Top 10 Signs Your Computer Is Infected

AVG has produced the following guide of the 10 most common symptoms of computer infection:

1. When computer is running unusually slowly.
If a PC has been infected by a virus, worm, Trojan or some other form of malware, it could be running tasks that consume a lot of resources, making the system run more slowly than usual.

2. When computer keeps popping up messages. If pop-ups and messages appear on the desktop, either advertising things or saying that the PC is infected, the computer probably has a malware infection. Spyware or adware is also commonly used as well as fake anti-virus programs (also called "rogueware") to deceive the user into parting
with financial details.

3. When connect to the Internet, windows open or my browser displays web pages I have not requested. Many threats are designed to redirect traffic to certain web sites against the user's will, and can even cause browsers to display spoof web pages. Normally this happens when looking for something in a search engine or when
typing a URL into an address bar. The user presumes they have opened a legitimate website when really they have been taken to a malicious imitation. The free AVG LinkScanner on Windows or Mac computers will help protect from these web pages.

4. When you cannot connect to the Internet or it runs very slowly. Loss of Internet communication is another common symptom of malware infection. This problem could also be due to the Internet service provider (ISP) or modem router. If a computer has been infected, the malware could be connecting to a URL or opening separate connection sessions, thereby reducing available bandwidth.

5. When anti-virus has disappeared, firewall is disabled. Another typical characteristic of malware threats is

that they disable the security software already installed on computers. If one security protection layer shuts down it might be a specific software failure. However, if all security components are disabled, the computer is infected.

6. Applications won't start or the computer keeps crashing. This is when infection causes applications from the start menu or desktop to stop working and other programs to run. This could either be caused by an update or poor installation process or if the computer unexpectedly or erratically crashes persistently then it may be due to malware. This especially happens when trying to open up a security program, or trying to fix malware problems.

7. When computer has new programs. If there are new programs on the computer's desktop that have been downloaded and installed without consent or knowledge, it's likely the computer is infected. Usually these programs have explicit or illegal content and it's near impossible to delete them like a normal program.

8. Where have files gone? There are malware threats designed to delete or encrypt information. Others move documents from one place to another. Some remove the library files for running games, security software and other programs. If a computer is in this situation, it's highly likely to be infected.

9. When computer is speaking a strange language. Certain infections cause the language of certain applications to change or the screen to appear back-to-front.

10. When computer has a mind of its own. If the computer starts acting on its own or sends emails without your knowledge, it is infected. Other signs include Internet sessions or applications opening sporadically.

Protect Your Computer With Free Anti-Virus Software

Free Anti-Virus Programs

So you've been using the free McAfee or Norton antivirus software that came with your computer, but the subscription will expire in a few days. Should you shell out another $49, or try one of those free anti-virus programs?

If your computer is running slow... your high-speed internet connection feels like dial up... and popups are popping up everywhere, what's wrong? It could be a computer virus, or perhaps a bunch of viruses, infecting your hard drive. Viruses not only take up valuable memory and slow down your computer, they can also expose your personal information to Evil Hackers.

The good news is, there are plenty of free anti-virus programs that can clean up the mess and keep you safe going forward. Here are some of the most popular and highly rated:

* AVG is one of the most often recommend freeware anti-virus packages. It provides very effective protection from the most common threats.

* Avira Anti-Vir - claims over 30 million users worldwide, and the free Personal Edition gets excellent reviews.

* Microsoft Security Essentials is a new free security tool from Microsoft. It's meant to provide protection not just from viruses, but also spyware and other cyber-nasties as well.

Look for free virus protection that comes with frequent, automatic updates and covers all viruses, not just the major threats. If you aren't getting regular updates, at least once every two weeks, you should consider another program. New viruses are created every day, so you need constant, up-to-date protection.

Do you really need paid anti-virus software? That depends on you. If you or others in your household are prone to visit the dark corners of the Internet (peer-to-peer music/movie downloads, adult sites or warez), or if you have children that will click and download almost ANYTHING, then you will probably want the best protection possible. Generally, the commercial anti-virus packages with monthly subscriptions offer very high levels of protection, fast updates when new viruses are found, and good customer support. You should also consider a paid anti-virus package if you run a business, or if you have sensitive information on your computer. It's a small price to pay to ensure that your data is secure.

In summary, don't take your Internet security lightly. You really DO need good anti-virus protection to stay safe online. And for most people, the free anti-virus programs will work just fine. Take one for a test drive and decide for yourself.