Here are some steps you can take to avoid malware:

1. Make sure you have a good anti-virus program on your computer and that it is up-to-date.

2. Do not allow anyone to move files from their own USB disk drive onto your computer without first scanning the drive for viruses.

3. If you go onto a website which tells you it is scanning your computer and is finding viruses, malware, etc., DO NOT click any of the windows from the website, as even a "No" can be a "Yes" allowing them to download their software (which IS malware) onto your computer.  In that regard, do not panic.  If you have good anti-virus, your computer will not have all the viruses, etc., that the website is telling you are there.  Instead, X out of the page.  If that doesn't work, try stopping the browser's process.  Here's how to do that for Windows machines:
   A) In Windows XP, use the CTRL-ALT-DELETE combination (you simultaneously hold down the first two keys and then press the third) and the TASK MANAGER will appear.  In Windows Vista or 7, use the CTRL-SHIFT-ESC combination (you simultaneously hold down the first two keys and then press the third) and the TASK MANAGER will appear. 
   B) Click on the PROCESSES tab and find the process for your browser.  Click on the process to highlight it and then click on END PROCESS.  (Here is a list of the most common browser process names:
                  Internet Explorer=iexplore.exe * FireFox=firefox.exe * Safari=Safari.exe
                             Google Chrome=chrome.exe * Opera=opera.exe)
   C) Confirm by clicking YES.
   The browser should close. 
   Here's how to stop the process on Mac OS X:
   A) Click on the Apple menu and choose FORCE QUIT. 
   B) Highlight the browser process and click on the FORCE QUIT button.
   C) If a confirmation window appears, click OK or YES.
   
   Whether you are using a Windows machine or a Mac, if the procedures above don't close the webpage(s), hold in the button you use to start your computer until your computer shuts off.  Wait 60 seconds and restart your computer.  Do NOT return to the same webpage. 
   
   To see a video example of this kind of fake webpage, click HERE.

4. If you have our Remote Technical Support, come into Remote and let us scan your computer to be sure all is well.  If you don't have our support, you should get it - you won't be sorry!

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