Here’s what it looks like when a virus takes over your computer

A slow computer can turn you into a detective. You start investigating the clues, trying to find out what happened. You might even Google “How to tell if you have a virus” or “Warning signs your computer is infected.”

A Google search can easily send you down a rabbit hole, though. That’s why we took the time to write a helpful guide you can use to solve the mystery. There are a few obvious signs, like a parade of popups whenever you open your laptop.

But you should also know the more subtle signs of a virus. Not all infections are in your face — some lurk on your system for a while before taking over. Here are some surefire signs your computer is infected with a virus.

1. It’s hot to the touch

When you accidentally download malware, your computer’s internal components start working overtime to handle it. They’re not supposed to work that hard.

The fans are hustling to cool down the system, and eventually, they might wear out. Once they go kaput, your inner circuitry might even melt. Tap or click here to see how to keep your gadgets cool.

If in doubt, whip a thermometer out. Laptops should be between 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (or 10 to 35 degrees Celsius). | Photo © Artem Medvediev | Dreamstime.com

Speaking of which, watch out for strange sounds

Your computer may try to warn you that something is wrong. Although some types of malware can hide warning messages, they can’t overpower the sound itself. If it sounds like phantoms are moaning or bells are ringing, take that as a warning sign.

2. It keeps crashing

Desktop apps that previously worked wonders suddenly stopped working. It might be an issue with the developer, so check out official sources for news of any problems.

You might find out your software and hardware aren’t compatible, which may cause technical issues. If no other customers complain, the problem may lie within your system.

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81.7TB

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🚨 Don't download these apps 🚨

Don’t download these apps — or any that look or sound like one of these examples.

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Pump it up down: Your iPhone’s speaker goes a lot louder than what’s good for your ears. From Settings, pick Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety > Reduce Loud Audio. This one’s good to adjust for the kids, too.

Are noise-canceling headphones bad for your brain? Scientists warn blocking out background noise 24/7 might train your brain to “forget” how to filter sounds naturally. This could lead to auditory processing disorder (APD). Share this with the kids in your life.

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Rude awakening: Ever fall asleep watching TV? If you have a Roku, press the asterisk button on your remote to open the menu. Scroll to Volume mode and use the arrows to change it. Leveling makes sounds even so things like ads won’t jolt you awake. Night mode makes quiet sounds like whispering louder and lowers more intense sounds, like shouting.

🌠 The sky is falling: On Prince Edward Island in Canada, Laura Kelly’s doorbell cam caught the exact moment a meteorite fell. In a big first, the cam also caught the sound it made on impact. This happened last July, but scientists just released their findings. Huh … sounds different than I expected.

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