There is little more discouraging then finding that your computer is suddenly infected. It runs slow, you get annoying and dangerous pop-ups, and suddenly you find you can’t do anything on the computer at all. It is important that you get your operating system disinfected as quickly as possible.

So what do you do?

Step 1: Backup your files

Before you do anything you should try to backup all of your files. Burn them onto a CD or transfer them onto an external hard drive.

Step 2: Run Anti-Spyware Programs

After everything is backed up I would recommend you run this program: Malwarebytes Antimalware. Let that run and let it disinfect your files.

Step 3: Run an anti-virus program

After Malwarebytes is complete restart your computer and run Security Essentials from Microsoft. It should remove any leftover infections.

Good luck!

Windows 7 is less then a year away from final release (the current date everyone’s talking about is January 2010) and Microsoft has delivered an unexpected gift for users. Says the BBC:

“Anyone buying a PC with Windows 7 pre-installed will be able to swap it for XP or Vista.

Microsoft has confirmed that the licence conditions under which the software will be sold will allow people to downgrade.

The conditions will apply to both businesses that buy licences for Windows in bulk and consumers that get the operating system on a PC or laptop.”

This is certainly due to the blow back of bad press and word of mouth that Vista has received. It’s obvious that Microsoft is trying to improve its image and letting people downgrade to the OS of their choice is an excellent step.

The only potential headache deals with tech support. The BBC article states that anyone who purchases a new computer will be able to do a downgrade. This just increases the workload when it comes to supporting these customers, three versions of Windows to support instead of one.