OSU Computer Helpdesk

So is it just me or are internet pop-up ads the most annoying part of browsing the Web?  I’ll be reading up on my favorite celeb gossip, after an extensive Google search of course, and out of nowhere my screen will be taken over by mini-windows and some of the more irritating ads will actually play a sound bit.

I just want to see what's going on with Brangelina...Get out of my way pop-ups!!

Ugh, so irritating. As inconvenient as pop-ups are, where you aware that they could also be potentially dangerous! Oftentimes pop-ups that say things that seem important, or incredible, carry nasty viruses. Here are some examples of pop-ups that warrant your suspicion:

• You are the 1,000,000th (or other number) Viewer, you win a prize!
• Your computer may be infected! Run this free antivirus scan now!
• Your Credit card has expired; enter in your information to renew it!
• Your friend tagged you in this crazy picture! Click here to view it!
• Would you like to make $100/hr working from home? Click here to find out how!

There are way too many examples to list, and I know that all of you out there have seen pop-ups like these. Basically, sites that you aren’t familiar with should be dealt with caution. When entering in personal information, be sure that you are on the website that you intended and that it is a trusted site to prevent any personal data loss or possible infecton. Remember: If it seems too good to be true that’s because it usually is!

If you feel that your computer may be infected with a virus, know that OSU offers free anti-virus software for both students and staff! If you are a current OSU student feel free to stop our Walk-up location on the main floor of the Valley Library and we can help you clean off the virus and get your computer up in running again! We also offer copies the OSU Computer Helpdesk’s “Rescue CD” at the OSUware Kiosk, located at the Walk-up, for those of you who want a DIY virus removal experience.