In terms of PC security, antivirus protection is an absolute must. No matter how a computer is used, and even if it doesn’t have direct access to the web, it’s still vulnerable. Wireless networks, all kinds of external data storage devices interact with computers, increasing the risk of them being infected with a wide variety of known malware subtypes. While almost every PC user is supposed to have heard about the importance of antivirus protection, few have ever thought about the power of web-based antimalware scanning services, but they have a host of advantages over conventional standalone security applications. Some of the advantages are listed below:
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Online virus scanners cannot be corrupted by malware that is often capable of destroying the scan engines of Windows-based antivirus programs. In fact, the more popular a piece of software is, the more prone it is to attack. Malware coders aim to defeat their main enemies: conventional antivirus applications. Since online scanning services keep their signature engines and databases stored on remote servers operated by large software providers, they are guaranteed to work flawlessly and reliably.
- Even if the Windows installation routine is destroyed by a virus, there is no influence on the functions of online services. Since the scanning and detection algorithms work outside of the computer and nothing needs to be installed in Windows, online services may be a last resort for many PC users.
- Usually, only one antivirus application can be installed on a computer at a time. If there are two or more AV products, they are likely to cause conflicts and start “fighting” each other trying to get the competitor out of memory. With online virus scanners, it’s very different; you can try as many as you need, choosing from more than a dozen well-respected and reputable names, not to mention bundled services featuring united databases of various AV manufacturers.
- No licensing issues; Online virus scanners are free to use for any computer user in the world. They cannot be stolen, hacked or used illegally. Cleaning the infection is not illegal by any means, is it?
The most obvious drawback of online virus scanners is their inability to establish a security shield for the PC; however, they are not intended to do that and should be used for additional detection capabilities when your desktop software isn’t working as expected, or when you need another opinion about your computer’s security. This is where spyware and web virus scanning really comes into its own.