I know this is a very long wall of text, But following the below will greatly reduce your chances of becoming infected again.
I advise you to install and use the following Free security programs/solutions so you do not get infected again:
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Panda antivirus -You can only have 1 antivirus installed at a time, I recommend using this one and uninstalling what you are using now.
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Malwarebytes
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Superantispyware
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Unchecky
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Should I remove it
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Web of Trust
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Set up open dns
Run the first 3 listed and scan around once every 2 weeks. (Panda updates automatically, others you need to pay for that feature.) Make sure you update them before scanning. Unfortunately no program out there is a silver bullet-there is no one program to protect you entirely. So due to this, it is necessary to have a couple of products to help keep you safe on all fronts.
Panda Cloud Antivirus: Panda cloud AV is a great free program that uses the cloud (the internet) to scan your pc for threats. This antivirus works very well at detecting the newest threats, as well as some unknown ones that have not yet been discovered. For information on how to use it, the manual is located
here.
Malwarebytes: This is a great program to use to scan your pc for malware that your antivirus might possibly miss or not look for. A guide on how to use it can be found
here.
Superantispyware: This is a great second opinion scanner which will scan for spyware and other types of PUPS. (Potentially unwanted programs.)
Unchecky: is a program that aims to keep unwanted programs from entering your pc when installing a new program. Most programs give you the option of express install or custom install. When you do a regular install of most applications, they add toolbars and other unwanted items to your pc. If you choose the custom option however, you can avoid most of these unwanted programs by unchecking them and then clicking next. This program does this for you automatically. It removes the checkmarks so that when you click next and next your way through the install proccess, you do not get a bunch of junk on your system. Keep in mind though, this is how most people get unwanted spyware etc on there pc. When installing any new program, google it and see if it has good reviews. Then during the install don't just click next and rush through it. Take your time to read what is in front of you, and uncheck anything you do not want.
The best part about unchecky is it's a install and forget. It updates automatically. And works to prevent unnecessary programs from sneaking in during software installs.
Should I remove it: This is not a malware scanner. What it does is it looks at all of the installed programs on your PC and gives you a percentage % of how many people uninstall the software. If the percentage % is high, I would remove it as it is most likely not a good program. It also gives a ton of information about what the program does and how it behaves.
WOT: (web of trust) is a very helpful browser addon that works with all web browsers and helps you to avoid nasty sites that have been known to host malware and the like. It uses a rating system by users as well as there own internal site investigations to place websites into categories and mark whether or not they are safe. It is a good tool to help you avoid clicking on a bad link in the first place.
Open DNS: is a service that helps you block known malware sites before they even reach your PC entirely. It also can be configured to block adult sites, and filter out other web sites based on categories. All for free. Not only does it protect your computers, but other devices as well.
For more information, see here:
https://support.opendns.com/entries/26514730-Web-Content-Filtering-and-Security
If it looks to advanced for you, it actually isn't very hard to set up. See the very first link above (
set up open dns) which will take you to the setup page. You do not need to create an account if you wish not to. There is a link in the bottom right hand corner to avoid making an account if you do not want it. They have directions on how to apply it to your computer, or your router so that every device on your network can be protected.
Making windows security better for you and anyone using your PC:
Use the help and support which is found in your start menu for easy answer to questions and common tasks. The browse help (the blue book in the help an support window) will allow you to browse all the help documents Microsoft has available for the versions of windows you are using. Questions like how to uninstall a program, burn a cd can all be found there.
Keep windows up to date by using windows update and checking for updates frequently, or let Microsoft automatically update your pc which is the default setting.
Make sure your software that you use is up to date. This prevents security issues in the first place.
Adobe flash is a common one that should always be updated. You can download the newest version
here. When any software prompts to update, and you recognize the name of the software-Do so. Software updates are important, and should be done regularly. Most programs checks for updates automatically.
Uninstall unwanted/un-needed programs.
Make a habit every now and then and go into control panel-uninstall a program. This lists all the software installed on your PC. If you see any software you do not use or need, uninstall it. If the software has your PC manufacturer mentioned in it, you can leave it alone.
I also suggest using a standard user account in windows, and only using an admin account when you need to install software. If you have family members sharing your pc, create standard user accounts for them. See this link below on how to do so:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/181024-user-account-create.html
Why use a standard user account instead of an administrator account?
When using a standard account and you make a change or install a program that affects the whole system, UAC will prompt you to continue. Make sure the setting or program you are tying to install is listed, then click yes to continue. If you are just browsing the web and the prompt appears with a program you have not heard of, or do not know what it is, it is much safer to click no then yes. No will block the action, and if you were trying to do something, you can always start it again and choose yes.
UAC makes this easy, see here:
What is user account control (UAC)?
I also suggest choosing always notify for UAC:
What are User Account Control settings?
Those are my recommendations to you, and I Highly suggest you follow them. Should you have any questions, post back.
Do not feel like you need to do everything above, if your computer knowledge is limited do what you are able and feel comfortable doing. If you read all the instructions though you should be able to do it yourself.
With the solution provided above, your risk of malware infection drops considerably.
