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REMEMBER - You get what you PAY for...don't be fooled into thinking you are protected against viruses/spyware by 'free' software. They either don't work well or they will 'expire' after 30/60/90 days leaving you unprotected. The notable exception is Windows Security Essentials, which because of the huge customer base of windows, gets and deals with many virus/malware problems effectively.
***UPDATE***Read PCWORLD reviews below for more info.
Please note: Per PCNET AVG Anti-Virus Free (Pro version $5) does do an effective job with android OS based phones.
WHAT DO I RECOMMEND for AV2011 type Malware removal?
For windows based systems I run a combination of Windows Security Essentials (free) and Malwarebytes ($25 OTC).
If you're not running windows, e.g. Linux, Solaris, Unix, you'll need to go a website specific to those operating systems.
Your PC at Home will offer some experience based info on Ubuntu (linux) anti-virus options, but not Solaris or Unix.
Android phones opinions are based on PCNET reviews. Personal experience opinions to be added.
If you're running windows anything earlier than Windows XP you'll probably need to purchase a new computer whose hardware supports Windows 7. If possible check to verify that the "64bit" version of Win7 is supported. The "64bit" version will allow you to use more than 4GB of RAM. Win7 and most graphics applications highly benefit from more than 4GB of RAM.
If you have an XP based system, since Microsoft no longer sells XP, I'd suggest you upgrade to Windows 7 before you do anything else. If you've bought, or are planning to buy a new computer check to see if they include at least Windows 7 Home. Windows 7 PRO/Ultimate are useful for more intensive computer users but not needed for casual email/social networking.
Some Definitions (Wikipedia):
Antivirus software is a term used to describe a computer program that attempts to identify, neutralize or eliminate malicious software. This type of software is so named because the earliest examples were designed exclusively to combat computer viruses; however most modern antivirus software is now designed to combat a wide range of threats, including worms, phishing attacks, rootkits, trojan horses and other malware.
Spyware is computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer, without the user's informed consent. "Take control" usually means preventing you from doing things to remove the spyware, e.g. use "Control Panel".
Spam (electronic), unsolicited or undesired bulk electronic messages. There are many types of electronic spam, including
- E-mail spam, unsolicited e-mail.
- Mobile phone spam, unsolicited text messages.
- Forum spam, posting advertisements or useless posts on a forum.
- Spamdexing, manipulating a search engine to create the illusion of popularity for webpages.
- Spam in blogs, posting random comments or promoting commercial services to blogs, wikis, guestbooks.
- Newsgroup spam, advertisement and forgery on newsgroups.
- Messaging spam ("SPIM"), use of instant messenger services for advertisement or even extortion.
Pop-up ads or popups are a form of online advertising on the World Wide Web intended to increase web traffic or capture email addresses. It works when certain web sites open a new web browser window to display advertisements. The pop-up window containing an advertisement is usually generated by JavaScript, but can be generated by other means as well.
SECURITY RULES
#1 Don't go without an anti-virus program. It's worth the investment. An anti-spyware program is HIGHLY recommended in addition to the anti-virus or combined in a "Suite".
#2 FREQUENTLY Backup files that you create to a CDrom.
#3 Keep ALL CDs and documentation that came with your computer together in one place where you can find it easily.
#4 Don't try to do a 'restore' mentioned below by yourself. Let me show you how the first time.
OK, now let's get started...
If you want to get rid of annoying pop-ups...
Windows Internet Explorer (IE), Yahoo, Google and AOL have a "Pop-Up-Blocker" which may be of some use. Try activating it. If that doesn't work try 'managing add-ons' for IE.
If you're getting messages about 'spyware' remember that your anti-virus software usually won't detect or get rid of it effectively. Read the PCWORLD articles above on this. Spyware removal can be much more complicated than virus removal.
If you want to get rid of Spam, the process depends on which email service/program you are using. Outlook Express, AOL and YAHOO email all include anti-spam functions. Remember that NO anti-spam service/program is perfect. You'll have to update it frequently.
I get a message saying my computer is infected with a virus.
If you are running an anti-virus product, McAfee, Defender Pro, Norton...
* Make sure your product is updated and current. If you haven't paid a yearly fee, or any fee, you've probably got a trial version whose trial period has run out. If your license/fee is current the product should be updated automatically. Verify that the update succeeded before going further.
* Run a 'full' or 'complete' scan of your computer
* If you cannot run your anti-virus tool but can use windows - uninstall your anti-virus tool then reinstall it from the original vendor's CDs and run a full/complete scan.
* If you are running Windows XP and can download and run new software, download the Windows Service Pack 3 (SP3) + latest security updates. Keep running 'windows update' untill there are no more windows updates to be run. You get to windows update by clicking on Start/All Programs then find windows update and click it.
* if the have done the above without success, you need to buy and run Malwarebytes mentioned above to fix the problem. You may need to call me to schedule a house call to run it successfully.
* If you are running Vista or don't know what operating system you have please call me for a 'house call.'
I have a 'blue screen?
You've hit the jackpot. If you don't have a backup of your files even if you do a 'restore' or 'repair' in most cases you won't get your personal documents and pictures back. You have a lot of work ahead of you. I have special tools that can recover your personal files from your hard drive IF you haven't reinstalled windows or otherwise formatted the hard drive. You'll still need to rebuild your operating system, but at least you can recover your personal files.
If you have a HP/Compaq, IBM, Gateway or E-machines desktop running Windows XP you can restore your computer to its 'factory install' condition. This means that unless you've backed up your personal files to a CD you'll lose all your personal files that you've created since you purchased the computer. If doing a restore is your only option each computer manufacturer does it differently. Get support from the company you purchased the computer from to learn how to do the restore.
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