In order to keep your computer running smoothly and save a lot of time and troubleshooting it is important to keep your computer free of Malware.  When your computer becomes infected with viruses, spyware, grayware, and other forms of Malware it begins to run slower, you can loose data, experience random errors, and even infect other computers using the same ISP (Internet Service Provider) as you.

What is Malware/Viruses/Spyware?  Click on the link below to read about what these things are and how they can affect you and everyone on your network.

Below are some links of Free Virus/Spyware scanners that can help you detect and remove current infections on your computer.  Remember Viruses and Spyware are not always detected by the same program.  It is important to have both a Virus program and a Spyware program or a program that specifically does both to insure you catch and stop all infections.  Below are only a few links to programs that can help you detect and remove current infections.  There are several other products on the market that you can also use.

Aside from routinely running Anti Virus and Spyware scans on your computer there are things you can do to avoid getting viruses and spyware.  The most common viruses are attached to emails.  Never open email attachments from someone you don't know, even if it is an email claiming to be from a bank, credit card company, ISP Administrator, Paypal, etc.  There is lots of junk email out there claiming to be from someone they are not. 

Downloading things onto your computer is another common way to get infected.  Only download things from trusted sites. 

It is very common to have a small amount of spyware on your computer and sometimes even if you are careful you can still pick up some form of malware, keeping up to date antivirus and spyware programs with the latest definitions and running them regularly is your best defense against Malware.

Windows Customers should search for and download Windows Updates regularly.  Microsoft is constantly fixing bugs in their software and making it more secure; keeping up on the latest windows updates will keep your system running smoothly and software working properly. 

Microsoft Office Users should also search for and download their Office Updates Regularly.  Microsoft is continually fixing bugs in the Office Programs, keeping up on their latest updates will keep your office products such as Word and Excel working correctly.