Just about every computer operator and Internet "surfer" has experienced the nightmare of "spyware", unwanted popups, virus and "adware" causing corruption and destruction of their computer operating system. Even to the extent that their computer was made completely unusable! Actually, there is a whole family of "hacks" that interfere with our normal use of our computers on the Internet.  Actual  "virus" infection is rare, but the term is now commonly used to refer to a wide varity of  "malware"  (I  call it  "Badware")  software  that is designed to  get our attention to try to sell us something. These parasites slowdown the computer operating system. Any computer that vists the internet may have HUNDREDS of these "infections" at any given time!

Lucky for us, there are "Goodguy" computer code "hacks" as well as the "Badguys"!  Over the few years that I have been editor of  eNEWSFREEPRESS.com , I have learned about  a number of the "Goodguys", some really  great programers that have some great programs available.  Most of the "badguys" that capture your computer and hold your browser for randsom really just want your MONEY! None of the really well intended "antivirus" programs will use the malware tactics they claim to delete to sell you their product! If you see an ad on your computer POPUP and claim to "SCAN" your computer for free, it's really a "SCAM"!
This is especialy true if you can not DELETE or close them out. Just shut down or "restart"
your computer. DO NOT LET THEM DOWNLOAD anything to your hard drive!

There are 2 types of programs in common use to detect, protect, "clean" or remove malware from your operating system. Also one utility to reorganise your hard drive and one to "clean" your "registry" (that's the core of your operating system). The registry becomes corrupted with normal use, but even more so with malware infections. Here are the 4 recommendations to "clean up" and maintain a PC in good, like new operation:

1. Avast antivirus program (free version) (yes, that IS Avast, as in AVAST matey, and a bucket of RUM!). Most antivirus programs have a "free" version. This will have limited functions and is offered free for home use. Depending on your application, this free version will be fine for home use. Download and follow instructions. You do have to get a free license, but it is easy.  We have been using this for several years now at Publish Internet and are very pleased with it!

Update: We have outgrown Avast, we are now using VIPRE, a pay antivirus software from
Sunbeltsoftware.com We had it installed by: http://theelectronicgeeks.com
Randy and his Dad provide a very reasonable expert computer repair service online. Check them out! They guarantee repair or no charge! Randy installed VIPRE for me.


2. Spybot Search and Destroy!  Caution!!! Spybot has been corrupted! DO NOT USE IT.  If you have it on your computer, DELETE IT! This is just what it's name suggests! An automatic utility that searches, finds and deletes all kinds of malware!  Download and use it once a week, be sure to update about once a month.

3. Defragmentation of your hard drive. This is a utility that is already in your windows program!
here is the path to defrag:  (  > means left click on mouse) path = >start >all programs > accessories > system tools >  Disk  Defragmenter  >  Defragment
wait for utility to run, sometimes this takes some time. Windows  breaks up  files, they become "fragmented" or scattered all over the hard drive.  This  utility  reorganises  or "compacts"  files, allowing computer to run faster.

4.Registry cleaner(s): None recommended, best to back up your files weekly, then delete and reinstall your operating system if it can not be made operational with system RESTORE.

All of these programs have a check system feature, Avast and VIPRE and most other anti-virus update is automatic online.

There are many offers of "antivirus" programs online, many work very well, BUT! Watch out for the SCAMS, those that not only do not work very well, but will infect your computer with their OWN brand of MALWARE. After fighting the battle of "blue screens" and lost files, we turned it over to the experts. Check out The Electronic Geeks next time you have computer proplems.

Free report by:

William Hawk,
editor@eNEWSFREEPRESS.com
President, Publish Internet

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