Scan your computer for malware at least once a week using one of the online scanners listed below. Do this even if you already have an up-to-date anti-virus scanner installed on your computer already.
Why? Simple. No single anti-virus vendor can detect 100% of the existing threats to your computer security 100% of the time. It is possible something evaded your current protection and even worse could disable your current protection leaving you susceptible to further damage.
Tip: Initiate a scan while you're cleaning house or watching TV. Full disk scans can take an amount of time depending on how much stuff is on your disc and your computers performance. You can scan while working at your computer but the scans do use a fair amount of system resources and as a result may slow your computer down. Of course your mileage may differ depending upon your systems performance.Kaspersky Labs
The Online Virus Scanner uses Java technologies to scan your computer for malware which means that you must have Sun Java SE Runtime Environment (JRE) installed. The online scanner does not remove any malware that it detects.
The online scanner works with Internet Explorer 6 & 7, Firefox 2 +, Opera 9.
Kaspersky Labs Home Scan NowBitDefender
Spyware scanning and removal: detects and disinfects spyware files.
BitDefender Online Scanner uses ActiveX technology which is only compatible with Internet Explorer.
BitDefender Home Scan NowESET
Detects both known and unknown forms of malware, including viruses, worms, Trojans, phishing, and spyware. Cleans infected systems.
ESET Online Scanner uses ActiveX technology which is only compatible with Internet Explorer.
ESET Home Scan NowPanda Security
Panda ActiveScan 2.0 detects all types of viruses, Trojans, worms, spyware, dialers, hacking tools, jokes, and other active or inactive (latent) security risks on your PC. It also detects vulnerabilities of software installed on your PC which could compromise your computer’s security. Registration is required for cleaning, ActiveScan 2.0 will only disinfect certain types of threats (viruses, Trojans and worms).
Uses ActiveX and works with Internet Explorer 6 or 7. Also works with Firefox 1.5 or later through the use of a downloadable Firefox plug-in.
Panda Security Home Scan NowMcAfee
McAfee FreeScan helps you detect thousands of viruses on your computer. Based on the award-winning McAfee VirusScan engine, FreeScan searches for viruses, including the latest known "in the wild" viruses, and displays a detailed list of any infected files. Does not clean infected files.
McAfee FreeScan only supports Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher.
McAfee Home Scan NowSymantec (Norton)
Virus Detection checks for known threats, including top threats identified by Symantec Security Response. The Virus Detection offered on this site can detect all known threats but does not offer a repair feature. Does not scan Zip archives.
Symantec also offers a Security Check that helps to identify if your computer is safe from online threats and offers recommendations. The Security Check performs the following: Hacker Exposure Check, Windows Vulnerabilities Check, Trojan Horse Check, Antivirus Product Check, and Virus Protection Update Check.
Uses ActiveX technology and only works with Internet Explorer 5.0 and higher.
Symantec Home Scan NowTrend Micro
Trend Micro™ HouseCall is an application for checking whether your computer has been infected by viruses, spyware, or other malware. HouseCall performs additional security checks to identify and fix vulnerabilities to prevent reinfection. Does clean infections.
Uses the ActiveX Core Engine for use with Internet Explorer 6.0 or later. Also uses the Java VM Core Engine for use with Firefox 1.0.5 and later.
Trend Micro Home Scan NowWindows Live OneCare (Microsoft)
Windows Live OneCare safety scanner is a free service designed to help ensure the health of your PC: Check for and remove viruses, spyware, and other potentially unwanted software, get rid of junk on your hard disk, and improve your PC's performance.
Windows Live OneCare safety scanner is compatible with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, or MSN 9.2.
Windows Live OneCare Home Scan NowF-Secure
Find out if your computer is infected, and disinfect your computer if needed.
Works with Internet Explorer 6 or 7.
Home Scan Now
NOTES: Online scanners need access to your entire disk so therefore you will need to be logged on as an Administrator. All the above scanners are compatible with Windows Xp, all other other operating systems consult their respective scanner Help pages for support for your operating system. Some scanners require you to turn off your resident scanner prior to scanning, this is always good practice with all of them. Your HIPs protection may also give you warnings during the install so disabling that as well for scan may be beneficial. Just remember to enable everything when your finished.
Are you interested in how the above anti-virus software vendors performed? Check their latest test results. Especially helpful if your considering purchasing anti-virus software. Also lists many more vendors to choose from.
