[Waverley ARS] I suspect a computer virus

[Simon Buxton]

Hi Henrik

The use of Task Manager should show what processes and applications are 
making heavy use of the computer (Cntrl + Alt + Delete to bring up), 
though it is not good at identifying if disk access is excessive or 
slow. Also Net-meter (small download) is good  at identifying  the level 
of traffic in/out of the computer. I believe many "viruses" these days 
are "bots" used to generate spam rather than trying to muck up your 
machine - these can slow your machine and internet connection and do not 
show up in stats with a good ISP that doesn't count uploads in usage.

As a general comment I think older machines do run slower as most 
applications and web sites these days are more complex than when the 
machine was new. Another legitimate hidden task might be having an 
automatic update of the OS from Microsoft. I have also found that if you 
update an early version of XP after running the machine for some years 
it can have unexpected problems - better to reload the original OS and 
bring it up to date before loading applications. 

73 Simon

Henrik Stenstrom wrote:
> Gents,
>
> I'm beginning to suspect that a computer virus is doing its dastardly
> thing on our home PC. The unit in question is a Dell about 5 years old
> running Windows XP and is used almost exclusively for internet/email and
> other light duties.  Other details such as processor, RAM etc I can only
> give after checking this evening.
>
> Symptoms
>
> The PC is seems to be running very slowly as if there are other programs
> running in the background with higher priority.
>
> Internet Explorer fails from time to time due to "runtime" errors
>
> System requests from time to time to increase virtual memory levels
>
>
> Attempts to Resolve
>
> We have up to date Symantec Antivirus software installed.  Full system
> scans do not show up any problem.
>
> A recent Windows online update showed some initial improvement.
>
> Increasing virtual memory levels is inconclusive.
>
> Our ADSL connection might not be the fastest in Sydney but I don't
> believe this is the underlying problem.
>
>
> So, where to start?  Can anyone recommend if further anti
> spyware/malware detection is required?  If so, any recommendations as to
> what?  What else to check?  IS the windows task manager any use in
> checking for other programs that are running?
>
> Many thanks in advance for all or any help in resolving this aggravating
> situation,
>
> Henrik - VK2HHS
>
>