Anti-virus and anti-spyware scans

Malicious software and spyware are pervasive on the Internet.  Recent analyses suggest that connecting a computer without protective software to the Internet may result in "infection" in well under an hour 

The University of Miami provides free anti-virus and anti-spyware software for use on both workplace and personal computers.  For information on how to obtain it, click here.

Protective software is required for workplace systems.  If you prefer another vendor's software for your personal system.  That's fine, but be sure to use something.

If you have an unprotected Windows computer, and want to determine if it's already infected, you can use one of the Web-based scanners sponsored by protective software vendors.

These scanners require installation of a small piece of software on your computer, so you must have sufficient privileges to do that.  This is safe, but if you're not warned about the download/installation you may have inappropriate browser security settings.  (See our guide to safe browsing for more information.) 

These scanners are all free, but you will be exposed to advertising promoting the vendors' products.   Microsoft's runs the fastest, but checks only for recently prevalent malicious software.  You should run only one scanner at a time. 

• McAfee Freescan (viruses)
• Microsoft Scan and Clean (prevalent viruses)
• Symantec Security Check (security settings, viruses)
• Trend Micro Housecall (viruses, spyware)

Use of these free scans is not a substitute for having installed protective software, for the same reason that having the police make a one-time visit to your house is not a substitute for locking your doors and windows.  Installed software works around the clock.

This is only one step in an overall strategy to protect your computer.  For more, see our guides to computer security at work and at home.