5 SIGNS YOU HAVE A COMPUTER VIRUS

SAFEBYTES SOFTWARE

Computers are never infallible. Sometimes they do not work as you expect them to do. Other times, it could be a serious virus that could make them completely useless.

This article summarizes some of the signs that could be an early warning to the user. It is best to take heed of them, so that you can prevent further damage to the system and your files:

1 – Excessive pop up ads: The latest browsers and software packages give you the option of keeping pop up ads at bay. However, if you are still getting these ads despite your configurations and even when the browser is not open, then it could be that the system is infected with a virus.

Normally, these ads are cruelly deceptive because they offer to deal with viral problems. If you make the mistake of clicking on them, the problem becomes worse. You may use the Search and Destroy Spybot in order to find them wherever they are hidden.

2 – Involuntary messages: The people who write these viruses, try to ensure that they have an in-built mechanism for spreading to other computers. Therefore, they attempt to send messages on your behalf. These messages will contain the nasty code that can infect other computers the moment that the recipient opens them.

If your friends and family start to complain that you are sending them messages which you do not recognize, then the chances are that your computer is infected. Always check your “sent” folder to ensure that only the messages you have sent have gone out.

3 – Lack of access to your computer: Sometimes, the virus will prevent you from getting into your computer even when you have the correct username and password. The lockouts, sometimes happen when you are in the middle of surfing and they come with an intimidating warning message.

During this process, the virus will be preventing the most important programs from running. It also encrypts the files that you have on the system, so it becomes difficult to access them. This type of ransomware forces you to buy solutions for problems that it has created.

4 – Hidden tools and programs: If you find that suddenly you no longer have access to the programs and tools that you were previously using, then it is probably a case of a nasty virus that has infected your system. Try using Ctrl + Alt + Del to get to your programs or the task manager. If that fails too, then you know that you are probably a victim of a computer virus infection.

Normally, the virus will lock key utilities in order to disguise the fact that it is eating up resources or also to protect itself from being removed. Use deep cleaning programs like Malwarebytes in order to deal with it.

5 – Unusually slow internet connection: Sometimes, you do not see any obvious sign of the virus apart from a very slow internet connection. This happens in cases, where you are dealing with a very sophisticated virus that is able to access the internet without your knowledge or control. Always do a virus check in order to ensure that you can pick up these problems early.