text: how can i remove an icon from my computer that i suspect to be malicious? it prompts me to open for updates.? the icon is located in the lower right half of the monitor. when i place the cursor on it the message reads that 'updates are ready for your computer'. i beleive that this is some type of spyware/adware or worse. no, if its a yellow shield icon it's  microsoft's automatic update service working. if you don't want to see the icon or not have updates automatically downloaded go to the ms security center in control panel and turn it off....