In the modern world of computer science, threats exist virtually everywhere that users go. In order to reduce and eliminate these threats, users must have proper firewall and antivirus software. A problem is presented, however, when users find that, for some reason or another, they cannot download or install antivirus software. This can be a major complication when a user's computer is already infected with a virus or worm, which is usually the cause of the problem in the first place. To combat this onslaught of cyber terror, users who still have access to the Internet are able to use free, online virus scan and removal software. To pinpoint exactly which programs are the best and to avoid false antivirus software, this article will list a number of free virus scan and removal programs.
Windows Live OneCare Safety Scanner
Windows Live OneCare is a collection of free tools that allow users to remove unwanted files and programs, such as viruses and malware, from their computer and improve the computer's overall performance. Windows Live OneCare features a safety scanner, a protection tool, a "clean up" tool, a "tune up" tool, and a community of Windows Live users who are also using OneCare. The safety scanner, specifically, allows users to scan for and remove viruses, worms, trojans, and a wide variety of other malicious software that causes harm to the user's computer.
HouseCall
HouseCall is a free, online virus scanner that allows users to scan their computer for viruses, trojans, worms, undesirable browser plugins, and other malware programs. HouseCall does not require the user to download any software and can be used directly from the user's browser. HouseCall uses cloud technology to constantly update its threat database and includes options for scanning the user's entire system or a select section of the computer.
Norton PC Security
Norton PC Security is a free antivirus and antimalware tool collection that is available from Symantec. Nortion PC Security offers many different programs that can all be used or tried for free. The software collection includes Norton 360 Version 4.0, Norton Internet Security 2010, Norton Antivirus 2010, Norton Utilities, Norton Removal Tool, Norton Add-on Pack, Norton Toolbar, ThreatExpert, and Internet Threat Meter. While some of these programs only provide the user with a free trial, any one of them offers up-to-the-minute virus scanning and real-time virus protection.
My Virus Removal
My Virus Removal is a website that offers free virus scanning and removal options for many frustrated users. My Virus Removal allows users to choose a specific situation and then access software that is designed for that situation. My Virus Removal is more than a simple list of programs, however, as it also includes detailed information about specific issues and walks the user through using the software that it recommends.
McAfee Stinger
McAfee Stinger is a free virus protection program that is able to scan for and removal specific viruses on the user's computer. McAfee Stinger is not as functional as other virus removal programs but is made more for targeting specific viruses and malware that other virus removal programs generally have a hard time removing. McAfee Stinger is easy to use and can remove virtually any virus that is listed in the "List Viruses" section of the program.
Kaspersky Online Virus Scanner
Kaspersky is a company that provides several virus protection options including free, online virus scanning. The Kaspersky Online Virus Scanner is able to scan the user's computer and remove viruses and other threats without requiring the user to download any software. Kaspersky also provides a free file scanner that allows users to check online to see if a specific file is a virus or other malicious program.
