Computers rarely break all at once — they give you warning signs. If you notice several of these, it is worth a closer look.
Common warning signs
- It is suddenly slow — programs crawl, the fan runs constantly, or everything lags.
- Pop-ups and ads appear, even when you are not browsing.
- Your home page or search engine changed on its own.
- Strange messages — fake virus warnings, “your computer is locked,” or demands to call a phone number.
- Programs you did not install show up, or new toolbars appear in your browser.
- You are locked out of files, or files have odd new extensions.
- Friends get emails or messages from you that you never sent.
What to do first
- Do not panic, and do not call any number in a pop-up. That number is the scam.
- Stop shopping or banking on the computer until it has been checked.
- Run a deep scan — see the scan guide for your computer (Windows or Mac).
- Change important passwords from a different, trusted device if you think an account was accessed.
When to call me
If the signs do not clear up, you are locked out, or you are simply not sure — call me. It is always cheaper to check early than to clean up later.