Okay, so your browser window keeps shrinking as the toolbars multiply. If you already have Internet Explorer 7 or 8 or are using the latest Mozilla Firefox then there is probably a search bar present and you don’t need a toolbar for search functionality. Let’s tame those toolbars! If they have already taken over, let’s remove them completely. In XP, Vista or 7 open Control Panel, locate either Add or Remove Programs in XP or Programs and Features in Vista and 7, allow the list a few minutes to populate, then go down the list finding and selecting Remove or Uninstall, depending on your Windows version until you have none left or maybe just the one you really want. Now maybe you got rid of them or never had a load of them to begin with and you would like to know how to keep them from returning. That isn’t really that hard either. When your various installed softwares prompt you to update them it is probably a good idea to let the updates be installed, however beware, often times that update tries to install a third party software like a browser toolbar. Read the prompts as they appear and be prepared to uncheck the odd toolbar or other item being offered for free installation. It only takes a second to read and uncheck and the payoff is an uncluttered browser page or a faster startup. This is an excellent practice to get into, there are myriad offererings during software installations of add-ons that you really can do without. Your computer has a limited amount of ‘horsepower’ for the running applications, be stingy with that power. The saying ‘less is more’ comes appropriately to mind. More on keeping your computing experience clutter free in later articles.
There is a new pariah on the internet, it can best be described as Extortionware, software designed to extort money from you by frightening you enough, or crippling your computer enough to cause you to pay money for relief. Do not give into this bully which is THE problem on your computer and your funds only serve to calm the storm of the extortioners creation. Additionally, many of the problems associated with this infection will remain even after they have your money. These trojans do as their name implies, they bring other trojan invaders along with them to plague your PC.
I see this all the time, there is help available but not from the extortionware. I suggest a visit to http://www.malwarebytes.org/ or http://www.superantispyware.com/ or http://www.safer-networking.org/ to obtain software to aid in the removal of this malware. If unable then perhaps a call to a professional who can clean more pernicious problems.
