06-01-2010, 01:53 AM
How to see if you're infected:
What is Malware?
Malware is an abbreviated term used to describe a "malicious software" program. Malware includes things like spyware or adware programs, such as tracking cookies, which are used to monitor your surfing habits. It also includes more sinister items, such as keyloggers, Trojan horses, worms, and viruses.
How to see if you're infected with Malware:
- 1.
- Determine if your computer is running at its usual speed or whether it has slowed down recently. Malware programs run in the background and take take a great deal of memory and monopolize the processor. If your computer has slowed down recently and you haven't made any changes or installed any new programs, it could be because it is now running malware.
2. - Try to do a web search, and see if you are redirected to a different website. Many malware programs will prevent you from using your favorite search engine and redirect you to another one that usually comes up with unreliable results.
3. - Open a new browser window and note if the correct home page comes up. Many malware programs will automatically change your home page to a questionable website and prevent you from changing it back to your preferred page.
4. - Take a note of whether you are seeing an increased number of pop-up ads and whether the ads appear even when you are not connected to the Internet. Many malware programs bombard you with advertisements. Because the malware is installed on your hard drive, it can run even when you close your Internet connection.
5. - Run an anti-malware program, like Spybot Search and Destroy or Adaware (see links in Resources). If you run through the other steps and strongly suspect a malware infection, confirm your suspicion with a system scan. Both Spybot and Adaware can be downloaded for free.
Credits:
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-malware.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_4855998_tell-com...lware.html
