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Antivirus Support
Am I At Risk?
Anyone connected to the Internet is at
risk of being infected with a virus, a worm, or spyware.
Whether you own a PC or Apple computer, run Mac OS or
Windows, there is a chance of infection. Even Linux
users can be infected. The majority of malicious
activity today is targeted at Microsoft Windows users.
This is because the majority of users on the Internet
today use Microsoft products. If most people were to use
Linux, the virus creators would target Linux users. Even
so, no one is perfectly safe online just because they
run a different operating system than what is being
targeted.
Common Symptoms of Virus Infections
There are so many different types of
viruses on the Internet right now making it hard to
determine any specific symptoms of being infected.
However, there are a few generalized ones to look out
for.
Computer Performance
- If you have noticed a drastic decrease in the way your
system operates, whether it is in speeds or stability,
you could possibly be infected. This is not always the
case though. It is suggested that you perform the steps
listed in the “Virus Removal” section below.
Internet Speeds
- If you have noticed a drastic decrease in surfing the
Internet or downloading files, you may be infected. Once
again, this is not always the case but you should scan
to make sure you’re safe.
Strange Computer Behavior
- If your computer is crashing constantly or odd
activity is happening such as programs are running you
didn’t intend to run, you may be infected. These signs
are a good determination of a virus infection since
viruses tend to mess with system files.
Programs Appear out of
Nowhere - If
you suddenly find software installed on your system that
you never installed, if there is a toolbar on your web
browser that wasn’t there before, or you notice windows
are popping up on sites where they normally don’t, you
could be infected. Once again, this is a very good sign
that you are infected since viruses are programmed to
install various files on your system.
Spyware
- If you notice unprovoked “pop-ups”, modification of
your browser’s “Home Page” setting, or unknown programs
showing up in your toolbar or on your desktop, you may
be infected with spyware.
Instinct
- Go with your instinct. If you feel that you may be
infected, it is a great time to run scans on your
system. Being proactive is the best way to assure you
are not infected.
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