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Computers are complex tools. Even experts spend time looking for help to resolve computer issues.

Typically users decide a computer is broken in some manner. Thanks to the incredible volume of information available online, users often look for help online. Sadly, inexperienced users do not pay attention to the links or descriptions and have a blind trust with search engine results.

Typically users choose one of the top search results. The top results must be the best or most popular, right?

Oops. Typically the top search engine results often are advertisements.

Search engine owners often do not screen advertisers. Commonly the top search results are for scam sites, offering malware or Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs). Not paying attention, users often select those links and download the malware or PUPs, unaware they have compromised their own computer.

Or users visit those malicious sites and are greeted with a web browser popup that their computer is infected or broken in some manner.

All a scam.

Not only have users not resolved the original computer problem they now have a computer infected with malware or PUPs.

How to avoid this trap? Be wary. Accept that bad people are online.

• Ignore and do not use the top search results that are ads.
• Research and verify online reviews of potentially helpful software.
• Use popular online forums to help verify potentially helpful software.
• Do not use popular download sites to install helpful software. This almost always results in installing PUPs rather than just the desired software.
• Use the original vendor’s web site to download potentially helpful software.
• Think twice before downloading software from Mindspark.

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Backwoods Geek

Backwoods Geek wrote his first computer program in 1977. He started using desktop computers in 1982 to write training and job aids. These days his home includes routers, switches, computers, a home theater PC, a laptop, and bluetooth phones. His professional career includes instrumentation and controls, computers, industrial training, technical writing, and teaching computer classes. Pastimes include sitting on the front porch, observing wildlife, cutting firewood, reading, watching movies, and tinkering with computers. He is uncomfortable around morning people until afternoon, likes dry and off-the-wall humor, and usually tells jokes with a straight face. He is a believer in the old adage that, "No matter where you go, there you are."

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