I really need some help with my new computer?

Question

I just got a new laptop for around $1,000. Every couple of minutes, there are virus alerts and other confusing stuff. I delete my internet browsing history and cookies, but I am not sure if this will help. I have Trend Micro internet security and it is scanning right now. There are currently 5 files listed as threats. My question is, if I have not downloaded any videos, where do these come from? I uploaded pictures onto my photobucket on my home computer, and then right clicked/saved them on to this laptop. If they were viruses on my home computer and I saved them from photobucket to my new laptop, could that hurt my computer? Can I get rid of them? Other pictures that I right clicked/COPIED into microsoft paint were from my friends cell phone which he sent to my email. I just wana get rid of these things so my computer stops freaking out.

When I got back on my computer a few minutes ago, everything was light green. I shut the laptop and then reopened it, but it was back to normal.

Answer 1

Your best start is to read to this forum -

http://www.castlecops.com/HijackThis.htm...

Which will walk you thru the tools listed -

http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Remov...

One important thing is the fact that you should completely update the Operating System and ALL of the patches.  If your machine is patched for the vulnerability on the HD, then YOU cannot get infected.  It is the more proactive approach (patching your machine, keeping your software updated, using the most current firmware and drivers).  AV is ALWAYS reactive!

So basically, you put an UNPATCHED machine on the network.  If you had a packet scanner or Intrusion Detection System, you would instantly see that your machines is probably canned 1 to 100 times a day from outsiders.  Once they see you are online, they scan your computer for vulnerabilities and open ports.  This helps them enumerate what operating system you have.  Once they find an unpatched hole, they exploit it and you end up with the situation your in!

Remember, you need to not only run a solid product like Trend Micro, you also need to be very adamant about making sure your OS is patched, your IE is patched, MS Office, Adobe, Media player are either patched or you have the latest version!

If you need any help (especially if the forum is slow), please let me know!