Not Sure What I'm Looking For........

[peachybabe]

I want a programme for my 2 pcs that prevents & clears any viruses that I might have on them. But not just that, I would like a one which makes my computers as safe as possible to use.
I'm very much a technophobe and really haven't got a clue as to what I should be looking for. Can anyone advise me please?

[peachybabe]

I also have a pdf converter programme on my notebook, linked (I think) to a site called My Way, and I can't seem to get rid of it. I've tried uninstalling it but it's still there.

[Tuvok]

There are a few anti-virus programs that offer free or paid versions eg. AVG, Avast etc.

Another one to get is Malwarebytes - go for the free version.

Run Malwarebytes - let it clean anything it finds. Before you restart the computer turn off System Restore - as some nasties reload from ther. After you restar, do another scan. If it is clear, turn back on System Restore.

If you tell us what version on wibdows, someone will tell you how to get to system restore.

[Old_Geezer]

I think you need to look for something called an antivirus programme.
I use Kaspersky which consistently score top or near top of comparisons/reviews. But others see no need for a paid-for AV and go for something like, say, Avast.

[Buenchico]

The most popular free antivirus program among ABers seems to be Avast:
https://www.avast.com/en-gb/index
(It's what I use)

That should be topped up with an anti-malware program. The most popular freebie, by far, is Malwarebytes:
https://www.malwarebytes.com/
(They keep changing the way it installs. At one time you could look for an option, during the installation process, to deselect the offer of a free trial of the paid-for 'Premium' version. Then they changed it to force you to take the trial anyway. It now looks as if they might have gone back to the old way of doing things. You should avoid the trial if possible but don't worry if you end up accepting it; the program reverts to the free version after 14 days anyway).

The free version of Malwarebytes is 'run on demand' only. So it will do absolutely nothing unless you remember to run it occasionally. (I suggest once per fortnight, plus immediately after installing any new software and whenever you suspect that there might be some malware on your computer).

Whenever you install free software (such as that pdf converter you've got) you need to check very carefully that you're not accepting unwanted stuff by default. If you see a 'Custom installation' option you should always accept it, as that's often the only way to avoid geting things like the MyWay browser hijacker you've now got.

Fortunately, simply running Malwarebytes will probably get rid of MyWay but you might need to restore your web browser to its default settings (or, at least, look for an unwanted extension) if that doesn't work. Tell us which browser you're using if you need help with that.

[peachybabe]

Wow! Thank you all! I think that i will have to print all that off.
My main "instrument of torture" is my notebook which runs on Windows 8.1.
Most of the time (like now) I use an ipad.

[peachybabe]

Sorry to be a pain, but I was wondering.
If I plug in my seperate hard drive, would it check that too at the same time?

[TTG]

In addition, set flash to activate when needed. Be careful on selecting links and attachments in emails.