Free Online Anti-Virus Scanners
Computer Infection Detection Protection at No Cost
Viruses, malware and other malicious bugs are hazardous to computers, files, and important documentation. Protect valuable data and keep computers healthy and infection-free by using simple and efficient online computer virus scanners at no cost.
Web-based virus protection differs from other virus programs as no download or installation process is necessary. All scans take place in real time, on the Internet. Online virus scanners offer varying degrees of protection and scanning, depending on which scanner is chosen. Some scanners check computer’s memory, files, folders or boot sectors. Several provide options to clean or delete infected files, while others offer no removal or deletion.
Safeguard and protect computers, data and personal information by visiting the following six web-based virus protection websites listed below.
F-Secure Online Scanner
- Supports Microsoft Windows 2000, XP and Vista
- Pop-up blocker must be disabled as scanner opens in second window
- Disinfects or deletes infection
- Provides full report upon completion
- Requires JavaScript and Microsoft ActiveX
Trend Micro HouseCall Free Scan
- Supports Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, and Vista
- Supports Macintosh OS X 10.4 or higher
- Detects system vulnerabilities and provides a link for missing security patches
- Provides detailed report upon completion, identifying security threats
- Requires Microsoft ActiveX
- Requires Java VM
Panda ActiveScan
- Virus database is updated daily
- Scans and disinfects over 185,000 viruses, worms and Trojans from system devices, hard disks, files and email
- Detects spyware, dialers, Hacking tools, Rootkits other types of malicious malware
- Eliminates viruses, Trojans and worms
- Disable pop-up blocker prior to scan as scanner opens in second window
- Shortcut icon available for computer desktop, start menu or Google toolbar for easy access
- Requires Microsoft ActiveX
McAfee FreeScan
- Supports Windows 98, ME, 2000, or XP
- Based on the award-winning McAfee VirusScan engine
- Scans system for viruses and displays a detailed listing of infected files
- Additional information provided if viruses are located
- Requires Microsoft ActiveX
Kaspersky Online Scanner
- Powerful web-based virus scanner
- Hourly updates of virus database
- Does not scan boot sectors and MBRs
- Does not remove viruses or infections if located on system
- Requires Microsoft ActiveX
BitDefender Online Virus Scanner
- Fully functional virus program
- Simple interface allows easy configuration and guidance through scanning process
- Scans system's memory, files, folders and boot sectors
- Using default options automatically cleans infected files
- Allows the scan process to pause, to resume at a more convenient time
- Allows scan report to be exported for later viewing and analysis
- Disable pop-up blocker prior to scan
- Requires Microsoft Active X
Online anti-virus scanners require an active Internet connection. As scans may several hours to process and complete, scanning the system during overnight hours or when the computer is inactive is a good rule of thumb.
For further information regarding downloadable computer protection software, read 4 Free Anti-VIrus Downloads and 4 Free Spyware Downloads.
