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With a whole new batch of very malicious software on the loose, it is probably a good idea to know exactly what constitutes a sign that your computer is infected. I came across the following list on Washington Post's website. Here are signs that your computer is infected, and as is often the case, your computer will exhibit often more than one of these symptoms.

Poor computer system performance, including slower response times and longer start-up and shut-down times.

Dramatic loss in Internet connection speeds

Loss of hard disk space

Web browser frequently closes for no apparent reason

Browser's home page resets and cannot be changed.

New desktop icons and applications, like toolbars, suddenly appear

Access to various computer security-related Web sites is blocked

Pop-up ads appear even when the Web browser is closed

Also, the way to avoid malware is to make sure you install a firewall and anti-virus software, download security patches regularly, and be aware of what you're installing and only download software from trusted Web sites.

This will be my last entry before 2007, so I hope you all have a happy and healthy (for you and your computer) new year.

Posted by pschooff in Better Protection |Digg This|Add to del.icio.us

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