I have two computers on our modem

[madokie]

one is the one I use running XP home for the most part, the other is our kids laptop running Vista. This computer is hardwired to the modem whereas the kids is a wireless connection. I've noticed these last couple weeks or so that the little light on the modem showing the wireless connection is being used is blinking all the time now day and night. My question is would that be something like malware on their computer. Their computer gets used a lot for person to person, facebook, my space etc. Our SIL sis has been using it in the quest for finding her a man, well I don't know how else to put it and that in itself is stupid as she is one pretty girl, so that really has me worried as to the kind of places she visits which I'll stay out of but it makes me wonder if maybe they have something going on with their computer that I should be concerned with, using our connection and all. I'll be the one to clean their computer up more than likely when I tell them about whats going on. What should I be looking for, malware, virus or what or both. Something is definitely using their connection 24/7 now. Any help is/will be greatly appreciated.
thanks

[Why Syzygy]

1. What I would do.

Download Malwarebytes http://www.malwarebytes.org . run the UPDATE
Do a complete scan (the long one)

Also, renew their IP connection. From the icon in the systray of the connection, Right click > Repair.

[madokie]

4. I think that'll be the plan I go with

[hobbit709]

2. Is the light still blinking if you shut down the laptop?

If it's still blinking then, someone is using your wireless signal. If not, then check the laptop for malware. I would install both Spybot Search and Destroy and Malwarebytes Antimalware. The two in tandem will catch just about everything.

[madokie]

3. She never turns the laptop off

I think I have the free version of antimalwarebytes on there now so I'll just need to update it and go. When I set it up originally I put avg 8.0 on it but I'm thinking of switching her to Panda's cloud antivirus. I have it on my computer here and it seems to work good without much overhead and with no intrusions. We're out in the country so I don't think anyone is using our signal but I'll check that to be sure.

[Control-Z]

5. Is your wireless connection secured?

If not, then any of your neighbors who are close enough, could be using your connection. It is easy to do. That would be my first guess, although, spyware is certainly possible. I hope for your sake that it is not the case. Either way, it is a good idea to run a couple spyware and virus programs regularly.

Do you have automatic updates? Those will cause blinking, as will any ads from both authorized and unauthorized companies. And if you've loaded any bundled software, you have probably installed some software/malware along with it without being aware.

[madokie]

6. Thanks

Yes it is a secure connection. We done a couple scans, malwarebytes and S&D and everything seems to be back to normal now.