Is Your Computer Acting Weird? It Could Be a Virus.
Slow performance. Random pop-ups. Programs opening or closing by themselves. If your computer is acting a little off, it might be more than a fluke; it could be infected with a virus or other type of malware.
At Little Dog Tech, we help people across Central Iowa keep their computers clean, fast, and safe. If you’re wondering how to tell if your device has a virus, here’s what to look for—and what to do next.
1. Check for These Common Symptoms
Viruses can show up in subtle ways or completely hijack your system. Keep an eye out for these warning signs:
- Sluggish performance – If your once-speedy computer suddenly drags, it might be malware hogging system resources.
- Unexpected pop-ups – Ads, warnings, or fake virus alerts are classic signs of infection.
- Unfamiliar programs – New toolbars, apps, or icons you didn’t install? Red flag.
- Browser redirections – Getting sent to weird websites when you click links? Malware may be redirecting your traffic.
- Frequent crashes or restarts – Stability issues can point to deeper system problems.
- High CPU or disk usage – Open your Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to see what’s eating up your processing power.
2. Run a Trusted Antivirus or Anti-Malware Scan
If you suspect a virus, the next step is to scan your system. Many computers come with basic protection (like Windows Defender), but pairing it with a tool like Malwarebytes can increase your odds of catching more sophisticated threats.
We recommend:
Update your antivirus, run a full system scan, and follow the prompts to quarantine or remove any threats found.
3. Look at Your Startup Programs
Some viruses sneak into your startup settings so they launch every time your system does. On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, go to the Startup tab, and disable anything suspicious. On Mac, check System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items.
Not sure what’s safe to disable? Give us a call—we’re happy to help.
4. Check for Unusual Network Activity
Some malware quietly uses your internet connection to send out spam or data. You can monitor your network activity by using built-in tools or third-party programs.
- Spikes in upload/download when you’re not actively using the internet
- Unknown programs connecting to remote servers
- High data usage with no explanation
If this is happening, it’s time to unplug from the internet and get help ASAP.
5. Still Unsure? Let the Pros Handle It.
Sometimes viruses are sneaky and don’t show obvious signs. If you suspect something’s wrong but can’t pinpoint it, Little Dog Tech is here to dig deep and find the problem.
We offer:
- Full virus and malware scans
- Expert removal and repair
- Data backup and recovery services
- Ongoing protection and security setup
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Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
The longer a virus lives on your system, the more damage it can do, from slowing your machine down to stealing personal information. If you’re worried, trust your gut and bring your device to Little Dog Tech.
Get in touch today and let us clean things up!