How to understand that with a computer that is not right

Before looking for a problem, make sure that the system is properly protected. You can rely on antivirus software, supplied with the operating system, or choose some standalone product. It is advisable to get a spare scanner malware that does not need to install, and which you will run only when needed. It fits perfectly Microsoft Safety Scanner or Dr. Web CureIt!

But viruses - is not the only cause of computer problems. There are other signals that prompt, your computer may crash.

Slow performance and resistance to commands

If the computer is working slowly, it does not always mean that you have picked up the virus. It may be that the attackers are using your device for their own purposes, such as sending spam or cryptocurrency of mining.

Run a thorough virus scan. Then check the programs running in the background. In Windows, open the "Task Manager" on MacOS - "System Monitoring". You will see a list of active programs. Among them will be as familiar names, and not very much. But if you do not recognize any process, it does not mean that it is a malicious better to look for information about it on the web.

If the test results on the virus has not given and you can not find anything suspicious in active processes, the culprit of slow work can be a harmless program errors. One after the other, close all open windows, and then restart the application. If you see that the program consumes too much memory, without a twinge of conscience remove it.

It should also be noted that the low productivity can be a symptom that the computer becomes obsolete.

Persistent error messages

All computers periodically pop up errors. But if they appear non-stop, it's time to become agitated.

The problem may be either in hardware functioning correctly, and in the virus.

The source of error have to look for. First, carefully read the text of the message and check whether it the error code. Try to look for the information on the Internet. Chances are you'll find something that will point you to a problem.

If you find out that the error associated with a particular program, then it will be enough to remove it and re-install. But not all problems can be solved so simply. If the error text is short, then find information on the web can be difficult.

Check when it pops up an error. For example, if the malware is guilty, then it is likely the message during startup or shutdown or antivirus settings. If a problem comes up when you connect a Bluetooth-keyboard or other peripheral device, the blame will likely need to obsolete gadget drivers. Try to find a more recent software on the Internet.

If this does not work, perform the most complex virus scan, what you can. As at least make backup applications and files and reinstall Windows or MacOS. If the error has not disappeared anywhere, the case is likely to components. In this case, can not do without repair.

Arbitrary change settings

If applications start behaving strangely and change system settings without your permission, then your computer is probably infected with a virus. He will try every effort to make sure that you delete it.

Often, changes are noticeable primarily in the browser. Infection can disable certain functions, change the home page or default search engine. Sometimes these same actions make the expansion, only entering the market. So developers promote their creations. These add-ons can be safely removed. Also pay attention to for some new icons on the desktop.

However, changes to the settings can not be harm - program periodically make changes to the operation of the system in order to function correctly. Just make sure that these changes have not been applied, without warning, and did not affect the browser and security applications.

To prevent malicious actions rollback to the original settings, for example, re-install the browser home page, which you had. Perform a full system scan for viruses. If you notice that the change makes the program or browser extension, remove it.

Random popup windows in your browser

Pop-up windows on the Internet have seen, probably everyone. The mere fact that their appearance does not accept any harm, but if there are too many and they are prompted to download something suspicious, your computer is in danger.

Beware browser messages that you have won a prize, a computer virus is found, and so on, especially if after a pop-up window is problematic to return to the home page.

Often such notifications appear unnaturally bright and fanciful: the attackers are doing everything possible to attract the attention of unsuspecting users, but do not always do it skillfully.

If such a window continues to appear, check the list of browser extensions. For example, in Chrome, they are in the main menu, tab "Advanced Tools" in Firefox - the menu "Extras". In Safari superstructure can be found in the parameters. In any popular browser extensions are in sight - will not have to dig deep in the settings.

Remove all unnecessary add-ons to see if the problem goes away. If not, reinstall the browser. Perform a virus scan - perhaps pop-ups is something outside of your internet browser.

Strange sounds

If your computer refuses to be included, it is a sign of problems with accessories: they are either worn out or something led to their failure. But it is also worth pay attention to the repeated sounds. They can point out that within the computer soon something will fail.

If you hear something suspicious, immediately save your data on another computer or in cloud service. Even if only occasionally occur noise it never hurts to make a backup copy of important information.

When you are sure that your security files, try to locate the source of the problem. If you have a laptop, remember, if you dropped it someday and poured there anything on the keyboard. All this could accelerate the degradation of the device. If your computer is relatively new, the case could be a foreign object - Clean the connectors can of compressed air.

If strange sounds have not disappeared, perform system diagnostics. For example, to check the hard disk on Windows, you can adopt a free utility CrystalDiskInfo. On macOS can use built-in tools. By the way, with the internal components of problems may also cause overheating, random errors and severe performance degradation.

It is better not to try to fix a computer at home - just bring it to a service center. And if the device is very old, the best option would be a replacement.