Online Virenscanner
Anti-Virus programs which keep their program code and virus database either on their network or online are called Online Virus Scanners. Contrary to an anti-virus program installed on your pc, these only perform on-demand anti-virus tests online.
This means that, contrary to pc installed anti-virus protection, online scanners can only work as an on-demand virus scanner. This means that you can utilize Online Virus Scanners to track and clean viruses, trojans, worms, malware, adware, keyloggers, spyware, etc., but they cannot be used for preventive system protection.
A large number of Online Virus Scanners are based on ActiveX technology. This means that they must rely on Microsoft Internet Explorer to function. However, there are alternative Java based exceptions available.
By using online scanners alone you risk that you are already infected and that your infected computer can be remotely controlled. You also incur a high risk that your infected pc sends out Spam, or that your computer attacks other systems while you are on the web for your on-demand virus scan.
Your best bet is to use online virus scanners as a “second opinion” only. Based on the principle that four eyes see more than two, this can ensure additional protection and security if your system is infected, but your anti-virus is not catching it or you are not sure about an infection your anti-virus has found.
It may surprise you to know that most online virus scanners and online anti-virus testers don’t recognize all intrusions (Viruses, Trojans, Worms, Malware, Adware, Keyloggers, Spyware, etc.) which premium, pc based Anti-Virus programs caught. It is therefore highly advisable and prudent not to rely on Online Virus Scanners too much.
In summation, we can only say that it is your best choice to select a fixed computer Anti-Virus installation. Online scanners are definitely no substitute for Anti-Virus Protection installed on your own computer. By relying on an Online Virus Scanner you leave your computer totally unprotected and at high risk because this virus scanning process is not automatic.
Below is a small selection of Online Virus Scanners and their limited uses:
| Online Virenscanner | ||
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BitDefender, an award winning virus engine, perform On-Demand Virus Testing with the result of showing you how secure your computer is at that time. The virus scanning process on your pc is done by directly using your internet browser. This On-Demand Virus Test automatically cleans your system files, data and boot sectors. Another advantage of BitDefender Online Virus Scanner is the fact that you do not have to uninstall your existing, already installed Anti-Virus solution on your pc. | |
 | Symantec Security Check scans your computer and shows you which online security risks you are vulnerable to. This Online Virus Scan is free of charge and relatively efficient. It also shows you your pc’s security risks. | |
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ActiveScan 2.0 by Panda is an Online Virus Scanner which, thanks to new Collective-Intelligence-Technology by Panda, has the ability to recognize Malware. So far, conventional online security solutions do not recognize Malware. | |
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Kaspersky Online Virus Scanner requires Internet Explorer Version 6.0 or higher with ActiveX activated. This Online Virus Scanner is very limited since it does not scan your desktop, boot sectors or your master boot records. | |
