Most Common Symptoms of a Computer Virus
Discovering a virus on your computer is the last thing any computer owner wants. Unfortunately, computer viruses are real and can't always be prevented. Although there is anti-virus software available to install on your computer, some viruses find their way past the firewalls and negatively affect your computer's performance.
To avoid computer malfunction, it's essential to stop a virus as soon as possible. The earlier you catch a virus on your computer the better chance you have at saving your computer's data.
How will you know if your computer is affected by a virus?
There are a few symptoms of a computer virus that you should be aware of. When you know the signs, you can correct the issue hopefully before it's too late.
Continue reading below to learn all the signs to look out for!
Slow Performance and Startup
There's nothing more frustrating than a slow-performing computer. Does your computer take much longer than it should to start? Once it's completed the startup, does it continue to lag when you open programs or applications?
A slow-performing computer could be due to insufficient hard disk space or RAM memory. These should be the first two things you check. If neither of these is the culprit for the slow-moving computer, then it may have a virus.
There are a few things you can try first to see if you can speed up the performance. Make sure you do research on the specific type of operating system you have. For example, when working with a computer using Windows 10, you'll want to research how to remove a virus from a laptop Windows 10 or how to quicken performance on Windows 10.
Error Messages or Computer Crashing
Not all viruses are the same. Some cause a computer to slow down while others might send you error messages. This is why it's important to know all of the different signs of a possible computer virus.
If your programs and applications are sending you error messages, or if you receive a strange error message on your home screen, then you need to consider having it checked for a virus. Another sign of a virus is constant computer crashing.
Your computer shouldn't be crashing on you on a regular basis. Your apps and programs shouldn't shut down as soon as you open them either. If you're having issues similar to these, then a virus may be attacking your computer.
Continuous Pop-Up Windows
When browsing the internet, do you often deal with random pop-up ads that don't seem to stop? Although many websites use advertisements on their page for other companies, a pop-up ad shouldn't continue to fly across your screen. Constant pop-up ads are a sign that your computer has been infected.
These pop-up ads are hiding malware behind their fake advertisements. Never click on a pop-up ad. Some ads will even try to trick you by saying a virus was detected on your computer and asking you to click the ad to have it removed.
Clicking ads like these allow even more malware to enter your computer. Avoid clicking on pop-up ads at all costs and have your computer checked by a professional to determine the next best course of action to take.
Compromised Email
It's not uncommon for a virus to find its way into your email. Although your email provider works hard to place spam in the spam folder, some spam emails will still find their way into your inbox. When this happens, you must be sure not to click on anything in the email.
Instead, simply delete it without opening it. If you do click on a spam message, then this could lead to a compromised email. When this happens, your friends and family might begin receiving emails from you asking them to click a link.
If they click the link, then their computer will be infected with the virus as well, and this is how it spreads. Warn all friends and family members not to click the link and be sure to change your password as soon as possible.
Most Common Symptoms of a Computer Virus
“If any of these symptoms sound familiar, then be sure to have the computer inspected and the virus removed by a professional.”
Remember, if you receive an email from a friend with a suspicious link, be sure to give them a call first to ensure their account hasn't be compromised.
Malfunctioning Hard Drive
When your hardware malfunctions, it could be for a variety of reasons. Hardware failure can happen within your computer, causing it to malfunction. A virus that's present might also be the cause of it.
How do you know if your computer is having a hardware malfunction?
High activity within the hard drive when you aren't using it is a common sign that something's not right. It's best to have an expert take a look at the system for you to determine the cause.
Errors With Applications
Certain viruses are made to infect specific applications on your computer. If you're having trouble opening or running a specific application, then it may be infected with a virus. When this happens, sometimes the only way to correct the problem is to uninstall the application and then reinstall it.
You still need to be careful that the virus hasn't affected other parts of the system. To ensure your computer's complete health, have a computer repair expert inspect it.
Be Aware of These Symptoms of a Computer Virus
Computer viruses are one of the worst things to discover on your system. If not taken care of right away, computer viruses can cause some serious damage. Be aware of the symptoms of a computer virus listed above.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, then be sure to have the computer inspected and the virus removed by a professional.
Schedule your appointment online today to have your computer repaired.
