The onset of a cold, flu, or even worse, covid. The groggy feeling when your head is pounding, you have a blocked nose and your cough sounds like a 1970's Victa lawnmower starting up. You struggle through the day but given a choice, you would prefer to switch on Netflix, climb under the blankets and darken the room. Most of us seem healthy enough to fight these infections after spending a few days feeling like crap.
Your Health and your Computer’s Health
The symptoms you suffered might mean a few different
possibilities about health issues. A computer virus is a bit the same. Your PC
or laptop shows symptoms that may mean a few different problems. While each
symptom on its own may not trigger any red flags, a handful of unexpected
behaviours may set off alarm bells — if you know what to look out for. But
remember, help is only a phone call away.
Over the next two articles, we will look at some telltale
signs that will show your computer has a virus.
1. Funny stuff happening with your browser
In the mid-2000's we had pop-ups. These were the love child
of IE - Internet Explorer - and were a sign that malware was lurking on your
computer. These days, a pop-up is an annoying advert, or not so annoying if the
topic is of interest. But a pop-up appears when you haven't opened your
browser? Uh!Oh! That's not so good. These pop-ups usually advertise fake
antivirus software, or a message that your computer is infected.
Your Private Tool Shed
But pop-ups are not the only indicator that malware is knocking on your door. Toolbars that you think you didn't download and are cluttering your browser is evidence that there might be a problem. Most browsers allow you to search from the address bar, and it often defaults to Google. If your search provider has suddenly changed, or your Google search results look unusual, then you can be fairly certain you have an unwelcome intruder. Hopefully, your toolbar has never looked as bad as the picture shows, but it's possible that you might have picked up a few strays during your surfing and clicking. If you don’t know how to clear them, and you live in Beauty Point or Greens Beach, then you’re in luck.
The Pirating Activities of your unwanted Toolbars
Toolbars have been synonymous with junk for a long time, and with good reason. Browsers like chrome, have hundreds of features and there is no need to have more than one browser with handy extensions. At best, these bars take up space and are useless (like the Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer) and at worst, they slow down your browsing, hijack your searches, and track your activity.
2. Your Antivirus Is Disabled
Compare this to your home. If somebody wanted to break into
your house, the best way would be to deactivate your security system. The same
goes for a clever computer virus. There is malware out there that can disable
your antivirus software and allow free access to your computer. If this
happens, or your antivirus is unable to update, then it's time to start the
battle with the infection! Need somebody else to fight for you and you live in Clarence
Point or Launceston? Contact your computer specialist in that area
to assist.
3. Your PC Has Slowed to a Crawl
There are many reasons why your PC’s performance may seem
terribly slow, painfully slow, at times. First of all, check all the
possibilities - Chrome is a memory hog, check it. Also, check all your hardware
to make sure it's all working as it should. If all seems to be okay and your
surfing is in slow motion, then that's a good indicator that you have a malware
infection. Malware can run applications and services in the background that clog
up your computer and can have an incredibly detrimental effect on your
computer’s performance. Any doubts about your ability to find the problem, call
Burgos
Computing Solutions. Easy!
4. Disappearing Files
The worst virus trend out there of late is ransomware. This infection encrypts all your files, putting them beyond reach. Don't ever pay. If the frustration is too much, then simply contact your computer specialist, as they know exactly what to do. This is another good reminder to back up your files anyway.
There are other forms of malware that can affect your files.
These may be harder to detect, and if you live in Exeter,
for example, then there is a service available to you there. Large chunks of
missing files require a scan and an expert to
find that virus.
5. Your Internet Connection Sucks
Australia's wonderful NBN comes with its own problems, but
if you experience other unusual behaviour, it could be a viral infection. Why
would a virus try to block internet access?
However, some malware changes your network settings to add a
proxy and block your access to the internet to prevent downloading tools to
remove the infection. If this sounds complicated, and you live in Legana
or Beaconsfield,
then call your local expert. He will show you how to download a tool, like
Malwarebytes from an uninfected computer and then attack your virus via a USB.
Okay, that’s a wrap for this week. Next week we will look at
another 5 indicators that can mean your computer is suffering its version of
the flu.
If you are having problems and you are not that technically minded, then Burgos Computing Solutions is your best bet. Quick, cost-effective and he will fix the problem easily.