Free Internet Security

Antivirus software is a program that is written to protect the computer from malicious and harmful programs such as viruses, trojans, malware, spyware, adware, rootkits and keyloggers.

The antivirus program uses definitions or signatures to identify a virus.

Upon successful identification the antivirus program tries to block and eliminate the malicious code.

Some antivirus use heuristics and behavioral based scanning techniques to identify and block known and unknown viruses.

So far the most common type on antivirus programs are the kind that you download from internet as a subscription based service or purchase it from a store.

Along with these types the online antivirus service is also popular among domestic desktop users. Online antivirus has many advantages over the one installed in your PC. The main ones are listed below:

1 - Online antivirus consumes less resources as compared to the one installed in your computer. By using an online antivirus you can save your disk space and memory and still get protection against viruses and spywares.

2 - Online antivirus programs are always updated and contain the latest virus definitions, making your computer more secure.

3 - Most of the online antiviruses are free so you don't have to pay for them

4 - Using online antivirus enables you to decide between the best options that are available. This advantage cannot be enjoyed while using an installed antivirus

5- You can scan your files with more than one antivirus at a time to ensure security, which is not possible while using an installed version since two antiviruses cannot work simultaneously.

6 - Installed ant viruses operate from the Kernel of your operating system, the most trusted area, making your computer vulnerable.

7 - Severe virus attack can corrupt the installed antivirus making it incapable of offering protection; this is not the case with an online antivirus. It is always secure and ensures your security..

8 - Sometimes the operating system is already infected and you cannot install an antivirus simply because the virus programs won't let you, in such cases online antivirus can be your only savior.

9 - Online antivirus software saves you from the abhorring process of removal if in any case you are not satisfied by its performance.

Some of the best known online antivirus are listed below:

1. Bit defender Quick scan

2. ESET Online scanner

3. CA Online Scanner

4. McAfee Free Scan

5. Symantec Security Check

Bit Defender Quick Scan (Click for Bit Defender review):

Bit defender quick scan is the online version of one of the most trusted and well reputed antivirus, the Bit Defender Antivirus. With its award winning antivirus engine it can scan your system's memory, hard drives even if they are portioned and boot sector.

The behavioral based scanning gives you the satisfying level of security you need for your computer. It has a very convenient user interface with two different modes for basic and advance users. The drawback is that it supports only Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Symantec Security Check:

Symantec security check is the online service provided by one of the oldest and well established companies in antivirus software market, the Symantec Corporation. This antivirus enjoys the trust of millions of customers. With its latest behavioral based scan it can protect you from any known and unknown threat.

It has a very easy to use and friendly user interface. The service also provides analysis and suggestions to further enhance your security. It has a very easy to use and friendly user interface. The service also provides analysis and suggestions to further enhance your security.

ESET Online Scanner:

ESET online scanner is online version of ESET NOD32 antivirus. With its anti rootkit technology it provides you effective protection against viruses, worms, Trojans, phishing and rootkits. It supports Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Safari web browsers.

CA Online Scanner:

CA Online Scanner or Computer Associates Online Scanner is a trust worthy online antivirus service. To use that antivirus you have to download its active X component. After the component is downloaded and installed you can scan your hard drive as well as computer memory. It only supports Internet Explorer.

McAfee Free Scan:

McAfee free scan is an online antivirus service by another trusted name in antivirus technology, the McAfee Antivirus. The free(trial) version of McAfee is already very popular among domestic users. Its award winning antivirus engine protects you against known and unknown viruses, Trojans, spyware and rootkits.