Greenbook: A Local Guide to Chesapeake Living - Issue 6 | Page 24

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by Chris, Computer Superhero at Cheaper than a Geek.com, Annapolis, Md.

You may have a virus on your
computer and not even know
it.  Even scarier, just like a
real virus that affects human
beings – your computer virus
could go undetected for weeks
or months before symptoms
ever appear. According to a
Microsoft Security Intelligence
Report, 57% of the threats
computers faced were viruses,
with malware following at 21%.
There are primary 5 signs that
hint at a virus, spyware or
malware on your computer.
Take Notice!

1
Gradual, then Sudden
Slow Down

You’re using your computer
perfectly fine, then all of a
sudden you notice significant
slowdown.  Your first
inclination is that the
hard-drive may be storing
too much information.  You
delete tons of files hoping that
it helps. This does speed up
the computer; however, the
improvement is marginal at
best.  It still doesn’t have that
“brand new” speed.  This is a
sign that you possibly have a
virus.
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greenbook | fall & Winter 2015

2
Pop-Up Warnings

You’re using your computer
If you are receiving pop-up
warnings that your computer
may be infected – it may be
time to have your computer
scanned for potential viruses. 
These pop-ups do not look as
“spammy” as in the early days
of the Internet.  They appear
as legitimate software that
came pre-installed on your
computer. As said before, the
creators of these viruses are
becoming smarter.  If you are
unsure about whether the
pop-up is from a legitimate
program or simply a virus – it
is always best to have it looked
at by a professional.  A pop-up
indication usually foreshadows
a bad future for your computer
if you are not proactive in
finding a solution. Looking for
virus repair in Bowie MD? Call
us now to see how we can help
you.

internet. Whether you are using
Chrome, Internet Explorer, or
Mozilla Firefox, the virus simply
shuts down the browser and
may even create a pop-up
explaining that you have a
virus.
This is usually a scam designed
to make your situation
distressing, that you want to
immediately give away your
credit card information to solve
the problem.  It’s essentially a
scam that’s so powerful and
effective, that it persists on
millions of computers today.
We recommend that you DO
NOT PAY.  You should seek a
solution on the internet by
accessing Safe Mode.
 There are some viruses that
are even intelligent enough to
cut off your internet access
through Safe Mode.  If you
come across a malicious,
malignant, and intelligent virus
such as this and if you live in or
near Bowie MD; it’s time to seek
the solution of experts and call
us.

4
3
Inability to Connect
to The Internet

This is usually a sure sign that
you have a virus.  You are
completely unable to get on the

Anti-Virus and
Firewall Shutdown

Do you currently have a popular
brand of anti-virus on your
computer?  If you notice that
you can open up different
applications on your computer