Malware and How to Get Rid Of it

Malware is now a common plague of computersin the web page itself.
these days and has become more common than thePeer to Peer File Sharing Software.
conventional virus. The purpose of this article is toPeer to Peer software used to download illegal music,
explain to you the concept of Malware, the variousvideo and software is a Malware creators dream. A
types of Malware and what to do when your PC getslot of the files available on Peer to Peer networks
infected by it.have Malware hidden with them or are not the files
What is Malware Anyway?you were expecting at all.
Malware is a malicious piece of software designed toPopup Messages.
damage your PC or spy on your computer activitiesIt is possible to use what is known as IP Popups to
without you knowing about it. What follows is a list ofinfect your computer. IP Popups can be sent strait to
common types of Malware and their descriptions.your computers IP address bypassing popup blockers.
Adware.These popups are usually disguised as Windows error
Adware is one of the less harmful forms of Malwaremessages asking you to 'Click Here' to remedy the
which will display a popup advertisement on yourerror. When you click the button you are executing
computer when your not expecting it.Malware.
Virus.Instant Messaging Software.
A virus is designed to hide within other executableThis may be a surprise to many of you as instant
software and to become active when the hostmessaging software is becoming very popular.
software is activated. It will self replicate and placeInfection usually happens when sharing files with
copies of itself into other software or documents. Thispeople so be careful who you share files with.
can cause an increasing infestation of you PC andNetworks.
cause all sorts of damage.Computers on a network can all get infected from one
The Worm.computer as data is passed from computer to
A worm is a self replicating and self executing Viruscomputer. That is why all computers must be
specifically designed to send replicas of itself to otherprotected with a firewall and Antivirus software.
computers over the internet. It will also use yourMaking Your Computer Immune to Malware.
computer and your internet connection to launchUse Internet Securities Software
malicious attacks against other computers.The most effective way to protect your computer is
Ransom Ware.with good quality Antivirus and Antispyware from a
Ransom Ware is used to extort money from thereputable company like Norton or McAfee. It is not
computer owner by locking up important files on youradvisable to use free Antivirus software as these
computer and displaying a message demanding adon't tend to be as effective and can also be Malware
certain sum of money to get your files unlocked.disguised as antivirus software. Which ever one you
Trojan Horses.use just make sure that you keep it regularly updated
A Trojan Horse as the name suggests is disguised asand remember to renew your yearly subscription.
or sometimes hidden inside other legitimate software.Remember, out of date antivirus software is
They usually get on to your computer in some form ofcompletely useless.
free software downloaded from the internet.Always use a Firewall.
Spyware.Windows XP and Vista both have a firewall built in and
Spyware is designed to monitor and record all of youryou should have them switched on. If you have a
keyboard actions, computer usage and internet activitygood internet securities program this will have a
including passwords and credit card details and sendsFirewall included which should be used in favour of the
them to the maker of the Spyware usually via email.Microsoft version.
Symptoms of an Infected Computer.Use Windows Update.
One of the first signs of infection is a markedUpdate regularly to ensure you have all the latest
reduction in speed and performance of your PC.critical security updates. Microsoft are releasing
Sometimes even appearing to pause or hang. Anotherpatches all the time to close up security holes in their
is that windows will behave erratically and unstable.operating systems.
You may experience popup windows when you don'tCuring your Infected Computer.
expect. If you have a good antivirus program it shouldAll Antivirus and Internet securities software will be
inform you of the presence of Malware and offer toequipped to remove Malware easily. If you set them
remove it for you.up to do so they will remove Malware automatically
How Does my Computer Get Infected.and then inform you once the offender has been dealt
Email.with.
If you receive any email from unknown or unexpectedA Word Of Advice.
senders make sure that you scan it before opening itVisiting illegal or immoral websites will increase your
with your antivirus software and if you have anylikely hood of becoming infected considerably as these
doubts don't open it.sites tend to be set up and frequented by people who
Websites.have no scruples and will think nothing of infecting your
Browsing some websites that are suspect can lead tocomputer along with many others.
infection because the Malware can be hidden as code