I got infected with a virus called Security Tool; I went to Microsoft One Care, did a scan, and afterwards opted for support via forums. I had managed to put Security Tool in my Recycle Bin until I figure out how to get rid of it permanently, and checked the forum for removing this virus. The link led me to a site called www.computerhope.com, and from there I wrote down two websites that offered a manual virus removal method. One site was http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-security-tool, the other was http://www.2-spyware.com/remove-security-tool.html. I checked Bleeping Computer, then went to 2-Spyware ; they offered a software called Spyware Doctor by PC Tools. Granted, I didn't see anything that said it was explicitly a free trial download, but neither did it say it was pay to try, either. So I downloaded it, and it scanned and found a few low level threats; but when I clicked the button to remove them, it said you had to register and pay. WTF? Why didn't they say that upfront? Okay, it was very late at night, I was tired, so maybe I missed something. Anyway, when I tried to shut down my computer for the night, it took forever to turn off, so I used the off button. This morning I boot up, and it won't boot normally. After a few tries, I finally got it to boot; the computer ran slowly at first, then began to get a little faster. I cleared my browser cache, hoping that would help. Anyway, later I'm surfing when the Spyware Doctor window pops up. And pops up. Finally, I said screw this and uninstalled it.
The only good thing to say about the site I got this from is that they tell you how Security Tool works. But it's irresponsible for them to offer an antispyware tool that acts like another virus.
It's a good thing I'm broke, so I don't have any bank accounts or credit/debit cards. So I lost nothing. My advice is to pretend to be the same whenever going for any software downloads, and after you've tried the free version, if you like it, then buy it from them. If not, they don't have your info, you lose nothing.
Incidentally, I tried an antispyware/antivirus called VIPRE, by Sunbelt Software; they offer a one month free trial, and it was great. Check it out at www.sunbeltsoftware.com. It's also priced quite reasonably.
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