One of the worst things to happen to computers is when they acquire spyare/malware/adware.  These terms are used to describe the unintentional, unwanted, and unjustified installation of applications that can cause many problems for your computer.  Spyware might consist of less harmful tracking cookies which are meant to track your every move on the Internet.  Some tracking cookies can record the information you type in online forms (maybe when accessing your credit card account) and then sending that information back to the spyware author.  Obviously that can be very dangerous and is one possible way to have your identity stolen.  Other forms of spyware come in the form of applications that mysteriously show up on your computer and wreak havoc possibly causing your computer to stop working.  Nothing is more frustrating than trying to use your computer and having 50 popups appear for some off-the-wall antivirus program that you never installed.

There are various ways in which you can rid yourself of spyware.  And no buying a Mac is not one suggestion I will make.    Recently I have been using a program called Malwarebytes.  This handy, and free, application seems to be able to rip through most spyware and eliminate it in their tracks.  There are many options available to you for scanning and removing spyware.  I will link to those other solutions at another time.  For now, check out Malwarebytes.  Even if you are not having any problems, I would download the program and scan your computer anyway.  Remember, it is free and you might be surprised at what it finds and is able to remove.

Good luck!

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Mark Blair
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