Viruses and Spyware

I often get the question of what people should do when they get a virus on their computer. Usually the best course of action, if you're not comfortable removing it yourself, is to shut the computer down completely. Many viruses and spyware run in the background without your knowledge. It doesn't matter whether or not you have your internet explorer open. They will continue to download more of their "friends" onto your computer, and make removal harder.
If you absolutely need to use your computer, at least unplug your ethernet wire, or disconnect from your wireless network. You won't be able to go onto the internet that way, and neither will the virus/spyware!