The first topic I will be discussing is the topic of “Malware”.
Firstly; malware is a blanket or umbrella term used for any kind of software that exhibits any kind of malicious behavior.
For example:
- Key loggers: (the practice of covertly recording and monitoring
keystrokes made on a remote computer,
typically using a dedicated software application.) - Spyware: (Key logging software, software that tracks your surfing habits
and intercepts data such as passwords and login information
in order to transmit to a third party for less than honest purposes.) - Viruses: (A program that enters a computer usually without the knowledge of the operator.
Some viruses are mild and only cause messages to appear on the screen,
but others are destructive and can wipe out the computer’s memory
or cause more severe damage.) - Adware: (software that displays advertisements and is integrated into another program offered at no charge or at low cost or a type of spyware that gathers information about an Internet user’s browsing habits and displays targeted or contextual advertisements.)
Those are all examples of “Malware”.
The shop I work at does a lot “Malware” cleanups everyday, Not to push blame on customer base, however most malware infections are completely avoidable and most often occur during installation of “free” software downloaded from the internet.
Frequently installers will come bundled with other “free” software and this is where
the trouble starts.
Completely AVOID!!!!! ALL software that has words like “Optimizer,
“Fixer”, “Helper”, “Toolbar” and ANY other variant of those terms.
Below is an example of what I would encounter a lot back in the windows XP days, a web browser so tool-bared its pretty much become useless.
The only time you’ll need fixing, optimizing, or helping is if one of these guys gets installed.
IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO READ EVERY STEP OF THE INSTALLER WHEN INSTALLING SOFTWARE.
As you can see in the above sample image the checked boxes. In this case you would select a “custom installation” and the UN-CHECK all of the “Junk” toolbars.
This also includes User License agreements if you can stomach it, because it pays to know what you’re agreeing to
If there are check boxes be aware of what they mean, and again don’t let it install “optimizers”, “helpers”, or anything else stated above.
Another place to pick up nasty’s is free XXX sites there are a few that are safe which I’m not going to cover here, but they do exist.
Finally P2P(peer to peer) software. 
This is used to download movies, music, and software often
illegally. While most P2P software it’s self isn’t an issue it’s a question of the cleanliness of the file being downloaded to your computer over the P2P network. There are also safe methods of doing this but I wont go into it because of legalities.
The above tips will reduce you’re malware infection chances GREATLY! The other thing to consider is what antivirus you’re running, if any.
Below is where I show my true colors of not being paid off.
Avoid 
and 
, which will often come bundled on a new PC because the PC manufacturers will receive financial kick backs for bundling those products on the new PC’s.
Not that these are bad programs but more that they are the big boys on the block and the Malware developers know this.
I remember back when I worked in the call center for a big tech company (we’ll call it “The Nerd Patrol” for legal reasons) I personally saw a piece of malware take a hold of Norton’s live update engine (what Norton uses to make sure its up to date) and then used it to download more viruses.
Now understand, no antivirus is the be all end all silver bullet, however here is a short list of
good commercial grade ones that all have free trials available for download.
For “adware” specific infections use: Superantispyware.
I do have a few more in my arsenal but these ones are fairly decent, and will serve most well.
Lances P.C. Tips 