I've been getting emails from my mother which are a single line that is some sort of link. It's obvious to me that she hasn't meant to send them and I haven't clicked on the links, so not worried about my computer – assuming I would have to click on the link to download something rather than simply open the email to cause a problem for myself?

However, when I tell her that this is happening she will get into a massive panic. So, before I do so, can anyone tell me what exactly are these called, and what does she need to do about it on her computer, which I think runs either windows 7 or vista can't remember.

Thanks.

not necessarily her machine with the problem, could be anybody with her email address

That said, download and run Malware Bytes on her PC, then install Microsoft Security Essentials / Windows Defender

Thanks. Will the free one do it or would she be better with the full version?

Something's got into her computer and has hijacked her address book. I had one recently from a close friend who never emails me. The link was for Canadian Pharmacy. Guess what they were advertising? Oddly enough, she's a midwife. She checked with AOL who came back with 'password known'

Could be unrelated to her PC, could just be that someone is forging the emails as being from her.

Given that they're coming to you though, what CZ said is likely and retro gives good advice. Under Windows 7, MS Security Essentials supercedes Windows Defender, get that. In both cases (MSE and Malwarebytes) the free versions are perfectly adequate.

If Malwarebytes finds anything, save a log and post it here, then I / we can advise whether further action is required.

Oh, and use Windows Update to get everything up to date.

I'll see what I can do. She's 500 miles away so it will be over the phone.

use remote desktop/remote assistance if you got a Windows box to hand

Or use VNC if you don't have a Windows PC.

Or http://www.teamviewer.com

Or http://www.teamviewer.com

Yeah, that's a great option actually. It is often able to punch through NAT firewalls (i.e it will allow you to connect to her PC without messing about with port forwarding on the router), and it just pops up on the screen with a code and password you need to type to take over her PC. Really neat bit of software.