Anyone good w/ computer problems?

For a month or so our home computer is running so slow (we have optimum) and pop-ups are coming up ALL the time, even on sites where there are no pop-ups (like this one) and even when the internet isn't running. I could just have the computer on w/ a screen saver and pop-ups come up. What could this be or how do I fix it? Me and DH are computer illiterate. Please help. Thanks.

There are a couple of programs my FH uses to 'clean' his computer ...

Hijack This
Windows Washer
Spybot

They search and delete cookies & popups & anything that doesn't belong ...

I have optonline as well and I downloaded the pop up stopper and it works great!!

go to the optonline homepage and scroll down on the bottom left and click on 'more essentials' and you'll see it!

Here ya go : Pop-Up Stopper

Thanks. Keep the ideas coming.

I agree with spybot... it's great for a one time cleaning. I end up using it monthly just get rid of the little nasties that show their unwanted ugly heads.

For long term however, especially with a cable or dsl connection, I can not stress enough how much you need internet security software like Norton's Internet Security... you can personalize the settings to kill pop-ups, stop hijacking software, there is even a child content setting. It's a must.


Once you clear out the cookies; make sure you defrag your hard drive too... it just optimizes the computer's memory.

i favor google tool bar blocker instead of optonline verison....

yes, get ad-ware remover and other tools mention above.

I can't believe I forgot about this.

Go into your temporary internet files folder and delete all the muck that has accumulated in there.... you'll have stuff like graphics from a banner add... to pics from the bouquet and cake threads here... even everyone's avatars. get rid of 'em... don't worry, over time they will come back.. it will free up soooo much space.

When I go home I will check all this out.