Computer virus

I'm no expert on computer viruses but lately I've been forced to learn.
I have a laptop that I love.  I bought it on ebay and it came with a nice package of software on it, including Windows 7 Basic.  That's the first version of Windows that I've used past XP Professional.

It was working just great.  A few months ago, I can't say just when, an extra icon appeared at the bottom of my screen.  It looks like a shield,*suggesting protection.  I'm not sure it was there all the time but as time passed it was there more often and would flash as if there was some urgency.

This is a virus that mimics a security program.  The virus is called Live Security Platinum.  It runs a fake scan on your computer and shows a fake report that says you have 38 infections.  Trojan horses, maleware etc.  Of course you are fearful and feel vulnerable.
The program will not let you get on the internet.(says a program is trying to send your credit card numbers out to a third party) OMG. If you want to get rid of all the problems you must register you copy (which it claims is a demonstration copy)

You would use your credit card to pay for it.

In my case, I would think that maybe the Live Security Platinum was part of what came with the computer.

Welcome to the war.  I hope you never experience one of these, but I'm feeling we all will.  My advice is to take precautions ahead of time.  There is a good article on line from the university of Minnesota, which is written for students there, so they can avoid some or all of these problems.  One piece of advice is to make a user account on your machine and work from that.  Otherwise you will be the administrator and viruses can attack in that mode.  

My nephew, Don Miller, is a computer guy.  He's worked for computer companies all his life.  He has trained me in removing viruses.  I am awaiting hardware and software to continue my battle against these malicious programs.

I don't know the penalties for hacking but they should be harsh, dammit.  

Bye for now.  I'm watching the Ryder Cup.

*After further reading it seems the shield icon is a legitimate part of Win7.  I'm still thinking that that nasty virus is still lurking around though.