Hi everybody today we are going to talk about scanning options for malware removal programs. I often am asked what is the best method for scanning my computer with an anti virus program? In this issue we will discuss the best way to do it and why. The answer might actually surprise you.
When you install almost any anti virus or anti Malware program, they all have two methods of scanning. The first is usually called Quick Scan and the second is called Full Scan. For most of us, the quick scan will make the most sense and will be the best for time constraints. Malware infections are almost always installed in nearly the same locations on your hard drive. Most venders will configure their programs so that the scanner will only scan the most likely places where a virus might reside. It is unusual for virus activity to be found outside of those parameters. In over 99% of the cases, Malware will only be found in the locations that are programmed into the quick scan option of the software. So the next time you think you are doing good by changing your scan to a full scan think again. You will be scanning a lot of files that not necessary to scan and you will be increasing your scan time significantly.
Now that we covered the uses of the quick scan, lets talk a little about the full scan and what uses it actually has. As we discussed the quick scan is the most useful for most users. There is a time when the full scan will come into play. One of the best uses of the Full Scan option is to scan a drive that is connected to your computer other then the C drive. As an example, in Malwarebytes when you go to scan your computer, you will see quick scan and full scan. In this case scenario, we want to scan our backup drive F for Malware to be sure it is clean. For this we are going to choose full scan. Once you open the Full Scan option, you will see a list of drives listed. Uncheck the C drive and then find the drive letter of the external drive you are plan on scanning. Put a tick next to that drive. Now hit the scan button. Be advised that the scan could take some time depending on how many files have to be scanned. This method will work about the same with many of the virus and Malware programs out there.
In review, for most of us under normal conditions, we will want to use the quick scan function of the Malware program. In certain instances when we want to scan an external drive, the full scan option will be in order. Remember that frequent scans with your favorite Malware program can help keep your computer free of infections and both you and your PC will be happy campers.
Author: Joseph Zelenak, Staff Writer
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