How Do We Use Online Scan?
This question arises as a new trend in online scan service provided by antivirus software and computer security solution vendors are trending. Are we supposed to use this thing? This question triggers many other questions along, such as:
- Do we need to make use of a free virus scan? At times you need to be sure that your system id free of malware whatsoever, or if a rogue antivirus that can fool you is actually hiding just behind the currently running antivirus. We can take advantage of the always-up-to-date state of an online free virus scan database, in case it can detect an otherwise undetectable virus, due to its state of update and possible different algorithm used.
- Is an online free virus scan really effective? Although this depends on the state of update of the database being used, chances are that an online scan tends to use the latest virus definition database. It also tends to utilize the recent algorithm in its scan engine. Regardless of that, not knowing the previous condition that the system is in can lead to uselessness of the scan, if for instance the system is already compromised by a virus.
What will it do? The usual procedure that an online free virus scan follows is: (1) download; (2) install; (3) update; (4) scan. The procedure sequence resembles a typical program installation steps of any regular free antivirus software. But it actually differs in that what it installs is only the scanner portion and not the whole antivirus program. After the scan is complete, should any infections be detected, some online scan service will try to disinfect right away, while some will only notify us about this findings and suggest on running a more comprehensive antivirus scan instead, to completely remove any existence of malware.
- In what circumstances should we implement an online virus scan? Right when it is time that we should take the risk of being compromised or let our system be infected by trojan, worm, or a virus. When our current antivirus system doesn’t give any alerts, there’s always the possibility that a third party scan can detect something missed.
- What’s in a free virus scan that’s not there in our regular antivirus software? It’s the ability to scan without having to be installed fully; many kinds of vendors’ services; and of course, free availability. Other than that, I think there is none.
- How effective is it? If we are to use this service as a preventive measure, the ineffectiveness is obvious. This is really a best choice for systems without any antivirus installed. Obviously, I admit that I’m one of that kind of users. Sometimes I need to run a check on my files, to see if there is a virus contracted if any.
Lastly, a conclusion should be made?
The judgement is completely up to you to decide. To me, for the readiness upon request and minimum installation requirements, an Online Free Virus Scan is rather effective, being a virtual system user as I am. Nevertheless, should I survive the computing world without virtual computer, I wold rather go with an antivirus. (I currently insist on using a clean system, without any antivirus software installed. It’s LIGHT 
, and preserves the world)
