The term “Malware” is an amalgamation of ‘Malicious’ and ‘Software’. It usually refers to software that infects your computer similarly to a virus, but often disguises itself as seemingly innocent add-ons like browser toolbars, fake antivirus programs that demand money, and other unpleasant interruptions.
What’s the point of malware?
The people who make malware do it for many reasons, but the most common ones are to collect your personal data or direct you to websites they own to make money through advertising.
What are the symptoms of a computer with malware?
• Sluggish performance
• Being redirected to websites you didn’t mean to go to
• Unwanted messages
• Advertisement pop-ups
• Requests/demands for money
• Odd warnings/alarms
• Unwanted toolbars in your internet browser
• Too many search bars
What can you do to prevent malware?
First, Make sure you have good anti-virus software (they can prevent most of the basic malware), and then install a malware detection and removal tool, then use it to scan and clean your computer.
Top free anti-malware tools
1. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 3.0
Considered to be the BEST anti-malware tool today. It was invented by a young man who hated how complicated older tools were, so he created his own and it has since become the easiest, most used and most effective tool on the market, providing 99.9% malware protection.
2. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
Bitdefender’s free antivirus comes in a close second after Malwarebytes' tool, but while it offers 98.9% protection, it also serves as antivirus software. Install it on a computer without a pre-installed antivirus software and enjoy its double protection.
3. Microsoft Security Essentials
Microsoft offers this malware and virus protection for free, and it has a good reputation as a tool that will remove most malware from your computer. If you’re using Windows 8 (or higher), you don’t need to download it as it’s already pre-installed on your computer.
Images (including cover) by Deposit Photos.
4 Chrome Address Bar Icons and Their Hidden Meaning
Chrome address bar icons have plenty of hidden features that you may not be aware of. Let’s find out more about them.
Make Your Life So Much Easier with These Awesome Websites!
Discover 12 of the handiest websites around, that you'll find yourself coming back to again and again.
5 Useful Tips to Optimize Windows 10’s Microsoft Defender
Windows 10 users should take note of these helpful tips to unlock some of the little-known features of Microsoft Defender.
Learn to Avoid the Most Common Scams on the Internet
As we navigate the internet, there's a minefield of scams that we have to avoid that could potentially explode in our faces. Here are the 25 most common.
Google Is Watching You - Here's How to Stop It
Stories about Google watching you aren't really that far removed from the truth as you imagine. Here's how to use Google's My Activity page.
Windows Paint Can Do a Lot More Than You Think! Here's How
Although Windows Paint seems like it isn't capable of very much on first glance, there are actually many things that it's capable of. Take a look at this guide.
Don't Like the Standard Apps on Your Phone? Get These!
Here are 6 brilliant apps, that'll blow the free ones that come with your phone out of the water!
IPhone vs. Google Pixel: The Superior Choice?
Are Google Pixel phones the better choice over iPhones? Let’s find out.
Make Your Browser Safer With This Handy Guide!
Make your browser more secure by following these easy tips.
Your Computer Mouse Can Do Much More Than You Think...
Knowing how to use your mouse can make computing so much easier than you ever realized. Here are some great tips on how to maximize the use of your mouse, which will increase your overall productivity on the computer.
These Free Tools Will Help You Download Any Video Online
These free tools will help you download any video online.
The Best FREE Health Apps That Can Transform Your Life
Keep yourself healthy this year with the help of these great apps.
Get the Most Out of Google Photos With These Tips
These useful tips and tricks will help you get more out of Google Photos.
FYI: 7 Simple Ways to Avoid Hacking and Identity Theft
The internet is an amazing tool and a fun opportunity to add to your knowledge, it's important to remember to have fun while keeping yourself secure and safe from identity theft. These are the basic habits you need to have to keep your online identit
These Shortcuts Make Using My PC SO Easy!
Shortcuts make life easier in many parts of life, and computing is no different. Here we'll show you how your keyboard can be used to speed things up.
How to Make Your Windows the Most Safe & Secure
Take advantage of the following video tutorial to gain comprehensive knowledge about all the crucial security and privacy settings available within Windows software.
