As viruses have become more prolific that ever in recent years, Microsoft has begun taking a more proactive position in offering Windows users several different tools to keep their machines running efficiently. Whereas in the past computer users had to rely on options from big name virus brands and independent developers, now Microsoft itself offers several free tools that can be used to keep your home computer virus free. From the Microsoft virus scanner to a dedicated antivirus program, there are several great different tools to consider.
First released in September 2009, Microsoft Security Essentials is a free program that offers many of the same features found in pricey antivirus suites. It has quickly catapulted itself to become the most popular antivirus solution in North America, with several million other users across the globe. The product has garnered positive reviews from several high-profile organizations within the technology industry, and the praise of users has been widespread, due to factors such as the low price point and the efficiency of the program.
While the development of a free antivirus solution from Microsoft itself is a huge step forward for users of the world’s most popular operating system, advanced viruses from professional hackers still manage to penetrate the machines of Internet users on a daily basis. Whether this occurs through user error or by taking advantage of a security loophole in the operating system, these viruses are capable of damaging the computer and installing spyware and malware that can plague the machine with advertisements, and in some cases steal sensitive data from the computer user.
For computers that may potentially be infected with a virus, computer owners may want to look towards the Microsoft virus scan options available. Since its release earlier this year, the free application known as Microsoft Safety Scanner has become popular with individuals looking for a free virus scan from a company they can trust. The scanner application is downloaded from Microsoft’s servers, and in turn installed on the user’s machine.
Several different options exist within the Microsoft Safety Scanner. Users can perform a quick scan, which targets the areas where malware is most commonly found. A full scan will review every file on the computer, which is a better option for users who want to stay as safe as possible. Furthermore, the scan can be limited to one single location or file, which is a good way to make certain that specific files are virus free and no malware threats are present.
At this point, the download is only available for a period of 10 days. After that point, computer users will need to download the application again if they would like to scan their computer for further threats. While there is no perfect solution for staying safe online, Microsoft’s virus scan and antivirus options are both great tools to use, which can help computer users to make certain that their PCs are running as securely as possible.
