How Can You Tell If Your Computer Has A Virus?

If your computer is running slower than normal, the pages when you are browsing take longer to load and if it freezes as well then chances it may be infected with a virus and/or spyware. It can also be that your PC or laptop just needs to be defragmented or in need of more ram too. But if you are running your computer without a good Internet security protection program than it is most likely infected.

There are a few steps to finding out if your PC has been infected. You can begin by simultaneously pressing CTRL, ALT & DEL on your keyboard and this will bring up the window task manager box. If you take a look to where your clock is located on your right hand side, you will notice a box has appeared. Hover your mouse over this box and you will know right away how much amount of CPU usage your computer is currently using depending on the programs you have currently running. If this box is completely green when you surf the Internet or have a few programs running you may be infected.

For your next step you hit start, run and in the box that opens up type in "msconfig" without the quotes. On the box that appears click on start-up and you will be presented a list that has check marks on them. All of these programs with the boxes check start up each and every time your computer is started. Most of these programs DO NOT need to be there. If you have a virus this is the most likely place it will be hidden in as it mimics real legitimate programs to avoid being detected. If you notice programs starting up automatically or if you getting unwanted and unexpected messages, chances are your computer is infected.

Another clear sign to lookout for would be if a program like msconfig, your computer's Firewall, the window registry and any anti-virus programs you may have that do not load up when you start your computer, then it is the virus doing so to prevent them from starting. There are free programs online that can use to scan your computer to help you detect if it is in fact infected or not. However, you must be very careful which one you choose or download since you could be installing a virus known as a Trojan horse. (A Trojan horse virus will usually hide within a real program to avoid detection)

Unless you have a very good Internet security program installed on your computer I do not recommend downloading and installing any programs; especially if your PC or laptop has no firewall.

You would not believe how much access each program you install will ask unless you have the software to detect, warn you and stop them from doing so. Most programs today will want to monitor all the pages you visit and even try to record every key-log stroke you perform. This is part of many spy-ware viruses. A very useful feature found in a anti-virus program is one that allows you to set the limits each software you installs will have as well as the programs already on there. This program will also give you IM security, Identity theft protection and firewall protection as well. Anytime any program tries to change your computer's settings you will immediately have a pop up box informing you and asking you if you should let it do so. Best of all, you can use this very same program to help you detect, remove and eliminate any and all viruses, malware, spy-ware or infections your computer may already have.

There are too many threats facing all of us each time we get on the Internet today. It is imperative to protect yourself and your personal information with a great Internet security program so that each time you browse you can do so safely and secure. Surfing the Internet has many advantages but if you do so without being protected it is the same as leaving your door wide open for anyone to come in. If your computer is already infected get it cleansed right away and then help protect it from future attracts. Safeguard all your personal information and your online activities today!