We got a question from one of our readers that we thought we would answer in a post:

Can I fix a computer with a virus on a shared wireless network without it infecting my other computers?

When a virus attacks a computer that is part of a shared wireless network, concerns about infecting other computers are definitely valid. Some viruses are network capable, but viruses, worms, and Trojan horses generally infect computers independently and are primarily spread through the web via Internet browsers.

The best course of action for repairing a computer infected with a virus connected to a shared wireless network is to immediately disable the connection once a virus is detected by the software. This action will have to be performed by an authorized administrator. Make sure that all file sharing capabilities are also disabled because others may be able to access the computer in this way, which could cause the virus to spread.  To ensure that all computers connected to the network are safe, it may be best to turn off all the computers while the repair is being made.

Once the computer is “independent,” follow the instructions of the virus software to quarantine and delete the virus. Next, the computer’s functionality should be checked to see how much damage was done. Surprisingly, most viruses are caught by virus software before they can inflict any harm. In the cases where viruses do cause damage, the damage is usually noticeable and may include the inability to access any files.

Each computer should have a complete virus scan to ensure the virus did not spread. Also, make sure the virus software is up to date and the firewall is active. Remember, most viruses spread through the internet, not through networks. However, it certainly never hurts to take these precautions and be safe rather than sorry when dealing with a virus-infected computer.

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