Don't get that credit card out. Don't get confused, sneaked or bullied into buying expensive Anti-Virus software. There are many, many reputable equally expert anti-virus and anti-malware applications that you can download free, now, without any come-back or problems. 

This is a list of "stuff" that I have always available on a USB-drive ready to install and recover any friend or neighbors PC.

Removing that Spyware crap

Let's assume that you may have picked up something "infectious" from a "dodgy" web-site or from an attachment that you didn't scan* before opening. You may not know that you're infected; in fact your PC may appear completely normal. You sure? Let's assume everything looks fine, no particular issues that you're aware of. OK. But let's install some Anti-Spyware software anyway. Betcha we find something.

Download and install Javacool Spyware Blaster (http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html). Once installed click the Update button and download the latest updates. Manual Updates are free; the Automatic Updates are optional and cost only $10.00 a year. Info on automatic updates here.

Download and install Spyware Blaster from download.com or majorgeeks.com Once installed, click the Update panel and download the latest Spybot patterns and information. Run the Immunize to protect against known "bad stuff". Then run a Search & Destroy scan. This can take a half-hour or more and will slow your machine while scanning. At the end of the scan it will show any possible infections. Not all of these are "bad news". Tracking Cookies are not a major concern for sites that you frequently visit, but at least you can then check which web-sites record your visit.

Get some free Anti-Virus Software 

There are a number of Anti-Virus software applications which are genuinely free for use on your home PC. That really means within the Terms and Conditions of use that you're not using the software at a business or place of work. While the following are free to download and use, you may have to offer up an email address in order to get a license key. I have never had any problem giving up my email address if I am getting some free software. Seems only fair really. The following section details three Home Anti-Virus applications. ClamWin, Avast and an on-line Anti-Virus checker.

Visit ClamWin.com (http://www.clamwin.com/) and download the latest release of their Anti-Virus application. Once installed, execute a full-scan of your hard disk and all removeable media (USB, CDs) that you might use for software backup or transfer.

ClamWin will alert you to when new versions of the program are available and will automatically download AV updates daily.

Another good Anti-Virus is Avast Home Edition available from Avast. (http://avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html). You can download and install the Anti-Virus today, but will need to complete the Home Registration within 30 days of installation. Once registered your good to use the application for 90-days and then need to reregister to continue using the home edition. Avast Home Edition has more comprehensive features than ClamWin but will also consume some additional resource as it builds a resident protection database of your existing files. This also includes some very good email integration and can scan inside archived files like RAR and ZIP.

Finally an on-line scanner that you can run directly from a web-site. This is Housecall from TrendMicro. UK users should click here. (http://housecall.trendmicro.com/uk/) US/Canada click here. The web-page will execute some compatibility checks first to make sure it has the right bits and bobs to execute a scan. It requires Java support -- but the web-page will alert you to any missing components.

BE SAFE -- ALWAYS SCAN ATTACHMENTS and PROGRAM before installing. Hope this helps you and your friends keep a secure PC. 

Fact: English Guy scans every attachment, program or document that I receive by download or by email. Don't make the assumption that your best mate or Fred the IT expert could never send you a virus. It happens. I've had virus-infected files sent to me - albeit accidentally - by qualified experienced IT people. Scan everything. Religiously. Takes a few seconds, but could save your home PC and your credit cards.

This type of resource needs to be added as a permanent page providing our visitors with somewhere to visit for IT related assistance. Added to the "To do list".