I Repeat: Protect Your Computer from Malware

I see this time and time again. Some poor sap fires up their computer to search for some needed information and Sweetpacks, MyWebsearch or some other insidious piece of crapware has taken over the computer. They don't know how or when this happened, but their frustration is no less pronounced when they cannot get to the information they need because of the multitude of ads these programs promote. Not only that, but the amount of fake virus attacks and "warnings" they create serve to scare computer users and cheat them out of their hard-earned money by selling useless "protection" programs. Consumers are literally being hijacked in their own homes and businesses by cyber-criminals exploiting the huge loopholes in today's essential computer software and operating systems. Microsoft is a magnet for virus creators, whatever the cause. As a result, every computer user working with Windows-based machines is a target for cyber-crime. Now the prevalence of software-bundling program installers is making it super easy for cyber criminals to install malware on the computers of unsuspecting consumers. In cyberspace, "free" has always carried a price. Now crapware is really upping the ante on "free" software. Consumers who download "free" software from almost every software depository on the internet are now forced to use that depository's installer to set up the software. These installers are usually loaded with bundled malware programs, some of which are so persistent that they won't take "no" for an answer. Clicking "decline" on some of these malware programs tricks consumers into installing the crapware on their machines. The bottom line is that whoever you are and whatever your purpose for using a computer, if you are connected to the internet (and who isn't), you MUST protect your computer against Malware. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT rely on Windows' built-in firewall to protect your computer. It is a joke to cybercriminals. Windows Explorer, despite Microsoft's efforts to make it safer, is a highway for crapware infection. Bing is a parallel route. Fortify your computer with alternative browsers such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox (just examples) and reputable anti-virus programs such as Malwarebytes, Avast and AVG (examples). Do your research. There are tons of reputable antivirus programs available; some of them providing really free but effective, limited versions. Avoid those "free scan now" ads like the plague they are! My parting advice to you, dear reader, is to run a weekly anti-virus and malware scan of your computer system every 3 days to ensure that insidious malware infections do not colonize your machine while you are sleeping. Note that NO antivirus program, despite its propaganda, is 100% virus-proof. It is a good idea, from my experience, to install and use at least 2 trustworthy scanners. I would currently recommend Malwarebytes and Avast or AVG. But you are the ultimate judge of what works best for you.