Does your computer have any of the following symptoms?

  • Slow Performance
  • Slow Email access
  • Internet Explorer errors
  • Internet Explorer lockups
  • System lockups
  • Slow Internet access
  • Home page has changed
  • Excessive pop-ups

Then it is possible that your computer or laptop is infected with a virus, worm, spyware or malware and immediate removal is needed.

What is a computer virus?

The term “computer virus” is sometimes used as a catch-all phrase to include all types of malware. Malware includes computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, most rootkits, spyware, dishonest adware, crimeware, and other malicious and unwanted software, including true viruses. A computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without the permission or knowledge of the owner. A true virus can only spread from one computer to another (in some form of executable code) when its host is taken to the target computer; for instance because a user sent it over a network or the Internet, or carried it on a removable medium such as a floppy disk, CD, DVD, or USB drive.

A worm is a program or algorithm that replicates itself over a computer network and usually performs malicious actions, such as using up the computer’s resources and possibly shutting the system down.

A Trojan horse is a destructive program that masquerades as a benign application. Unlike viruses, Trojan horses do not replicate themselves but they can be just as destructive. One of the most insidious types of Trojan horse is a program that claims to rid your computer of viruses but instead introduces viruses onto your computer.

Also called adware, spyware is any software that covertly gathers user information through the user’s Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers. Spyware is similar to a Trojan horse in that users unwittingly install the product when they install something else. A common way to become a victim of spyware is to download certain peer-to-peer file swapping products that are available today.

High Power Inc. is an expert in detecting and removing viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware and other malware. We also offer many solutions for detecting and removing all malicious or suspicious items from your computer or laptop. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please call us today at (773)581-7650.