It’s highly likely that you’ve had some sort of experience with a computer virus in the past. If not, then lucky you – but you can never be too safe, especially
if you’re running Windows.
Online free anti virus scan apps have been around for a while, and whilst they’re no match for standalone software they certainly have their uses. Perhaps you’re on an unfamiliar PC that’s acting a little strange? Or maybe your existing software has been disabled, and you’ve frantically restarted in Safe Mode looking for a solution.
Below you will find 4 websites to check and verify that your PC is virus free, and 3 to upload and check individual files to help prevent an outbreak. Let the scanning begin!
Online PC Scanners
This free scanner will work in all major browsers, and requires a quick addon to be installed before you can scan. Simply visit the site, click
Scan Now, agree to the installation and accept the EULA.
Your PC will then be scanned in record time to let you know whether or not you’ve got any nasty viruses, trojans or other malware hiding in your PC’s memory. It won’t scan your whole hard drive, but if your PC is acting up and you suspect malicious software is to blame, QuickScan should find it.
Unfortunately ActiveScan will only work with Internet Explorer or Firefox, although Panda recommends you install the IE Tab Classic extension for compatability if you’re running Chrome.
For a quick scan of running processes choose
Quick Scan or if you’d prefer to delve a little deeper you can opt for a
Full Scan. Once you’ve chosen click
Scan now and you’ll be prompted to download either an extension (if you’re running Firefox) or an ActiveX control (if Internet Explorer’s your thing).
The scanner will update its definitions and then run the scan of your choice before delivering the good or bad news.
Housecall is completely browser independent, which means you can access it from any web browser. It achieves this by packaging the scanner into a small executable file which when run scans your PC for any signs of malware.
There are two versions to choose from – 32bit and 64bit – and you should make your choice based on your operating system. In case you’re wondering what version you’re running, open
Control Panel in your
Start menu and choose
System.
Once you’ve downloaded the file, run it and the definitions will be updated for you.
After you’ve accepted the EULA click
Scan Now to see what’s lurking on your PC.
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