The Obvious Seven Indications That Your PC is Infected

Does your computer have a virus? Don’t know how to get rid of viruses? Generally there are different symptoms that provide evidence that your OS might have major virus infections such as slower system performance, internet browser redirection and suspicious email activity. Viruses can easily open up doors to a realm no user wants to experience and it's recommended to have an anti-virus program program currently present on the OS. Let’s look at certain warning signs which allow us to spot a possible virus infection even if you don't have an anti-virus program.



1) Unresponsive Functions - If opening particular functions offers no response, it obviously indicates there's a spyware infection which hinders the functioning of software programs in normal mode. The longer a spyware or virus infects the computer, the more programs it will eventually disable and make unresponsive until all software programs stop executing.



2) Illegal Bookmarks and Unfamiliar Links - The addition of bookmarks, favorites, and links that begin to show up in your web browser can also be a huge sign that spyware has infected your PC. The spyware creates odd and unknown links in the internet browser's favorites and bookmarks options, going to one of which results in bigger more severe problems. It is highly recommended then to run an anti-virus program to identify the threat quickly.



3) Suspicious Toolbars - Another integration of malware in your web browser is that of toolbars. You may be aware of MSN, Google, and Yahoo toolbars that actually help, however the inclusion of certain suspicious toolbars in the internet browser is a indication that some malware is logging your browsing history and sending this data elsewhere.



4) Email Bombs - These email bombs are one of the final warning signs that malicious software has taken over the Operating system. Lots (and I mean lots) of unrelated emails and explicit material inside your inbox, shows that the OS is really infected and needs a scan and cleanup. This actually works both ways; the emails don't only enter into your inbox but in addition send automatically to all or any of your email contacts so it's advised to check your sent messages in such a case.



5) False Warning Messages - When infected, the OS will begin displaying weird and fake warning messages stating that the PC is infected with spyware and it advises using a specific software to clean the PC of the infection. But, this software is a trick which furthers the problem with more spyware to steal your personal data. None of these offers should be followed and should be responded by disconnecting the PC from the internet and running an immediate scan ideally with an updated version of an anti-virus program. This symptom is serious and delaying cleaning your computer at this point generally leads to even worse issues.



6) Browser Redirection & Pop-ups - A potential indication that the PC is infected is the web browser being redirected to an unrelated website that basically wants you to download some software or participate in a survey. When you type in a URL or go to a search engine, the exact same web page will pop up no matter what you type in. Pop-ups have a similar resulting effect. You may have proper browsing, but before too long the internet browser opens a pop-up window that has explicit or unrelated content that you never asked for or wished to open. Disconnect your computer from the web and run a complete scan. NEVER click on any of the pop-up windows, since it will undoubtedly make the spyware threat escalate.



7) Slow System Performance - The most obvious problem that proves the OS is infected is the slow overall performance of the OS; applications open slower and perform slower as well. Opening up a Microsoft Word document could take 4 to 5 minutes and such, is a certain sign that your Computer is infected.



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