• You know the symptoms: listlessness, strange behavior, and even though you’ve got the headache, you’re not the one with the bug – your computer is! So what’s the problem? Yes, your computer probably has a virus and a possible case of spyware. Here’s the cure, courtesy of Real Simple magazine.
• Here is the rundown on what these things are exactly. Viruses are codes that infiltrate your computer, usually through email attachments. If your computer is newly sluggish, or if people in your email address book receive messages you didn’t send, chances are your computer has a virus.
• Spyware is software that’s secretly installed by advertisers via pop-up ads. It monitors sites you visit and floods your screen with pop-up windows.  

 

So, how to you get rid of these virtual poisons? Well, a program like Norton AntiVirus will kill both types of bugs and guard you against new attacks. If it’s just spyware, you can run a program called Spybot Search and Destroy! It’s free if you go to Safer-Networking.org. From now on, DON’T click on pop-up ads! No, not even for the free iPod. Don’t open any email attachments from strangers. If you do want to open an attachment, scan it first by saving it to your hard drive, opening the software, and running a manual screen. This’ll help make sure the future prognosis on the health of your computer is excellent.