Virus

[FJX]

I have a virus on my computer and every time I click on something, it takes me to one of those Congratulations, you've won pages. What is the best anti-virus software to use?

[Moderator 3]

Sounds like malware. Go to malwarebytes.ORG for help. Note that is ORG, not COM.

[T3hRaven]

I'd go with Malwarebytes Anti-malware to scrub your system.  After that, there are numerous good options for real time protection.

[Inqui]

If you come across a couple of keywords, try to bang them into Google. There are lots of pages out there that are good at dealing with specific forms of malware - I get them every so often (mainly from live streaming sports matches, haha). HitmanPro's another really good program, and I use both that and MalwareBytes.

 

You probably also have at least two malicious programs on your computer (this is basically a guess from experience, without knowing what you did to pick it up). If you use Windows, go to your Control Panel and look for the Programs setting. Go to "Uninstall a Program" and a list will come up. Have a look through it and uninstall anything that looks a bit dubious. To be honest, it's probably not a bad chance to clean house a bit and uninstall stuff you never use. If you use a Mac, throw it out and get a Windows computer.

 

As to Mod 3's distinction, malwarebytes.com redirects you anyway.

[FJX]

Im using a mac, does that come in to play?

[Moderator 3]

I'd go with Malwarebytes Anti-malware to scrub your system.  After that, there are numerous good options for real time protection.

If you buy a license (which I have), you get realtime protection and lots more.

[Grapple Raven]

I buy Kaspersky Anti-Virus and have been very pleased with it. You can purchase it from Best Buy and they will install it for you, and then you just renew the subscription each year.  It is very reasonably priced, and it updates itself on new threats constantly and doesn't pull much from your computer's operating system.   But I still disable it and run Malwarebytes and then re-enable Kaspersky every month just to double check on spyware and malware.

[Inqui]

Im using a mac, does that come in to play?

You should still be able to do all that stuff I just mentioned. Might pay to Google it. Even if you just type in the symptoms, something should come up.

[T3hRaven]

If you buy a license (which I have), you get realtime protection and lots more.

Yeah but then you have to pay. I've used a few of the free ones, but nothing is going to prevent you from getting a virus if you don't watch what you're doing.

[T3hRaven]

Im using a mac, does that come in to play?

It just makes it funnier for the rest of us since Apple lies that their computers don't get viruses. I think Malwarebytes has a Mac version, or one of the others will since they have somewhat of a market share now.

[display name]

I have MacAfee and I'm pretty satisfied with it.