• Right now, do you have a virus-scanner icon on the toolbar, in the bottom left of your screen?
• When you load the virus scanner interface, look for "about", "information", or "last update". Is the date under "virus definition" within the last week?
• Is your computer running as quick as you'd like it?

If you've answered "No" to any of those questions, it's probably time to look at a different virus scanning solution, follow this link to the website for more information...

There are many good free options - and don't think that free solutions aren't as good as paid options - they often detect more viruses, and are much quicker than paid options. I currently recommend Avira AntiVir Personal, which can be downloaded from HERE or HERE, but AVAST, and AVG are also very good options. Remember that you only need ONE of these solutions - although having multiple virus scanners should not be a problem, it will slow your computer down - much better to just have one good one! Sure, each will occasionally pop up a prompt to download a paid version, but these reminders are infrequent, and easily dismissed.

Once you've downloaded the installation file, make sure that you uninstall any existing virus protection that you have, if you need help uninstalling software, check this guide HERE, if you're still not sure, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Next, locate the file you downloaded, and double-click the file to run it. In 99% of cases, you can just install using default options e.g. they will automatically update and will automatically start when you turn your computer on. If you need more help installing the packages, there are guides here:

Avira:  http://www.free-av.com/en/pages/20/installing_avira_antivir__your_free_antivirus.html
AVAST: http://files.avast.com/files/eng/avast-professional-install-manual.pdf
AVG: http://free.avg.com/faq.num-1245?srch=install#faq_1245

Once you have installed you should start a full system virus scan. For Avira, load the program by double clicking on the umbreall icon in the toolbar on the bottom right (or via the Start button). Once it's loaded, simply click "Scan System Now".

You should also consider scheduling a full system scan - but make sure it's at a time when you're not using your PC as it will slow your computer down. For Avira, from the program screen, click "Administration", then "Scheduler", then click to highlight "Complete System Scan", then click the "Edit" icon just above (middle icon) to edit the properties.

For more information, or if you are unsure about any step, just This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , and I'll be happy to help.