FAQs: Computer viruses

How do I know if my computer has been infected with a virus?

If your anti-virus programme is working properly and its virus definitions are fully up to date, you will get a warning window, informing you of the existence of the virus and prompting you to take action. However, if you aren't so lucky, here is a list of things that should cause you to suspect that you have been infected:

• Applications crash while using them
• Programmes will not load what you start them
• Your computer seems much slower than usual
• You see the 'blue screen of death' when you are try to perform tasks
• You can only start your computer in 'safe mode'
• Accessing or downloading anything on the internet seems to take a really long time
• Random pop-up ads suddenly appear on your desktop, even what you are not at your computer or surfing the internet
• You receive complaints that you are sending infected e-mails (although this can sometimes be a result of spoofing).

What should I do if a virus infects a device such as an external drive?

Your anti-virus programme should be able to scan and clean the external device.