Society is growing more dependent on technology for all sorts of daily activities, including shopping, banking and working. The rising popularity of computer technology in particular leaves many of us vulnerable to all types of nefarious computer viruses aimed at disrupting our livelihoods.
There are thousands of different types of computer viruses that will look and act differently, depending on what harm they are trying to cause to your system. Thankfully, you don’t need to be an expert to know that something is not quite right, and this guide will offer some advice to help you diagnose whether or not you are dealing with a computer virus.
Warning signs that you have a computer virus
There are a few tell-tale signs that your computer is affected by a computer virus. Due to their nature and the sheer number of different variants, computer viruses can present themselves in several ways:
– Lagging computer and poor performance
– Files missing, replaced or deleted
– Pop-up windows that were not there before/are not affiliated with any of your software
– New software that has appeared on your toolbar, desktop or as a pop-up
– Emails and social media posts that you did not send
– Malfunctioning antivirus software
– Problems with starting up/shutting down your computer
What to do if you have a computer virus?
If you have noticed any of the above issues, there is a chance that you are dealing with a computer virus. It is wise at this point to try to use any anti-virus software such as Windows Firewall to quarantine or remove the virus.
If that doesn’t remedy the issue, it might be time to call in the professionals. A computer repair expert will be able to remove any viruses and bring your computer back to full working order.
If you are dealing with a problematic computer, reach out to our IT support experts at Rapid IT. We serve customers across Australia and can help diagnose and remove spyware, viruses and other malicious software from your systems. Contact us today for more information.
