[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by OldDave

I'm really sorry for you folks that have been hit. It is difficult to avoid, but here are a couple of suggestions.

Nearly all of the commercials you see on TV and on line for cleaning your PC are fraudulent. At best they just tell you your computer is infected to sell you their service. It isn't really infected and their service doesn't do anything. At worst they do download viruses. Most viruses are aimed at making you go to websites you don't want to, often porn. The company that got you there gets a fraction of a penny for each computer it directs there. They destroy your computer for a little money.

The only reliable antivirus companies are well know ones like McAfee and Norton. And unfortunately, in my experience they miss more than they stop and really slow down your system. I actually don't use any and am just very, very careful.Another important this is to avoid web sites that you do not know. And certainly don't respond to any popups no matter how interesting they are.

Don't forward files as attachments,and don't open ones you receive, even from friends. These files are often harmless appearing...cute pictures,jokes, etc. But they contain harmful stuff. Set your security on your browser on high.

I would suggest you use Google or Yahoo for mail. Their software seems to catch stuff pretty well.

Finally, my son the programmer would tell you only to buy Apple products. I'm still on PCs, but he is right. Apple doesn't have many problems. And I would suggest you explore an iPad. I think for many folks our ages they can replace a computer and they are safe from viruses. They are cheaper too. I got my wife one for Christmas and she has stopped using her laptop and uses it exclusively.

Just some ideas that I hope are helpful.

Best of luck.

Thanks for your suggestions but the red highlighted statement is where I disagree.

There are many free anti-virus software packages that can be run on a PC to do a good job of protecting it. MicroSoft Security Essentials in addition to Malware Bytes will help protect one's PC but no one is totally immuned from viruses. One can get a virus from many sources so it does pay to be careful
and be protected to some degree.