Many
people have no idea that they have a computer
virus infection, until it is too late, and the damage is
already done!
Several HUGE mistakes made by
computer users include: having no antivirus software
installed at all, having out of date antivirus software
installed, or having antivirus software installed without proper
education on detecting and preventing viruses!
Ladies and gentleman, the year is 2011,
and more complex, socially engineered (“easy to
fool you”) computer viruses are making their way from
a hackers workstation, into your cherished home
computer!
These
new types of malware can be difficult to detect by even
“high-grade” antivirus software, and when detected can
be virtually impossible to remove; while wiping out your
priceless music, pictures, videos and documents –
instantly!
It is
becoming increasingly more important, to learn how to identify a possible
computer virus infection, before any major damage is done.
1.) Antivirus
software indicates that there is a virus infection on
the computer (obvious isn’t it!)
2.) The
computer restarts randomly and
unexpectedly
3.) The
computer will not boot into Windows even though no
software was installed or updates were
performed
4.) Windows
task manager will not open
5.) Windows
does not startup, and a message is shown stating:
“…system files are missing.”
6.) Low memory
errors pop up even if there is no memory true memory
problem
7.) You get
random BSODs (Blue Screen Of Death)
8.) Your
computer seems to “move” very slowly, and your task
manager may indicate high CPU usage, even when you are
running no programs at all (i.e. 100% CPU
usage)
9.) The
computer’s starting or loading time to get into Windows
takes excessively long.
10.) Constant
pop-ups are appearing and/or browser re-directs (being
unintentionally directed to other web sites than those
that you selected)
11.) People are
receiving emails that you don’t recall
sending
12.) Your
broadband modem is showing traffic activity, when you
aren’t using the internet
13.) When new
programs are installed, they either don’t work or have
constant problems
14.) You are
suddenly receiving more spam to your email
inbox(s)
15.) Programs
that are installed are instantly
deleted
16.) Documents
and files disappear (deleted)
17.) Windows
updates will not install successfully
18.) DVD and
CD-Rom drives open and close by themselves, or may not
be detected in Windows
19.) Sounds
may play randomly, from the computer
speakers
20.) Files and
folders will not open at all
21.) Windows
Security Center has been disabled
22.) Windows
Firewallor third party firewall software has been
disabled
23.) Instead
of logging into the desktop with icons after the Windows
“splash screen”, the computer just shows a black screen
and a cursor
24.) Windows
password(s) have been changed without the user(s) making
the changes
25.) Software,
files, pictures, music, video etc; start to open/run
without the user commanding those
actions.
26.) A
computer will not boot up after powering on (rare cases
– “Boot virus”).
There are more symptoms associated with computer
virus infections, but it is important to recognize
important clues that could spell complete digital
disaster! If you are experiencing any of the symptoms
listed and you aren’t sure if your computer is infected
or not, always call a knowledgeable technician for
assistance; it’s better safe than sorry!
Now that you know the clues to look for, to determine
if you have a virus infected computer, you are one step
closer to browsing the internet, checking email, sharing
files and folders and more, without worry!
