Intruder Alert! Three Common Virus
Warning Signs

Ever have that feeling that your car is "running funny," but you can't quite tell what's wrong? The same sort of feeling can indicate a possible virus infection on your computer.

It's Not Running Right

Unexpected sluggishness, noticeably slow responses, high levels of computer activity when you're not doing anything, files disappearing from your hard disk, constant and unexpected modem traffic; all can indicate the presence of a live virus on your machine. Note that these performance problems don't always indicate a virus infection, but because viruses can be so devastating, you should consider them a likely culprit any time your computer starts acting in this manner.

Start and Stop and Start Again

Frequent crashes and out-of-the-blue system re-boots are also good indications that a virus has taken up residence on your computer. Be especially alert for a pattern of re-boots (the computer shutting down and immediately starting up again).

It's Taking Me Someplace New

Any change in your browser's home page (the Web site that loads when you start your browser) is evidence of a possible virus infection, as is the appearance of an unexpected Web page when you re-load a "Cannot find server" page. A virus may have re-set your common settings, steering you away from familiar terrain and into trouble.

The Bottom Line: If you suspect a virus infection, immediately update your anti-virus software and run a complete system scan. If you don't find a virus, it's probably time to have your computer checked out to determine the cause of your problems.