Im no IT pro or big time PC nerd, but i thought id post some info that i think may be useful to some members here on TF.

If you've had problems with your homepage resetting itself to some crazy search engine, chances are you've got a CoolWebSearch problem.

This can be fairly easily fixed with a simple utility called "CW Shredder". You can download it here:

http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/cwschronicles.html#cwshredder'>http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/cwschronicles.html#cwshredder

More info on CoolWebSearch: http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/cwschronicles.html

I'd also like to recommend that you install some kind of Spyware Detection and removal tool. Heres a quote from my favorite:

"If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you didn't intentionally install, if your browser crashes, or if you browser start page has changed without your knowing, you most probably have spyware. But even if you don't see anything, you may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging that is silently tracking your surfing behaviour to create a marketing profile of you that will be sold to advertisement companies. Spybot-S&D is free, so there's no harm in trying to see if something snooped into your computer, too :)"

You can get Spybot Search & Destroy here:

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/index.html

Some people like Spyware Blaster better, you can get it here:

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

And finally, if you dont already have an anti-virus program installed on your PC. I suggest AVG anti-virus, besides reading about how much better it is than Norton, its also FREE

http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/lng/us/doc/2/tpl/v5

**DISCLAIMER**

Ultimately, what you do to your PC is your business. Although ive never had a problem with these programs, and have never heard of a problem, you can screw up your PC if you dont know what ur doing. If your scared dont do it, and read up on these types of problems at http://forums.spywareinfo.com/

I'm sure there are probably some very knowledgeable members here who can add some help on this subject.

Have a great day!!

Thanks for the tips Henry!!

if u have anti-virus program already installed,ie:norton,is it true it is also the cause of some viruses,and slows down one's computer?

i've been having that problem a lot, just looked at that page u suggested, just made me realise what a huge industry this whole virus/spyware type thing is. CHeers!!

Thanks Java!!!

Londonboy, I've never heard of "Norton" causing viruss' but i have heard bad things about Norton not being very good. FOr that reason, ive switched to AVG.