Online scanners offer free virus scans and are an excellent option if you need a second opinion or haven't had a chance to update your desktop antivirus. However, just as with traditional desktop antivirus, how well these products actually detect viruses should be the determining factor in which one you choose to use. The Top Picks all meet these criteria.
Detection
The most comprehensive testing of online scanners is performed by AV-Test.org. These thorough tests not only determine the online scanner's ability to detect certain types of viruses, but also their ability to detect these viruses in certain types of files.
Useability
Online scanners are designed to be a quick, easy, flexible means of obtaining a reliable antivirus scan. As such, being forced to undergo a registration process prior to using the scanner diminishes its usefulness. At a maximum, nothing more than an email address and geographic location should be requested. The collection of geographic location (i.e. country) is usefull because it allows virus researchers to track virus spread and saturation.
Top Picks
Before you use an online scanner, be sure to check out the top picks chosen based on the criteria outlined above. These online scanners are all free, so give them all a try to see which one works best for you.
