Computer Security & Viruses/Is this a virus?

Advertisement


Question

Screenshot of the thin
I was on the internet until my sister pushed random keys on my Mac OS X  (Version 10.6.7) - A small rounded, rectangular window suddenly popped up. It's black with white font. I'm not sure what it is, but it basically told me exactly what I was doing. For example, sometimes it would say "Caps lock off" or "Now in desktop 2398459348 Portable Network Graphics image" or "Location edit text". I have no idea what it's saying sometimes, but I'm just scared if it's a virus, because I've never seen anything like it before. I tried quitting it by clicking "Apple-Q" but it doesn't seem to be an application. Then I went to Finder and quit all the open applications, but it didn't go away. Can you help me???

Answer
I am not too experienced with MAC but I did find this: http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=20030114062213918 . It seems to be along the same lines as what is happening on your screen.
Sorry I could not be of more help. I seriously doubt it is a virus. I believe it is a setting that has been changed with a keyboard shortcut. Since I have limited experience with MAC I'm just not sure how you turn off the messages once you turn them on with the keyboard.

Keith Davis

Expertise

Advice on how to avoid viruses and spyware. Suggestions on what software to run to avoid viruses and spyware. Identification of spyware, trojans, or virus infections. Overall system security.

Experience

As a PC tech, removing and identifying many viruses and trojans from customer's PCs.

Education/Credentials
4 classes short of a Networking degree.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.