Its always advised to install an antivirus in our computer system so that it can regularly scan our system and remove suspicious items. Sometimes we might need online virus scanner to scan our system or to scan a particular file.
The reason is very simple, online scanners are easy to use. You don't need to install them. Also online scanners always have up-to-date virus definition databases. You don't need to pay anything for them. Also online scanners come to rescue when you can't install an antivirus in your system because of an existing virus infection.
So today in this topic, we are going to list the best free online virus scanners which are absolutely free to use:
- BitDefender Quick Scan
- ESET Online Scanner
- F-Secure Online Scanner
- Panda ActiveScan
- CA Threat Scanner
- Windows Live OneCare Safety Scanner
- Norton Security Scan
- Trend Micro HouseCall
- Kaspersky File Scanner
- avast! Online Scanner
- Virus Total
- Jotti Malware Scan
- Dr.Web Online Check
- VirusChief
- VirSCAN
- NoVirusThanks
Give them a try and let us know which one do you like the most and why?
This article was posted by VG in following section: Internet, Software.
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Uewd
I would prefer Virus Total. It scans the uploaded file with a total of 43 Antivirus programs and can also scan the URls with 6 URL analysis tools. My second choice is Jotti Malware Scan which scans the uploaded file with 19 Scan engines.
Masroor Aijaz
What are losses scanning via online scanners? I think with benefits there also losses.
VG
^^ Cons are: you need Internet connection to run online scanner. Most of online scanner only detect suspicious item but don't provide fix for them.
Baron Benico
TESTED ON FIREFOX 3.6.13 - WINDOWS XP
* BitDefender Quick Scan - QUICK AND EASY TO USE
FF3 add-on required
Quick Scan - approx 1 min (Mobile Broadband)
No problems found
* Panda ActiveScan - MY PERSONAL FAVOURITE
FF3 add-on required
Quick Scan - found one Low Level Danger Tracking Cookie (slow on Mobile Internet)
Full Scan - NOT TESTED
NOT TESTED
* Trend Micro HouseCall
Installation required
Scan program crashed
* ESET Online Scanner
IE
installation file required for FF use
Installation file crashed
* F-Secure Online Scanner
Unable to use on FF3
* CA Threat Scanner
IE only
* Windows Live OneCare Safety Scanner
FF3 add-on required (IETab 2) - outdated link to IETab
* Norton Security Scan
Security Scan - Not Fully FF compatible
Virus Scan - IE only
* Kaspersky File Scanner
not available as new version in development
The following are File Scanners so I did not test them:
* avast! Online Scanner
* Virus Total
* Jotti Malware Scan
* Dr.Web Online Check
* VirusChief
* VirSCAN
* NoVirusThanks
Uewd
^^ Cons are: you need Internet connection to run online scanner. Most of online scanner only detect suspicious item but don't provide fix for them.
-------------------------------------------------------
Eset online scanner can be run without internet connection by going to: "%ProgramFiles%\ESET\ESET Online Scanner\OnlineScannerApp.exe"
a
CA Threat Scanner does not work with Windows 7.
Ed
I need to know which is better between
BitDefender, CA Threat, avast, and Norton
Ed
NVM, based on Baron's tests, I'll pick between Panda and BitDefender
haeddy
nice test baron...
Baron Benico
TEST UPDATES:
* ESET Online Scanner
Designed for use with IE - installation file required for FF use
Most comprehensive Scan Options.
Downloads lots of information - can take about 5 minutes on ~7Mb
Full Scan ran for over an hour despite run time showing shorter time.
* Trend Micro HouseCall
Installs an application - ESET NOD32 displayed "unwanted application" alert when installing.
Test time approx 10 minutes - similar to Panda ActiveScan