Keep that New Computer Safe for Free

You might have heard of people throwing away new computers a few months after getting them for Christmas because the new computer is already so infested with malware that it is no longer usable and the new computer user doesn't know how to fix it. The good news is that not only is this easily avoidable; and it can be done for free.

The first thing you need to do is go download and install Spybot Search & Destroy. After installation, immediately click on "Update" and download any available updates. This is important because new malware is constantly being written and it is important to keep your detection rules up to date. After updating, click on "Search and Destroy" and check for problems on your computer. The scan may take quite a bit of time to run depending on the size of your hard drive. After the scan follow the instructions to fix any problems that were found. After updating and scanning for problems, click on "Immunize" and enable all protection. Each time you run Spybot Search & Destroy you will want to check for updates first, then scan for problems, and finally immunize.

Next, you need to go download and install Ad-Aware Free. Once again, the first thing you will want to do after installation is check for updates. This should happen automatically when you open the software. After the updates have finished downloading, check for problems by clicking "Scan Now" and follow the instructions for removal.

Third, you will want Spyware Blaster. This one is different in that it does not find and repair problems but works to prevent them from occurring in the first place. It's an ounce of prevention while Spybot and Ad-Aware are a pound of cure. Again, you need to click on "Updates" and download any available updates first. Then click on "Protection" and enable all protection.