Symptoms that computer is infected

If you ever have used or downloaded the software meant for file-sharing to download some free music (MP3s) chances are there for your computer to be infected.

"The fine print in that agreement before you initiate the file transfer download software sneaks in some paragraph that allows them to install the unwanted software legally on the computer and in many cases gives the access to the 3rd parties to install spyware and adware software on the computer as well."

What are the Symptoms? (if you have few or even all of the following symptoms, your computer has been infected)

1)      You'll encounter several Pop Up Windows when browsing.

2)      The Internet connection speed might be very slow.

3)      The computer might not be that fast as it once used to be

4)      You can notice through the icon of internet connection (in the taskbar) that there is an activity happening though you aren't currently downloading or surfing anything.

5)      Miscellaneous icons to the various software and sites appear on the desktop

6)      You can find the unauthorized sites adding themselves to the internet favorites

7)      Unwanted search bars and toolbars attach themselves to the browser without your notice or approval

8)      The default homepage can change and the settings can be hacked so that you can't alter them.

9)      When you reboot the computer (turn the system off and then on) you might encounter see "Please wait while the changes are being made" when you haven't install any software.

10)  If you press the "Control, Alt and Delete" buttons at a time (it will show the task manager and some times you can notice some strange programs running actively on the computer).

In addition to the slowing down of the computer, invalid additional registries on the computer can cause the computer to fail to load.

Other Privacy and Security Risks

Ways to avoid the malware is to be sure that you install the antivirus and firewall software, download the security patches frequently, and be conscious of what you are installing and download the software only from the trustworthy Web sites.