Help, I Have a Virus!

These are some simple instruction for removing viruses from your computer, assuming you are running Microsoft Windows.

1. Download and install Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware.  There is a free version that is available for non-commercial (home) use.  There is also a paid version that provides realtime protection (scanning of all files and websites before they are opened) and is licensed for commercial use.  If you frequently have virus problems (or if you have teenagers) I would recommend purchasing the paid version.

2. Download and install the 30 day trial of AVG Anti-Virus.  (The link on the AVG website moves around, so if it is broken you can find it from their home page.)  When you install AVG, use the custom options and deselect anything referring to their Web Filter, Link Scanner, Anti Spam, Content Filter, Firewall, Browser Toolbar, and anything along those lines.  In my experience, antivirus programs make really poor web/spam/firewall filters and AVG is no exception to that rule.  You'll also want to uncheck the scheduled daily scan.  There is no need to scan the entire system every day (which will slow down your computer for several hours) because it is already scanning every file every time it opens.  After 30 days you can pay for AVG if you choose.  There is a free version of AVG available, but it is only licensed for non-commercial (home) use.

After installing both of these programs and running full scans, if your computer is still having problem you may have an infection that requires the assistance of a trained computer technician.  However, in my experience, about half of all viruses can be automatically removed by these two pieces of software.