Install antivirus (Trend Micro Antivirus) and anti-malware software (Spybot Search & Destroy, Lavasoft Adaware)

It is imperative that all users install antivirus and anti-malware software.  These programs will consume some system resources, but it is better for your computer to take a performance hit than to not work due to various malware.

UNC Charlotte provides free antivirus software for students and faculty to keep their computers safe.  You can login with your 49er account using the UNC Charlotte Software site. There you can download Trend Micro Antivirus, but you need to select the one that corresponds to your operating system.  The installer is straight forward, all you should need to do is click next several times.  Whether you use Trend Micro Antivirus or another antivirus software, it is important to keep it up to date.  Run the updater at least once a week, or set it to automatically update at a certain time.  You should scan your computer for viruses once a week.