When to Be Wary of a Program You Don't Recognize

One of the biggest dangers for computer owners is the threat of a virus or other piece of malicious software. Opening the wrong email attachment could lead to a major headache, the loss of privacy and personal info, and even the need to completely re-install your Windows or Mac operating system (yes, mac users, viruses affect you, too).

Many computer owners try to get past this problem by checking their task manager or a list of open programs and eliminating anything that they don't recognize.

This approach has a few problems. Here's a look at what you need to know if you don't know where an application on your computer came from.

Your computer needs background processes to run. First of all, there are dozens of background programs that can operate without impeding your regular computer functions, and in fact, many of them help your computer to function normally. Applications in the System32 folder of Windows computers work to keep the PC running properly and may take care of your computer's firewall, Internet connection, monitor resolution, or any of dozens of other processes.

Closing a program that's performing vital background processes can make your computer unstable and can lead to serious problems, including computer crashes and even data loss.

On the other hand, new programs are a cause for concern. If you suddenly notice a new program on your computer, there may be a cause for concern if it has an extremely generic file name and your computer's performance has notably degraded since you've noticed the file.

Viruses and malware choose generic filenames or confusing filenames because they don't want to be uninstalled--no virus will show up on your task manager as "BILL'S AWESOME VIRUS." They might mirror some of the background processes discussed above or they might have complex file names to try to make you ignore them.

Research new programs. Search online for the name of the new program on your PC and try to gather as much info as possible. If you're concerned about a background process EXE file, for instance, find out where the file's supposed to be (usually in the System 32 folder) and what it does. You can then close it if anything looks suspicious and run virus scanning software.

Oh, by the way, get some virus scanning software. Keep it updated. You'll be protected if you update your virus scanner on a regular basis and scan any time you notice something out of the ordinary, including new programs that you don't recognize. Don't open any files if you don't know exactly where they come from and be careful with email attachments. Staying virus free isn't difficult, but it does require some common sense.

Have questions about virus scanners or programs that you don't recognize on your computer? Post them in the comments section below.