How to Properly and Efficiently Scan Your Computer for Viruses and Spyware

A typical Spyware scanner startup screen

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It's very important to make sure that your PC is protected from viruses and spyware. Here are some tips and tricks on how to make your scans run efficiently and properly

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

A PC
Anti-Virus Software
Anti-Spyware

Step1

As most people today keep their systems powered on 24/7, schedule your scans to run late at night, when you are asleep or not using the system.

Step2

Turn off drive scanning on your unused drives, like the CD/DVD-Rom, floppy, or USB drives. You should still scan your media, but only when it is unfamiliar, or from someone else that does not use your system.

Step3

Make sure you are not connected to the internet during the scan period. You don't have to be connected to scan, only to download your updates.

Step4

Download updates weekly, at a minimum. This will keep your definition files up to date and are your first-line defense.

Tips & Warnings

Check at least every few days to make sure auto-protect features haven't been turned off.
If you are need of new AV/SpyWare software, go to http://pack.google.com. There are free tools there for your use.
When your PC is running it's scheduled scan, let it work. The more you do while it is running the longer it will take the scan to run.
NEVER answer and question in a pop-up box.
NEVER click the "Close" button in an unexpected pop-up. Use the "X" in the corner of the window or the CTRL+ALT+DEL option to close it.

Comments

JMButler1728 said

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on 7/14/2008 Good information. I found the Close button trick out the hard way. Hopefully this article will help others avoid the same problem. Thank you!

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