Over the last couple of years, Microsoft Windows detractors have gotten their laughs poking fun at Microsoft's newest operating systems.  Windows is "too slow, doesn't work with my old software or hardware, is subject to viruses and security attacks, etc".  But many of the "problems" with Windows are not caused by Microsoft or the Windows software, but by the hardware manufacturers and third-party software developers (software producers other than Microsoft).  Microsoft tried

Lately we have been seeing a lot of fake anti-virus and anti-spyware software installed on our clients computers.  These "fake" security programs install themselves after you click on a pop-up or e-mail link that tells you that you have a problem with your computer.  These programs, once installed cause many performance problems with your computer and may even hijack your personal information and send it to criminals who may misuse your information.  There are two lessons to be learned here,

Everybody has either heard of, or experienced malware also known as viruses and spyware.  The best way to avoid problems with these sneaky, disruptive programs is to keep your computer's security up-to-date.  To do this, you need to make sure that you are completely up-to-date on Microsoft's updates and keeping your anti-virus and anti-spyware definitions current.  Most security software companies, i.e., Symantec, McAfee, CA, AVG, release new definitions several times a week an