5 Signs Your Computer Has a Virus (And What to Do)

Your computer has been acting strange lately. Maybe it's slower than usual, or you keep seeing pop-up ads even when your browser is closed. Before you assume it's just "getting old," consider this: your machine might be infected with a virus or malware.

Viruses and malware are more common than most people realize — and they don't just affect businesses. Home computers in Smyrna, Marietta, Kennesaw, and across the Atlanta metro are targeted every day. The good news is that most infections are fixable, especially when caught early.

Here are the five most common warning signs to watch for.

One of the first things people notice is that their computer suddenly feels sluggish. Programs take longer to open, web pages load slowly, and the whole machine feels like it's wading through mud.

While a slow computer can have other causes (more on that in another post), a sudden and unexplained slowdown is a classic sign of malware. Many viruses run hidden processes in the background that consume your CPU and memory, leaving little resources for the things you actually want to do.

What to look for: Open your Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc on Windows) and look at the CPU and Memory columns. If something unfamiliar is using a large percentage of your resources, that's a red flag.

Pop-up ads that appear even when you're not browsing the web — or ads that show up on websites that never had them before — are a strong indicator of adware, a type of malware designed to generate advertising revenue at your expense.

Some adware is relatively harmless (just annoying), but other types can redirect you to dangerous websites, track your browsing habits, or install additional malware without your knowledge.

What to look for: Ads appearing on your desktop, browser toolbars you didn't install, or your homepage changing to an unfamiliar website.

You type in a web address and end up somewhere completely different. Or your search results look strange and lead to unfamiliar sites. This is called a browser hijack, and it's one of the most frustrating types of malware to deal with.

Browser hijackers change your default search engine, homepage, and new tab page without your permission. They're designed to drive traffic to specific websites — often to generate ad revenue or steal your personal information.

What to look for: Your homepage has changed, your searches go through an unfamiliar engine, or you're frequently redirected when clicking links.

Some sophisticated malware specifically targets your security software. If you notice that your antivirus has been turned off and you didn't do it yourself — or if it won't let you turn it back on — that's a serious warning sign.

Malware that disables your defenses is particularly dangerous because it leaves you completely exposed to further infection. This type of attack is often the first step in a ransomware attack.

What to look for: Antivirus showing as disabled in your system tray, security warnings you can't dismiss, or your firewall turning itself off.

If people in your contact list are telling you they received weird emails, social media messages, or texts from you — messages you definitely didn't send — your accounts or your computer may be compromised.

Some malware is designed specifically to spread itself by sending messages to everyone in your contacts. Others steal your login credentials and use your accounts to send spam or phishing attacks.

What to look for: Contacts reporting strange messages from you, emails in your Sent folder that you didn't write, or social media posts you don't recognize.

If you're seeing one or more of these warning signs, here's what we recommend:

1. Stop using the computer for sensitive tasks — don't log into your bank, email, or any accounts that contain personal information until the issue is resolved.
2. Don't try to download "free" antivirus tools from pop-up ads — many of these are actually malware themselves.
3. Disconnect from the internet if you suspect your accounts are being used to send spam.
4. Call a professional — DIY virus removal tools often miss deeply embedded malware, and some infections require manual removal by an experienced technician.

At Computer Geeks of Georgia, virus and malware removal is one of our most common services. We come to your home or office anywhere in the Atlanta metro, perform a thorough deep scan, remove all threats, and harden your defenses so it doesn't happen again.

All for a flat $59 on-site fee — no hidden charges, no shop drop-off required.

Call us at 404-295-2020 to schedule your service today. We offer same-day appointments when available.