Scanners

[zarnic]

With everyone offerring to scan our machine the choice of a good scanning program is like trying to find a good dentist. Is there a really reliable, yet relatively cheap, anti-(whatever), sanning program out there?

 

[FranzB]

What do you mean with "scanning your machine"?
For performance, for malware, or what?

 

[Layback Bear]

If you are talking about security scanning their are many opinions.
I will just tell you what I use and so far it works quiet well.
Just Google them.
Microsoft Security Essentials, free
Malwarebytes Anti Malware, free stand alone
Super Anti Spyware, free stand alone.
P/S Stand alone means you tell the program what to do and when.
You have to start it and update it and tell it to scan.

 

[zarnic]

For all kinds of malware, etc. I know that programs identify files as corrupt, when the files aren't, inorder to sell their scans but there has to be more reliable programs available. I'm also familiar with Malwarebytes and Spybot S&D but many are not. I'm just wondering if these are the only ones. My son has a laptop with (what he calls) a worm. Can I scan? With what?

 

[Layback Bear]

This works quiet well for many.

https://connect.microsoft.com/systemsweeper

 

[FranzB]

Layback Bear already mentioned a few. You could also take a look at the thread
above "What's the best anti-virus".

 

[zarnic]

Thanks for the replies! Just frustrated, I guess.

 

[Jacee]

My son has a laptop with (what he calls) a worm

What's the worms name and what anti-malware programs found it?

 

[FranzB]

Also let us know what anti-virus program is already installed on the computer, as well as what firewall.

 

[zarnic]

I'd reply to Jacee, she was a tremendous help when I had a Win 7 problem a few months ago, and FranzB but can't because my son is a newbie and tends to dramatize. It is possible that an advertizing program said he had one inorder to be able to fix it. He can still get Windows Updates and his Windows Defender comes up zero but believes everything he reads on his computer. Such is life.

 

[Golden]

Hi Zarnic,

Its better to be safe than sorry. For very little effort, and very little overhead, have him install this:

Virus, Spyware & Malware Protection | Microsoft Security Essentials

Its FREE, its written by Microsoft and its well regarded.

Regards,
Golden