What is malware?

We all know about a virus, or worms that can infect our email and send unwanted emails to all in our address books. Some of us have had our PC taken over by some rogue program that will not let us use our computer unless we buy the "program" to fix it. These are the most common forms of malware.

But there are numerous forms of malware with terms like; trojans, rootkits, phishing sites, email scams, tracking cookies and so on. Some are used to try and steal your credit card and banking information. Some want to steal your identity! Some are used to track everything you do when you are connected to the internet (toolbar programs are notorious for this) so they can "personlize" advertising for you and steer you towards what "they" want to sell. All are considered malware and all are best stopped BEFORE they infect your PC.

The anti-malware program Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is one the best around for stopping malware before it can infect your PC. Along with an anti-virus program, it rounds out your overall protection and keeps you surfing safely.
You can find numerous anti-virus programs (often for free) on our Tools & Downloads page. The program from avast! is very popular and overall a very good product. There is a free version of avast! if all you need is basic anti-virus protection.