Pop Up Be Gone

On one of the game sites that I use there has been considerable conversation in the chat area of late because of a certain advertisement. The ad is some sort of pop up that does just that, it pops up on your screen. We're all fairly used to these ads, annoying though they may be but this one is different.
This one tells you that your computer has been infected and that you must get rid of the virus by clicking somewhere. They then try to sell you some sort of anti-virus protection.
Sounds simple enough, right? Just close the window of the ad and be done with it. But, it is not as simple as it appears. Many of the members have been infected and they all say that the problem started with this ad. it would appear that the ad itself is a virus.
Last night several hours were spent in the chat area trying to assist one member that had somehow caught this bug and it was playing havoc with her Windows Vista. Her problem was two fold, she not only had gotten something from the ad but she may also have picked up something from Limewire a program that one of her sons had downloaded without her consent. Needless to say she was not a happy camper.
My advice to her as it is to anyone was to make sure you have some sort of anti-virus software on your computer and keep it up to date. Simple measures that work.
I also advidsed her to use a program called TrendMicro Housecall. It's a web based program that will basically search and destroy anything that is harmful to your computer. If it is something that is in your registry Housecall will not delete it but will offer you step by step instructions on how to get rid of it yourself. I use this program every week or so and it has never failed me. And the best part? It is free! Cannot beat that price :)
If you haven't scanned your computer for bugs lately, this is a good time to do it. Now, while you have just finished reading this blog :)