For anyone not sure what adware really is, take a look at the title. It’s software with ads. Of course, it’s the free software we all are stupid enough to download thinking nothing of it, and then we end up with pops all over the place and a computer so slow we just want to kick it. Virtumonde is the most dangerous.

It has a life of its own. A life it won’t give up easily. This is adware on life support. It fixes itself and knows when you want to get rid of it. It refuses to be uninstalled. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Most adware causes problems, although not terribly serious. It’s more of a nuisance. Anyone addicted to free software is certainly going to be infected with all sorts of adware that will wreak havoc on his computer and its performance. Next time you want to download something, read the user agreement and you’ll see they even admit that they are going to load you up with spyware and adware in exchange for this free program.

After you are infected you will almost immediately see pop ups. Many are relative to recent web searches or visited websites. This is almost scary because it’s having a spy sitting right next to you watching your every move. Companies claim they want to personalize your searches but in fact they are just stealing your information.

Virtumonde is almost immortal. It refuses to be deleted manually and only on certain occasions can it be deleted automatically, with adware removal programs. It leaves files on your computer such as kerdsw. Dll that can’t be deleted because the error code constantly says “in use by other programs”.

Computer users all over have banded together to try to find fixes and talk about effective removal options.

Prevention will do more for you than removal software. Stop clicking on links you aren’t familiar with and stop downloading free software. Be very careful with entertainment and music sites. These places exist mainly to load you up with adware, for which they are paid handsomely.

How can you tell if you have adware? Do an internet search and wait a few hours. You’ll see pop ups and emails offering you deals on whatever you were looking for. Do a search for “dog food” and see what happens!

The best way to get rid of Virtumonde is to buy a removal tool that has already been programmed to recognize the file structure and delete it when it’s recognized. If all else fails, take your computer in to a reliable repair center. It might cost you a few hundred, but it could be the only way to get your life back.