Street-wise solution to computer viruses

For personal computer (PC) users, viruses represent a headache that is difficult and expensive to get rid off.

Most people use Microsoft Windows operating systems which are popular the world over.

But Windows operating systems and application software like Word and Excel are also the prime targets of viruses that are developed primarily to end Microsoft’s commercial dominance of the software market.

The most common way of fighting viruses is to get antivirus software that cost a few thousand shillings.

But this can lead to a spiralling of costs for individual users since an investment in antivirus software is not a one-off thing but rather a repeat process with no end in sight — stronger viruses pop up everyday.

The few free antivirus softwares for PC users offer protection against common “public” viruses but do not guarantee protection from stronger viruses.

Developers keep on writing malicious software and there have been allegations that some of the anti-virus companies also write virus codes to compel users to buy new updated antivirus solutions.

Sam Wambugu, a developer, says that a street-wise solution can help people deal with viruses at a modest cost.

The concept involves installing two operating systems on a machine.

One is a version of Microsoft’s operating system like Windows XP. While the other is a version of freely downloadable Linux operating systems like Ubuntu.

“The viruses usually attack Windows applications and operating systems while Linux is resistant,” he said.

Wambugu says that once a user detects a virus on the Windows system, he can restart with the Linux OS which will enable him to locate the virus and delete it.

“When using Windows, viruses usually hide their locations to avoid detection. Linux systems will display all hidden folders and if there is one you did not create, you will know it is a virus and delete it,” he said.

Twin-OS solution

There are however certain standards to be met before plunging into the twin-OS solution.

Because the computer will support two operating systems and their applications, it must have higher capacity to meet the increased demand on memory and speed.

For those intending to run the two OS simultaneously, duo-core computers are a must.

Ideally, each OS should be located on its own hard drive.

To successfully install the two OSs on one computer, start with the Windows OS and then the open source system.

“Open source OSs recognise Windows but the reverse is not true. When installing the open source system, it will allows co-existence.”

Apart from the two OSs, some users install two OS from Microsoft to enjoy the benefits of the old and new software.