Could I have made a mistake? Went to a TV add web site about having "worms" and "viruses"

Now, don't you know,... I have every viruse and worm that could possibly be! It is the STOP prevention. Any info? My computer is only used for my garden design and cut flower business. What could anyone be wanting from me?

Could I have made a mistake? Went to a TV add web site about having "worms" and "viruses"
Any computer connected to the internet needs to be protected. At a minimum, you need a firewall (even if behind a router--and that is a very good idea, too; $35-$50 will buy a decent one), one and only one antivirus program, and some (can be many) spyware protection.



For your business uses of your computer, you will not meet the terms of agreement for most free programs--but there are decent prices for those you can use.



First, run a free online scan, Housecall (google Housecall; follow instructions and choose to scan your computer, not selected folders or files).



If you use a router, you probably can get away with using the firewall that comes with Windows XP. It isn't all that good, but behind a firewall, it may be OK for you.



For antivirus and spyware, check out AVG Anti-malware. (You will get advice for every name-brand under the sun, and some will trash AVG. You can research all you want, but in the end you make a choice. AVG is very easy to use and a decent--not the best technically, but better ones will be less user friendly--choice. As long as you set AVG to check frequently for updates and to run a full-system scan automatically every day, you will be fine.)



After you have installed and updated whatever you choose to do, turn off System Restore (right click My Computer, choose Properties, then System Restore tab) and restart in safe mode (F8 while restarting). Run full-system scans for spyware and viruses. Restart your computer and turn system restore back on.
Reply:Not sure about your individual problem, but you should know that it often only takes one virus/trojan to get a hundred. That is because many are downloader trojans that, one in, bring in about 10 of their "friends", who each bring in 10 for theirs, and so on. You get the picture. It's not uncommon for one mistake to take down your whole machine. You will probably need to reinstall your operating system. Your computer may have a feature where it reverts itself back to its factory state. Just make sure that you get all your windows updates as soon as possible after its back up, or you'll be back where you started.



Also, to keep attackers away, you should keep your computer behind a router, not directly connected to the Internet through the cable/dsl modem. Of course, if you have dial-up, there's really nothing you can do, but make sure the windows firewall is on, or better yet, get Zone Alarm.