I thought I was safe - surfing since the mid 1990 and it wasn't until this month that I got my first piece of malware. And I surf every day since I run a business on line. I don't know if I should be proud of the fact that in about 20 years, I managed to be safe, or if I should be embarrassed that one finally got me. I'm a little of both.

I don't surf weird sites, I disable Java from my browser, I never-ever click links in my e-mail, (even if I know the person who sent it without checking with them first - and even then I'm very selective about it), I'm careful with my downloads and scan every download before opening.

How did I get it? I got one of those pop ups that said "your computer is infected, click here for removal" or something like that, and I know not to click it, so I used Alt-F4 to close the window. My computer tech suspects that was the problem and advised me to use the same method suggested by Mac (after the proverbial horse got out of the barn), hold the on/off switch and close down the computer improperly.

According to my computer tech, a non-advertising supported test comparison of the popular AV software apps for Windows and Android can be found here http://www.av-test.org/en/tests/home-user/ and you can review by your version of OS (Windows XP, Windows 8, etc.)

Malwarebytes is a good add-on that can be used with your AV software for extra protection. Computer tech highly recommends the pro version.

And contrary to the propaganda given to us by Mac and Linux users, both OS's have their share of viruses. In fact, the very first verified virus ever was found on a Mac many years ago. I have a Mac friend who got one that it took weeks to get off - because there are no Mac techs around here, it cost a lot of money too.

Nobody is safe, the bad guys are out to get anyone they can. Keep your guard up.

Notes

Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

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