When something goes wrong with your computer, you usually receive preemptive advice. For example, a virus could alter your security settings, or a failing hard drive could start making strange noises. If you recognize these signs early, you can quickly diagnose and fix your Pelisplus computer.
In addition to your primary security software, consider seeking a second opinion. You can use a less intensive scanner, one that requires you to install fewer files, alongside your main one. Instead of running regular scans, the secondary program would work on an on-demand basis: you only need to start it up when you need it. We recommend Microsoft Security Scanner for Windows and Malwarebytes for macOS.
With so many different gaming write for us computer systems out there, issues may manifest differently on each type of machine. However, after reading this guide, you should have a much better sense of what various problems look like. And the sooner you spot them, the sooner you can fix them.
1. Slow and sluggish performance:
If your computer starts slowing down, it doesn’t necessarily mean it has contracted a virus. However, sluggish performance can be a sign that a hacker has compromised your machine for secretive activities like sending spam or mining cryptocurrencies.
Begin with a thorough malware scan. Then, check the programs that may be running in the background. On Windows, open the Task Manager (search for the program’s name in the taskbar), and on macOS, the Activity Monitor (search for it in Spotlight). You’ll see a list of currently active programs, including some familiar names and some unfamiliar ones. Don’t expect to recognize everything here—unfamiliar active processes aren’t necessarily bad. Just try searching for those processes online to learn more about them.
If a malware scan comes up clean and you can’t find anything suspicious among the running applications, the culprit might be a non-malicious buggy program. Try closing your open windows one by one and then restarting those programs. Alternatively, if you notice that one of the active programs in the list is consuming a lot of memory, you can try uninstalling it.
Slow performance may simply be a symptom of your computer’s age. But all is not lost: we have ways to speed up old computers, whether they’re running Windows or macOS.
2. Persistent error messages:
All computers encounter occasional error messages. It’s when you start seeing these alerts regularly, over and over again, that you should start to worry.
Since the culprit could be anything from failing hardware to a virus to a corrupted program installation, you’ll need to put on your detective hat to find the root cause of the messages. Start with the content of the error message and any codes it includes. Then, go online and enter that information into your favorite search engine. You should find some clues about what’s going wrong and how you might be able to fix it.
If your findings indicate that the errors are associated with a specific program, you have a relatively straightforward fix: uninstalling and reinstalling that application is often an effective way to restore proper functionality.
Not every issue is easily diagnosable. While you’re getting shorter error messages, the messages might appear with fewer search results, making them harder to investigate. For more information, pay attention to the timing of the message. When viruses and malware are causing issues, for example, they often trigger errors that appear when your computer is booting up or shutting down, or while you’re trying to configure your security programs. Alternatively, if you consistently see messages while using a Bluetooth keyboard or another peripheral device, that device’s outdated software might be to blame. Check online to see if you can find updates for the device.
3. Unwanted changes to settings:
If your applications start behaving strangely or reconfiguring their settings without your permission, your machine has likely been infected with a virus. After gaining access to your system, malware will often alter your settings for its own purposes, such as preventing you from removing it.
Often, you’ll first notice these changes in your browser. The infection could disable certain features, change your homepage, or reset your default search engine. Sometimes, new extensions that want to promote their own services, rather than viruses, will modify your browser settings. You can check by uninstalling any recently added extensions.
Also, watch out for other suspicious changes: new icons that you didn’t request may appear on your desktop, or an invisible hand may reconfigure your security programs. Viruses can trigger a wide range of changes, so keep an eye on your applications and don’t ignore significant alterations to your software configuration.
4. Unexpected web pop-ups:
Everyone has to deal with pop-ups while browsing the internet. But if you’re seeing more than usual—and they’re promoting dubious content instead of urging you to sign up for a newsletter—then you could have a problem. What kind of pop-up ads should raise alarms? Look out for messages that claim you’ve won a contest or a prize, flash a malware alert, or entice you to play games, especially if they also make it difficult for you to return to the original page. These can indicate that a browser extension is misbehaving or that some type of malware has taken hold of your machine.
To combat the disruptions, first find a list of browser extensions you’ve installed. In Chrome, for example, they can be found under the “More tools” entry in the main application menu (accessed by clicking the three vertical dots in the upper right). In Firefox, they’re located in the “Add-ons” section of the main application menu (accessed via the three horizontal lines in the upper right). In Safari, access them through “Preferences” in the Safari menu. Finally, in Microsoft Edge, open the main application menu (the three dots in the upper right) and choose “Extensions”.
5. Unusual noises:
As a computer’s internal components start to deteriorate, it may become too old to function properly. Refusal to turn on is a sure sign of hardware issues. But you should also listen for unusual and repetitive noises coming from the depths of your computer, as these can indicate an impending hardware failure.
When you hear these sounds, immediately back up your data to an external device or a cloud service. (This task will be easier if you’re already regularly backing up your files, a habit everyone should cultivate.) Even if the noises turn out to be inconsequential, it never hurts to back up your data. And in the worst-case scenario, having a file of this information will safeguard your digital memories and simplify the process of transitioning to a new computer.
Unfortunately, if a component of your computer is failing, there’s not much you can do at home. So, turn to the experts: visit your local computer repair shop to see if they can replace the part. Alternatively, depending on your computer’s age, you might consider investing in a new computer instead of trying to revive an old machine.
By being vigilant and recognizing the signs of a troubled PC, you can take timely action to resolve the issues and keep your computer running smoothly. Remember to prioritize regular backups and ensure your security software is up to date to protect against potential threats.