What is the point of these "installer" viruses (Computer Question)

I have a MAC in case it matters.

Over the past couple weeks, every time i turn on the computer, everything runs fine for about 5 minutes, and then the render speed of doing anything chugs almost to a halt.

Open up my utilities and there are 5 or 6 “Installer” programs running, and all of them consuming 2GB+ of RAM (?)

I force close them, and they disappear until the next time i turn off and start my computer.

What is this Installer program? Worst virus of all time? My own computer failing to install something?

You downloaded and installed malware, probably a piece of shit called Genieo.

Use Malwarebytes for Mac to fix it.

What version of macOS are you running?

good catch, zbuzz.

and this is intended for others dropping by sd … while pcs are assaulted most often by malware 'n viruses … it doesn’t mean pcs are more vulnerable* (per se)*.

contrary to popular belief … macs 'n linux systems are not immune to infections by any means. it is necessary to maintain anti-virus as well as anti-malware for any operating system. you might think you might be able to “overlook” a small malware infection … but, keep in mind, others can become infected through your indifference 'n ignorance.