Spam, ahh!

[Eugenia Gabrielov]

Originally Posted by Lowfategg

Get Avg Free, Windows Defender, and Adware SE, install them, run them, and be happy!

Lowfategg has the right idea!

When you visit sites, you often unintentionally allow third parties to download information onto your computer. Some of this information is, in theory, harmless. Most of it will slow down your computer and cause pop-ups, if not create sketchy access to your computer.

1) Download those applications ( I strongly recommend Adware) and run an initial test. Get rid of everything you can that is spyware, virus, etc.

2) If you don't already have a back-up (you might consider doing this prior to downloading anything at all) - make a back-up drive or CD of all of your important documents. Stuff for school, work, family, etc...whatever you need and feel is important to you.

3) If you are running into a particularly unique virus that you can't get rid of, try to find a good tutorial or instruction for it online. There are often multiple resources for this - make sure yours is credible. Be careful with editing your registry as well, especially if you have not done so before. You could destroy your computer.

4) Lather, rinse, repeat! Vigilance is key. Good luck!