5 Programs You Should Remove from Your Computer
This article specifies 5 programs that most people don't need on their computers and how to get rid of them.
5 Ways to Get the Most Out Of Your Security Systems
Learn some useful tips in this article that will let you know if your security system is working efficiently or not.
Protect Your iPhone Today With These Handy Tips
Protect your privacy and improve your iPhone’s battery life by disabling these settings.
Struggle to Remember Your Passwords? These Tips Will Help
Passwords can be difficult to remember at times, but here are some tips that will help.
Computer Guide: Windows 11 Shortcut Keys!
Learn the best shortcuts for Windows 11 using your keyboard. From taskbar to screenshots, learn it all.
The Best Media Player Alternatives for Your Computer
Looking for a solid alternative to VLC media player? Here are some replacements that might help.
Your Phone Battery Doesn’t Last All Day? This Might Be Why
Is your phone's battery dead again before you know it? Here are 8 potential causes that could be draining your phone's battery life...
Guide to Chat GPT: What It Is and How to Use It
This beginner's guide to Chat GPT will help you take your first steps in using this helpful chatbot.
Safeguard Your WhatsApp Account With These New Features
Protect your WhatsApp account with the recently released security features by the messaging giant. Find out more here.
GUIDE: What to Do if Your Online Accounts Have Been Hacked
If you suspect that your account has been compromised or if it becomes evident that it has indeed been hacked, there are certain steps you should take.
Samsung vs. Apple: Who Has the Better Smart Watch?
In this video, we look at the best iWatch and the best Galaxy watch to compare and see: who has the better smartwatch?
Is Google Going to Demand Payment for Its New Searches?
Google might start charging for access to search results that use generative artificial intelligence tools.
No Antivirus? Try These Free Online Virus Scanners Now!
Don’t have an antivirus installed? No problem. Try these free online virus scanners instead.
Easy Ways to Watch Content from Your Phone on Your TV
Cast and screen share your phone to your TV with these tips.
Visit an Ancient Map Collection With Thousands of Works!
Visit this great, free collection for an enlightening journey through the annals of cartography.
If You Aren’t Doing these Things, Your PC WILL Wear Out...
All the basics of computer maintenance.
These Red Flags Indicate That a Shopping Website is Fake!
With online shopping being more prevalent than ever, scams are also on the rise. These are 8 warning signs that a shopping website is fake.
6 Secure Search Engines You Can Use Instead of Google
Google isn’t the only search engine you have to use.
This One Computer Key Is Used for a Myriad of Shortcuts!
The 'Win' key is usally thought to only bring up the start menu. It actually does a whole lot more. Get a load of these dozens of shortcuts!
Can’t Download Facebook Videos? Just Watch This Guide
Want to download some videos from Facebook? This guide will help.
My Email Has Been Hacked! What Should I Do Next?
Don’t panic if your email has been breached. Just follow these steps to secure yourself.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use Chrome Remote Desktop
Chrome Remote Desktop can be pretty useful for those who want to control their PC or Mac from their phone, tablet, or other computer.
Beware! 10 Tech Scams That Could Target You in 2024
Beware of these dangerous scams in 2024.
7 Ways to Send Text Messages From Your Computer
Why use your phone to send an SMS when you have these awesome free websites?
New to Spotify? These Easy Tips Will Help You Get Started
New to Spotify? Here’s everything you need to know about the music streaming service.
The Most Useful Keyboard Tricks for Microsoft Word
These Word Tricks are guaranteed to make you a master of typing!
The Best Mac Keyboard Shortcuts You Haven't Been Using
Every Mac user should know about these useful keyboard shortcuts.
There's a keyboard Shortcut for Nearly Everything Here!
These shortcuts will cut down the time you waste fiddling about on the computer, and make you into something of an expert.
These Free Apps Turn Your Photos Into Beautiful Paintings
Your photos will look artistic with the help of these free apps.
Photo-Perfect: Learn How to Use the Basics of Photoshop
Whether you're looking to enhance your personal photos or create compelling graphics for your business, our Photoshop tutorial is designed specifically for you.
ISPs Know Everything about You. Here’s How to Stop Them
What VPNs are, and who offers the best VPN service