How often do you run anti-spyware/virus scans?

[Ian]

I had an interesting idea for a poll from Billybobbbuddy, wondering how often users ran a scheduled anti-spyware or anti-virus scan on their PC. It's one thing having the correct protection installed, but it's no good if it's not used

 

[itsme]

Every day me does

 

[guest_9323wk]

Once a week.

 

[nivrip]

When I remember, about once a week.

 

[crazylegs]

Now and again when I can remember..

 

[Abarbarian]

My anti-virus and anti-spyware run all the time my pc is running . Thats in Windows . I'm still learning about linux protection .

 

[mala88]

I have two anti-virus, anti-spyware programs that are constantly scanning. Spysweeper and Fix-it Utilities 8 both do a fine job. They work independently but they are also compatible. Between the two of them, It seems like nothing escapes detection with my two programs. Each program prompts me to run a complete scan each week. If either application detects a spy cookie, each of my programs will recommended an immediate scan and will give me the option to let it pass or reject it.

 

[Jeffcool]

I usually scan my machine once a week.

 

[Rush]

When the icon goes Grey ...

 

[billybobbbuddy]

Using my Poll question

Thanks Ian!

 

[SlimJim]

Interesting question. I have a daily scheduled scan but after reading the question I had a look at the scan logs and the scan has not yet completed on any day (I've only had this version, AVG Free 8.0, for 5 days). One of the scans was running for almost 8 hours before stopping (probably when I switched off) and had scanned 1.6 million objects, Is this a normal amount for Windows XP?

 

[Andrew C]

I never run them unless i have a problem to be honest.

Tend to have the AV scan everything as things are pulled down from the interweb.

 

[SlimJim]

Agreed. I have most of the AVG monitors set up and after reading the logs I have dropped the scheduled scan. It also at least partially resolved a problem I had of windows running more slowly (I'm a bit thick for not seeing this before).

 

[dexteur]

no to system scan

nah, i think doing a full system scan is not really necessary if u have your antivirus installed before exposing your computer to the internet or other potential viral sources. most avs have some sort of "resident shield" feature...if u dun disable that then it should do its job.

 

[ZenoZatch]

As an approxiamate...once a week I would guess.

 

[dbringer]

the best anti-virus/anti-spyware "mechanism" i know is you - you just have to know which sites to open and which software to install. the internet is, probably, where we get more than 90% of our viruses. tread carefully.

 

[dialoquese]

Fear driven agenda

Hi! New poster here.
I feel I echo the sentiments of most of the non-nerdish community when I say I experience an abiding uneasiness with the pervasive freedom of the digital stalkers.
Even something as nessesary as QickTime seems to have an agressive agenda. After downloading it ... on it's own suggestion, I found it wouldn't let me view my slide shows in the Windows system [QuickTime doesn't seem to want to display the titles overhead.] I deleated it and now things are fine.
I'm running Firefox on XP 2 and have just purchased PC tools Ultimate Registry Cleaner with the hopes of restoring the Windows folder on C drive but the hundred or so irregularities are still there.
There are several faded folders [and a file labeled xerox] which is being protected by outsiders from being deleated (I'm assuming).

I run PC Tools Desktop Mystro,[as I mentioned] Ultimate Registry Cleaner and Spybot .
I would have thought this would be enough protection.

I use them everyday with a few exceptions.
Am I safe do you think? What about XEROX?
~ P.S. DELL GX P4 ... and thank you.

 

[dialoquese]

the best anti-virus/anti-spyware "mechanism" i know is you - you just have to know which sites to open and which software to install. the internet is, probably, where we get more than 90% of our viruses. tread carefully.

My ignorance is fodder for their activity. They make it seem like I'm foolish if I don't download this or that free program. 'Just gotta keep my finger off the clicker unless it's absolutly nessesary right?

 

[kaz1968]

Can Someone Help Me I Keep Getting Kernel32 Up On My Computor When I Down Load Anything Can U Tell Me How To Get Rid Of It Please

 

[4RACHN1D]

To be honest, i only scan my pc when the warning comes up .
Normally once a week.