The point of this blog entry is brutally simple -- to give our clients some easy-to-use advice on how to battle virii, trojans, spyware, and other malicious software (malware) from infecting their PCs.

As some of you know, keeping a Windows PC free from malicious software is a constant battle. Between Aunt Mae's unknowingly virus-infected emails, little Sally's forays into less-than-legal music downloading, to Mom's need to check out the latest flash games from crazy-games-that-will-infect-your-pc.com, it's a wonder that our PCs stay as clean as they do.

But what happens when your PC gets infected? Obviously, you can call us at Open22, but before you do, there are a few things you can try.

1. Download and use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to try and remove existing infections. This is a simple, easy to use, one-click install and cleanup utility that has one of the best anti-malware removal tools around. And best of all, for basic home consumer use, it's free. http://www.malwarebytes.org/

2. Stop using Internet Explorer. No, really. Right now. Stop using it. Avoid it like the plague. Treat Internet Explorer like the gateway to the open cesspools of malicious Internet content that it is---lock the door and throw away the key. Switch to Mozilla Firefox as  your primary Web browser. Because it's open source, and is monitored by the user community, Mozilla is far, far less vulnerable security exploits.

3. Educate yourself on the Windows Security system. Many rogue spyware programs these days try to mask themselves as your Windows Security system, making you think it's your Windows that's causing the problem, not the spyware itself. Don't fall prey to these scams.