When your computer makes changes without your okay, it’s not okay. Learn how to prevent and reverse unwanted toolbars, search engines and home page changes.

Computers are amazing — dare I say magical. They make games come alive, shopping easier, recipes abundantly available. I have been using computers since Commodore 64, and I still smile when the computer knows what directory folder to save my document in.

I expect my computer to be ready when I need it. It makes me just a bit sad when I have to wait for updates to install or virus definitions to download. But I know this is a small price to pay to keep my computer safe from hackers and malware (bad software).

It’s pretty annoying when when my search engine changes without my OK or new icons magically appear on my computer’s desktop or a new toolbar is taking up room at the top of my browser window or I am suddenly being exposed to more weather information than I care to know. More than annoying, it’s dangerous for my computer’s health. It’s easy to overlook minor changes, or to fleetingly wonder why the usually chatty computer decided to make these changes without asking if I agreed to them.

These visual changes to a computer are usually an indication of malware (bad software) having been installed. Malware comes in many forms. It is usually installed by the computer user without them realizing it:

• A random click on the wrong advertisement can download and install malware
• Opening an innocent looking email attachment that appears to be from a friend may really be a program that plans to encrypt all of your files making them unreadable
• Clicking mindlessly through the install windows of a new game may provide the OK to install some unwanted programs as well
• Downloading a program from a nefarious website rather than the owner/author’s website can introduce malware
• Trying to get something valuable for free can cost you more in the long run
• Surfing porn = malware
• Gambling = malware

I’m not saying that you should never open an attachment sent by a friend. Of course you can, but do it smartly. Take notice of the language in your friend’s email: Does it sound right? Is it unusually terse or vague? Has this friend sent attachments before? Is the email address correct?

I had an email appear to arrive from my brother-in-law. As soon as I opened it I realized it was not his typical witty writing. He does not usually send attachments, so I thought that odd. Then I realized the email address it was sent from used his real name instead of his creative email address he has had since the 1990s. I immediately deleted the email and emptied the trash folder. Then I ran a quick malware scan.

Use the same kind of surveillance  whenever you are downloading (games, music, videos, utilities, photos) from the internet.

If you feel you may have made a mistake, run your antivirus/antimalware program immediately. Uninstall any new programs that have been installed without your permission. Left unchecked, small changes can grow into major problems. They can even render your magic machine unusable.

Early detection is as important for computers as it is for people. If your computer needs help, call your computer person. If you don’t have a computer person, call me 516-965-8537. I can be your computer help desk.