What Are the Symptoms of a Computer Virus?
Maryan Pelland
Antivirus
Computer viruses can cause a variety of symptoms, or like cancer, a computer virus may produce no symptoms at all. Some symptoms that seem like a virus may be from something relatively harmless.
Best advice, if you see symptoms unusual to your computer, find professional help. If you are operating without brand name antivirus software, and you use the Internet, at all, ever, chances are good you have one or more virus infections.
Some common symptoms:
• Slow, sluggish operating
• Disk space becomes overloaded without reason
• Frequent error messages from a variety of programs
• Programs open and close themselves
• Internet browser shuts down or won’t open
• Frequent program or system crashes
• Pop up messages, ads, or windows open during start-up or shut down
• Random sounds
• Email won’t send or attachments vanish
These symptoms can happen all-at-once or one-by-one. It isn’t advisable to ignore them – even if they aren’t caused by a virus, they should be attended to. If you suspect you have a virus, try opening an Internet browser like Internet Explorer or Firefox and type in the url for Avast, Norton or McAfee. If you cannot get to those sites you probably have a virus.
Fighting Virus Infections Without a Flu Shot
Obtain and install good antivirus software. This really isn’t an option – it’s survival. It’s a jungle out there.
Some brand name antivirus software:
Norton – a long time, pay subscription program known for causing conflicts, especially in Windows Vista.
McAfee – another front-runner in pay services/software. Again, the program has gotten so bloated and causes so many conflicts that it’s more trouble than I want to deal with. And, I’m not in favor of paying fees for products I can use free.
Avast Home Edition – This is the one my personal gurus recommend above all others. It’s effective. It doesn’t gum up your computer’s virtual insides. It doesn’t attempt to act as an emperor to your system and it’s FREE. I’ve used it in my company and at home for many years.
Explore some comparisons of major antivirus players.
Update the virus definitions at least weekly, and run your antivirus program weekly. Every antivirus program has a button to update. Just click the button and let it roll.
Avoiding Computer Viruses Seems Simple
If you have recognized, authentic computer antivirus software installed on your computer and you keep the virus definitions updated, you’re good, right? Absolutely not. You may still not be adequately protected unless your antivirus program is less than a year old. The software itself goes out of date and should be replaced every year or so. That’s another problem with programs you buy. Renewable expense.
If you get a virus or worm, Microsoft has some removal advice or you can visit the website of your antivirus program’s maker. Use a friend’s computer to get to the site, if you have to, and copy down the instructions for the virus you have. If you don’t feel comfortable with that, call a pro.
Most of us are getting pretty proficient at handling computers, especially our own. But I’m always amazed at how many people think using security software like antivirus or anti-malware programs is optional. With the sophistication of today’s cyber vandals, you’re taking a big risk if you don’t get regular checkups for your desktop or laptop and use prevention to avoid electronic illnesses.
More Computer Security Reading:
Self tune up tips for your computer
Back up your hard drive before your system craps out
Five tips to keep kids safe online