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3 Signs of a Computer Virus

Call The Computer Wizard • March 29, 2022

When you work on a computer, you must always be aware of potential viruses that can be enormously disruptive, slowing your system, making it almost impossible to get your work done, and leaving you at risk of serious data breaches. Even if you keep antivirus software up to date, it's best to recognize the early signs of a problem, so you can schedule prompt computer repairs. Here are a few indications your computer might have a virus.

Does Your Computer Have a Virus?

1. Sluggish Performance

Running out of RAM on the hard drive could cause the system to run slower than usual. Additionally, a virus can consume resources and cause the machine to not be as efficient. Take note if your computer suddenly starts to perform much slower than usual. You can try rebooting the machine first and confirm that there’s enough disk space on the hard drive. Additionally, make sure you have enough RAM on the machine. If everything else looks OK, it could be due to a virus that causes programs to load slower than usual. 

2. Frequent Crashes

A virus can take up a lot of storage on the system and connect to other computer files, which can leave the computer without enough RAM to run other programs. This can cause the system to crash, as well as other malfunctions, like unusual error messages that don’t close, constant system freezes, and programs that open and close on their own. It can be difficult to maintain control of the device once it reaches this point, so it’s crucial to schedule computer repairs quickly. 

3. Strange Emails

Occasionally, a hacker or spyware can attempt to gain access to your email or social media accounts. If your employees inform you that they’ve received emails from suspicious senders, this should raise some immediate red flags. When this happens, the recipients may open malicious attachments that are meant to spread to their devices. Common email viruses include spoofing, which involves tricking recipients into thinking the email is from an authentic person, and phishing, which attempts to coerce recipients into sharing personal information. 

If you suspect your device has a virus, turn to Call the Computer Wizard in Rochester, NY. These savvy computer repair professionals accurately pinpoint the problem and eliminate it efficiently. They can also help with other important steps, like data backup and recovery. Call (585) 729-4300 to schedule an appointment for computer repairs.

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