Malware, or Malicious Software, is defined as software that can be downloaded from the internet with or without your permission or consent.  This software makes unintended changes to your computer, adds backdoors, or ways people can access your computers to make them do as the perpetrators wish.  Malware can manifest itself in many ways, including (but NOT limited to):
 

If you suspect Malware, please

1.  Popups/Hijacking of Browsers

2.  Disabling of Firewalls, Antivirus Programs,
      Antispyware Programs or Antimalware 
      Programs (Making it impossible to run
      or update them)

3.  SLOW computer response, or NAGGING windows that FLASH or WARN you that you are
"Severely Infected" and that you need to download a specific program (usually a rogue program) to remove the spyware that was put there by the spyware program manufacturer to clean it off (basically a scam) 

4.  Sometimes, Malware will NOT allow the system to boot at all.  For these, you may need to use Safemode or another computer to clean the infection.  Our Malware Removal Sites Page can help you with these.