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When your computer is acting up all of a sudden for no reason you may be infected. If you are receiving odd file errors, programs running differently, internet homepage changed, pop-ups or other ads, then this a good hint you need to get it fixed. Here are the different types of infections on a computer :

Adware : Advertisements or pop ups that are displayed while on the internet or your computer is running.

Spyware : Spyware is a file or files that are on a computer and gather information from it, hence the name “Spy”ware. These files can gather general computer information, internet history & information, keystrokes, and in some cases other higher risk things.

Virus : A file or files that infect your computer. These files will usually spread around the whole hard drive and will cause errors, delete programs, delete windows files, and other harmful things to your computer. In some cases viruses may not be as critical but still take your precautions.

How do you get viruses, spyware, or adware?

Just by going on the internet without protection can get you into these messes. Installing files that you are not sure where they are from, bad web sites, bad e-mails, and many other ways.

How do I know if I am infected?

· Computer is running very slow all of a sudden
· Windows is taking forever to start up
· Ads are popping up on your desktop
· Programs run that you have never seen and act in funny ways
· Programs you have used in the past are acting odd, things are missing, etc
· Internet homepage has changed without you doing it or you cannot change the homepage
· You are redirected to websites you did not enter in the address bar
· Favorite list or bookmarks have sites you didn’t add
· Computer seems to be loading quite a bit when not in use
These are just a few things to look for.

How do I remove and prevent infections?

· Install a good Internet Security software (Make sure it includes Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware, Firewall, etc., Norton Internet Security works good. There is also some free software under our “Free Downloads” link at the top.
· Make sure you have the latest Windows Updates
· Remove any programs or files that you do not need or look to be suspicious
· Check your Startup programs for odd files and remove them
· Turn on your Windows Firewall or firewall from software if you have it
· Run FULL system scans at least once a week
· Try scanning for infections in Safe Mode if the computer is really bad
· Watch what sites you go to and what you download
· Just use your common sense, don’t click things that you are not sure of, check with someone who knows computers before making a big choice your not sure on

That’s it and I hope this helps!

Turning on your Windows firewall can give you some extra security for your computer. It is usually on by default but if for some reason it isn’t or you just want to check to make sure, follow these simple steps.

1. Click “Start”
2. Click “Control Panel”
3. Click “Network and Internet Connections”
4. Click “Windows Firewall”
5. Here it will show you if it is turned on or off

That’s it! Fast and easy.