Antivirus scan.

[shawn stonbraker 2]

Just a quick question. What is the correct way to scan you system for viruses? Are you to do it in "safe mode" or just scan it when the computer is running normal? I've always wondered and figured I'd ask.

 

[Thomas Rogers]

I use AVG, and always do it in regular mode.



I have had Spyware infestations that required me to boot to SafeMode to clear up.



TJR

 

[TomT]

Normally just run it in normal mode. In rare instances when you might already have a bad virus that is affecting your system, you may have to run it in safe mode.

 

[shawn stonbraker 2]

Thanks guys. That's what I figured but wasn't 100% sure. TJR, I run AVG also (from recommendations here) and love it.

 

[David Griffith 2]

Is AVG free? Where can I download it?

 

[Dallas Starr]

www.download.com



I use avg as well



then run lavasofts ad-aware about once a month

 

[Wes Davis]

AVG is the best free software out there.

 

[Tony Tassillo]

i use norton with no problems. finds worm attempts and all. i do alot of software downloading so i always make sure to scan the zip fiel before opening. i also use startup monitor so that everytime the registry is changed it promts me to accept the chamge so that BS programs cannot startup everytime the computer is booted.

 

[Dallas Starr]

norton is a bit of a processor hog, but it does do its job.

 

[Fer Echegaray]

I used Norton until it grew too large due to the LiveUpdate and extra cr*p installed with it, it was working fine, but was starting to take too long to start up and taking a bit too much resources for my taste.



I installed AVG about year and a half ago, and it's all I use on all my systems now.

If you like to monitor your system closely, I'd recommend Process Explorer, PsTools and some other little utilities from

 

[Mark S 3]

These conversations always make me glad I switched to a Mac at home and no longer have to worry about viruses. Two and a half years with no virus or spyware checker and counting!



Whatever solution you go with, just make sure you have it set up to run in the background 100% of the time while your computer is on. Also, if you have other people using the computer, it is a good idea to schedule your box to start up nightly (or at least once a week) and perform a virus scan / spyware check. I stress the automated idea as it is too easy to forget when you do it manually.



Trend Micro has a really good housecall one that I use whenever I'm helping out a friend with their PC. linky --> <a href = 'http://housecall.trendmicro.com/'>http://housecall.trendmicro.com/</a>

 

[Kevin Long]

If you do not run in safe mode, you may not be getting all the infections. Some things hide themselves, if you run in safe mode they are not running their "stealth" protection and your AV can find them.

 

[Johnny O]

Consumer Reports recently rated Bit Defender as tops. My wife is a software consultant and tech geek, she installed it on our home units and laptop and likes it. Uses less resources than Norton and doesn't slow the 'puter down.