You’ve probably heard quite a bit about computer viruses enough over the years – how threatening they are, and how dangerous they can be. Viruses or Malware are often explained in a slightly confusing manner – and though we’re all told to download an antivirus and stay away from sketchy email attachments, not many of us know what it’s genuinely like to be infected by a computer virus.
Often the symptoms of a virus or malware infection are easy to miss, or commonly associated with other computer issues that can be solved by simply rebooting the system or clearing the cache. That makes viruses especially scary, because we don’t often take these symptoms seriously until they’ve done a significant amount of damage.
Here are five things to look for that could mean that your computer is infected:
Start-up, opening program or internet speeds become drastically slow.
Viruses or malware working in the background can use a lot of memory, making it harder to open and close the apps you normally work with.
Pop-ups appearing not just when your web browser is open, but also when it is closed.
Some viruses will try to imitate your anti-virus or an anti-virus you don’t remember installing. These programs will pop-up telling you you have a virus and to call a phone number to get it cleared up. We strongly advise you don’t.
There is an icon for a software program or app you don’t remember installing on you desktop or in your apps menu.
You may have meant to download and install a program, but some programs can be sneaky, bringing unwanted friends.
When you open your web browser it opens to a page you have never heard of rather then the homepage you asked it to.
When you installed that app that you downloaded right before bed, you probably hurried through, not noticing that a toolbar wanted to install right along with your download. A lot of toolbars, or other junkware like this will also change your homepage.
In the middle of a project you computer freezes, or reboots itself.
Malware uses up a lot of a system’s resources, straining the hardware, causing your computer to stop working or force a restart in an attempt to sort things out.
Viruses don’t always announce themselves, and can be quite crafty. If you are experiencing any of the issues listed above, give No Ware Computer Repair at (970) 433-7454, or come by our office in Grand Junction today!