Malicious software
No matter what precautions you take, the writers of malicious software will eventually find a way to breach your computer security. We have found that families with teenage children have more problems than most!
If your PC has slowed down considerably and/or you are seeing unusual error messages, then you may already be infected.
Types of infection
Spyware (also called Ad-ware) is invasive software that downloads to your PC, often without you knowing about it. It can monitor your internet browsing activity and capture personal information that helps unscrupulous marketing companies identify you.
If you inadvertently contract this software, it can result in system crashes or failure to connect to the internet. If your system has slowed down or is constantly crashing then it is possible that you have already been infected. Some spyware programs open up channels into your PC for Trojans and viruses to exploit.
.
