How Did I Get this *blankety* on My Computer?
Most of the folks that get malware on their computers are the folks who for one reason or another are not computer 'savvy'. They may not be using an updated virus scanner and probably don't always use the best of practices when using their computers.
However sometimes even mostly savvy folks get an uninvited program that plays the very dickens with their computer. Stuff just doesn't work. All kinds of weird things are going on. They want to fix it, but they can't connect to the Internet. Their malware removal programs don't work!
So what is going on and how did they get this awful stuff!
The answers are not always simple or easy to trace.
Generally savvy users keep their Windows updated and are using an updated malware scanner. They know not to click on links in emails from unknown senders. Most generally stay clear of sites with bad reputations (they use WOT or something similar to tell them when a site is not trustworthy)
However since nearly everyone has Flash, Adobe Reader, Java and other really popular programs installed, the bad guys are targeting vulnerabilities in those programs besides un-patched systems to get on computers.
it can be almost impossible to keep up with all of the programs that have security holes and need to be patched. Fortunately there is a program that can do that for us. Secunia has two options. You can scan your computer from the browser or you can download a small program and scan without intervention for programs that need to be updated.
And beware of clicking links in Facebook!