Are You Infected with Malware?

Malware is the name that is given to generally bad programs that can not be classified as a virus. A good example of this is "Win XP AntiVirus". Once this program finds a way to install itself on your computer, it sends a pop-up window telling you it has detected lots of viruses and you need to go to their website and buy their software to remove it. If you check your add/remove programs, you wont find this software listed. It hides itself all over your computer making it very difficult to remove.
 
Because it looks like any other program and does not display the characteristics of a virus, Antivirus programs don't generally detect this kind of software on your computer. In order to detect this type of a program, you will need to install an anti-malware program. One of the best ones out there (it is totally FREE right now) is called "Malwarebytes". 

Some of the pay-for anti-virus programs like Norton/Symantec and McAfee have versions of their software that also help against malware and spyware but you pay a premium each year for that protection. These do not guarantee that your computer will remain virus and malware free, so why pay for them? The average internet user is just as safe using a FREE anti-virus program like AVG or Avast and partnering it up with Malwarebytes as they would be if they paid $50 a year for the big name all-in-one solutions.