and improved, new software viruses can still get through even the best anti-virus program. Computer hackers, fraudsters and even computer terrorists are constantly creating new software bugs and malicious viruses that will target your computer along with millions of others around the world.

While anti-virus software programs work hard to keep out 99.999% of computer viruses, there is no such thing as 100% virus free guarantee. This is because a brand new virus can expose software loopholes quicker than the anti-virus can patch it. Even if the best anti-virus companies can identify and protect against a new virus within minutes, the virus may have already damaged thousands of machines before it was detected.

My PC is broken from a Virus; will the anti-virus company fix it?

If you are unlucky enough to be hit by a computer virus, even though you have paid for the latest version of anti-virus software, then you will still not be able to hold the company responsible. As part of all software user agreements, you will find that the anti-virus company will state that they cannot be held responsible for any rogue viruses or damage caused.

The easiest way of thinking about this is to consider your car’s seat belt. If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident the seat belt may save your life. However your seatbelt does not guarantee 100% that you will not get injured. Anti-virus is a prevention tool, it does not provide a 100% virus free environment unfortunately.

What should I do now my PC has been infected?

If your computer has been infected, your anti-virus provider should still be able to assist you by offering a selection of virus removal tools. All of the major anti-virus companies offer their customers free virus removal tools, which can often be downloaded on their website as long as you can still access it of course. Here you should also find other useful tools such as reporting malicious software or websites where you believe you became affected. This should help you fellow computer users and improve the effectiveness of your anti-virus software. If you are really stuck with your virus infected computer, then you may find that your anti-virus company may offer a remote assistance telephone repair for an additional fee.

Is Anti-Virus software still worth paying for?

Yes. Even though no program can offer 100% anti-virus protection, the software is still worth paying a subscription for. Without relevant anti-virus protection your computer could be at risk to millions of viruses, bugs and worms than could compromise your data, files and even financial details such as credit card numbers. The key to anti-virus software is ensuring that you set the software to instantly update on a regular basis. The real fault of a computer virus attack: is the hacker who created it in the first place.