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Q: My question is about online backup is, if you get a kind of virus or spyware, it is passed along w / regular backups and peuvent- they contaminate the previous entries that backups worthless
a: This is an excellent question, and we've seen happen very frequently. The short answer is, no, you do not contaminate previous backups if your computer is attacked by a virus or spyware. Here's the long answer:
online backup services generally only backup files and program data and not the associated programs. For example, online backup services such as Carbonite and Mozy backup your documents and Microsoft Office settings, but not the real Microsoft programs. Thus, spyware and viruses will not be supported by most online backup services.
It is possible that a document that you might include saving a virus, but the virus in the documents are usually activated only when the file is opened. This is where having an Internet security software, including anti-virus protection on your computer is important. Most security software will scan files as you open them and alert you to any potential threat.
If your computer becomes infected with a virus, we recommend that you follow these steps provided by Len of the support team for customers Carbonite:
When recovery from infection by the virus, my recommendation would be to reinstall your operating system and applications, and in particular a good anti-virus program. Be sure to get the latest virus definition files of the manufacturer of anti-virus program. (This is usually included as part of your subscription, and the latest definition files can be downloaded via the Internet.) After you reinstall your operating system and antivirus software, restore your backup, but be careful not open your documents restored after their viruses.
You can learn more about online backup services by visiting our comparison and review of online backup services.