How do you know if your computer has been hijacked?

[Hendog]

I've heard of these programs that infiltrate your 'puter and use it for whatever, without your knowledge. Even the current anti virus software won't detect it. So, how do determine if it's on your machine?

[slodave]

Run a program such as malwarebytes.

[jyl]

Are you headed for Cuba?

[nynor]

i've had control of your computer for weeks.

try this:

boot into safe mode with networking support.

go to http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/home.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=23&pkj=XBKCLSIVFWMFKPXKBQW

run the scan.

[Hendog]

I just ran Malwarebytes. No problems were found.

The only reason I ask about this is that I bought this new computer in Feb. It's Win7 running on Intel Core i5 quad processor. It's fast. But when I come to "wake" it up after it's gone into sleep mode (sorry, I'm not a geek who speeks geek), it's a little slow at waking up and responding to a mouse click.

[Crowbob]

How do you know the 'scan' isn't a scam, nynor? I'm paranoid about the interwebs lately.

[Por_sha911]

Are you maintaining a good anti-virus program including updates? Try Ad-Aware by Lavasoft as well. Try doing a search for an antivirus company and see if you get redirected.

[nynor]

Originally Posted by Crowbob

How do you know the 'scan' isn't a scam, nynor? I'm paranoid about the interwebs lately.

because i run the scan to control your computer.

[Hendog]

Originally Posted by Por_sha911

Are you maintaining a good anti-virus program including updates? Try Ad-Aware by Lavasoft as well. Try doing a search for an antivirus company and see if you get redirected.

I've been running Norton Internet Security since day 1.