Did you know that you do NOT need to purchase Antivirus software for your home computer / laptop?  That demo Antivirus that keeps popping up on your computer to remind you to pay an annual fee is not something that you need to do!

Sophos Virus Scanner

As a student, the University of Saskatchewan provides you with a free copy of Sophos AntiVirus. Sophos's on-access scanner provides constant real-time protection with minimal system overhead.

The university provides links to the Windows and Mac versions at http://www.usask.ca/its/hardware/sophos/.

Alternative Virus Scanners

If you do not want to use Sophos (some people prefer a product from a larger company), one alternative is Microsoft Security Essentials.   This antivirus program is provided by Microsoft at no charge from http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/products/security-essentials.  This is only available for Windows Vista or Windows 7 computers.

Another alternative is Grisofts AVG.   While (in my opinion) it is not as good as Microsofts product, it is a popular antivirus solution that is fully free. 

Malware Scanner

One thing that many people assume when they have an antivirus program is that they are perfectly protected.   This is not true.   Some programs will get through and infect your computer.  These will usually start to pop up ads as you are using your computer.

To remove these intrusive programs, you will need a (free) program like Malwarebytes.  They have a free version and a purchase version.  The free version is MORE than enough for a home user.

The best way to remove this popup "malware" on a PC is to:

• Reboot your computer
• Tap the F8 key on your keyboard until you get a menu
• Select Safe Mode with Networking
• Your computer will boot up into a version of your windows where only the BARE necessities are available.  
• Run the MalwareBytes.  If it asks to update, say yes.
• It will scan your PC for bad files.  When it is done, select the things that it has found and click remove.
• Reboot your computer
• Log into your computer normally and run it one more time.  It may find some more malware.  just select them and click remove.