As most of you know from reading my articles, I use free tools to safeguard my system. But I also know that there is no one anti-virus, malware or trojan hunter that does it all 100% effective. I employ a variety of different tools which also include online scanning on occasion. Some of the free online scanners are:

Trend Micro HouseCall found here.

Panda Active Scan found here.

Bit Defender Online Scan found here.

Symantec Security check found here.

There are other fine online scanners also available which can be located by using Google. Also available are two products from McAfee. One is a Rootkit finder and destroyer and another is A Trojan, Virus and Malware remover called Stinger. I have previously mentioned these products before in previous articles, but I just want to mention these again as a reminder to keep your system clean. Many computer users do not take the time to run some simple scans just to confirm their systems are running hot, straight and normal. They then are confronted with a costly repair bill to clean their system or may end up having to have a reformat and reinstall of Windows performed.

McAfee Rootkit Detective 1.0

McAfee Rootkit Detective 1.0 is a program designed and developed by McAfee Avert Labs to proactively detect and clean rootkits that are running on the system.

McAfee Rootkit Detective should only be used by knowledgeable individuals at the direction of, and with the support of, a representative from McAfee Avert Labs or McAfee Technical Support. Improper usage of this tool could result in damage to your applications or operating system.

The Rootkit Detective 1.0 can be downloaded here.

McAfee Avert Stinger

Stinger is a stand-alone utility used to detect and remove specific viruses. It is not a substitute for full anti-virus protection, but rather a tool to assist administrators and users when dealing with an infected system. Stinger utilizes next generation scan engine technology, including process scanning, digitally signed DAT files, and scan performance optimizations.

Versions of Stinger

• Stinger - New releases of Stinger contain all families, and associated families, of threats that have achieved a Medium of higher Risk Asssessment. This Stinger is only updated upon the discovery of a new Medium or higher threat.
• Threat Specific Stingers - When needed, a Stinger will be released that targets a specific threat.

Current Stinger Downloads

• Stinger v3.4.9 - Updated May 1 to resolve out of date issues of older Stinger

Note: Online scanners work best for those of use who have a broadband connection.

Comments welcome.

[tags]mcafee, symantec trend micro,panda, bit defender, virus, malware, trojans, scanners, free, [/tags]