How to Get Rid of Malware Threats

Malware infections can do serious damage to your PC or laptop. Malware can slow down your computer, remove files from your computer and even prevent you from being able to use the Internet. These programs can find their way onto your computer if you visit the wrong website or open an attachment that contains malware. Fortunately, getting rid of malware threats is usually a fairly simple process.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Start off by clearing your computer's cache. Many people know this as deleting the "Temporary Internet Files." This simple step can clear different malware infections from your computer. How this is done differs based upon your operating system and your Web browser. See the Resources section below to find specific instructions.

2. Install and run an anti-malware software program. These programs search for and delete malware infections. You can also run updates for these programs, which will help to keep newer infections from damaging your computer. These programs can also prevent malware from installing on your computer. See the Resources section below to read about and download two separate anti-malware programs.

3. Scan your computer using an anti-virus program that recognizes and deletes all types of malware. Not all anti-virus programs will erase spyware, adware and similar infections. This means that you could still have infections on your computer after you update and run your anti-virus program. The proper anti-virus program, however, will get rid of malware threats on your computer prevent any new ones from installing. See the Resources section below to find a link for an anti-virus program that will get rid of these threats.

Tips & Warnings

• You should update both your anti-malware and anti-virus program once a week and then scan your computer using those two programs. Doing so will remove any new malware infections that have installed on your computer, as well as protect you from future attacks.

Resources

• Spybot: Search and Destroy
• Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
• AVG Anti-Virus
• How to Clear Cache