Secured Computers

Most of the people do not have a antivirus software fully updated. It may be due to following reasons:

• May be the liscence key of your antivirus software has expired
• May be you don't have sufficient money to buy a new version of the antivirus
• May be you are using a pirated version of the antivirus software so that you can not update the database directly.
• May be you are using a pirated version of the antivirus software so that you can not update the database directly.

Don't worry bro. Now a days some of the antivirus software companies are launching their new program on online scanning. Even some of them have already launched. Some of them are freely available. Here I am providing some of the direct links so that you can scan your computer freely from the top rated antivirus programs.

Is it safe ? Are they reliable ? Is a very good configuration essential ?

Safety: Yes these programs are totally safe to use, only if you are using them from a well known source. There are some other sources available who demmands, if you use their tools, then you can scan your computer by more than one branded antivirus software simultaneosly. But they are not trustworthy. So donot dare to scan your computer by sources about whom you do not know much.

Reliability: The top rated antivirus companies are refering to their same virus database which they use for their regular programs. So they are reliable also.

Configuration: Yes configuration really maters. According to their official publications, the required system configuration are not so high. You can scan your computer. But if you dont have atleast 512 MB RAM and a broadband connection then the scanning is worthless. If you are using the programs then the first scan may be a little bit slower but later scans will be normal, as they require to download some essential files (known as ActiveX control) to the hard disck to setup the framework.

Is the Operating System must be Windows based ?

No, most of them are releasing their programs separately for each OS type. But you dont worry about them may your OS be Windows or Linux or Mac based your scanning will start automatically.

If online scanning is so much good then why should I buy an antivirus software paying so much?

It's common that most of you will ask you this question. Yes online free scanning provides a lot of important facilities like every scanning is done with referenc to the updated virus definitions. But in the same time it lacks in following actions:

• May/May not takes action to either disinfect the file or delete the file or move to vault. You have to do these actions manually. It depends upon the sofware company.
  
• No auto scanning is done. That means like the standalone anivirus softwares it do not scan each and every new files.
  
• When a malicious program starts it donot provides the information like standalone softwares do.

So obviously installing a full featured antivirus program is prefered.

Just click on either link to start your computer scanning from their own server.

	It scans and also disinfects the infected files. but functions only with Internet Explorer. Mozilla is not compatible with it. So only Windows based OS
	The online scanner for Symantec Antivirus, related to Norton Antivirus software, provides a complete virus detection and security scan from your browser, although it does not check compressed files. The Virus Detection mocdule checks for known threats, including top threats identified by Symantec Security Response. It also provides an analysis of your results and offers suggestions for further action. Included are checks in regard to your exposure to hackers, worms and trojan horses. You receive an analysis of the results with suggestions for further action (including of course, purchasing Norton Antivirus software!).
	With this you can create a free account to save your scan history
	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. Should viruses be found, FreeScan even provides links to more information about the viruses and what you can do to clean your system.
	Windows Live OneCare safety scanner is a free service designed to help ensure the health of your PC. Check for and remove viruses Get rid of junk on your hard disk Improve your PC's performance
	only displays the infected files. You have to manually delete those files
	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.