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    Is there a freeware program that can detect spyware/virus in the program?

    Discussion in 'Security and Anti-Virus Software' started by latestgood, Mar 31, 2009.

  1. latestgood

    latestgood Notebook Consultant

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    Hello,

    Is there a freeware that can scan and detect virus/spyware before I install new program?
     
    latestgood, Mar 31, 2009
    #1
  2. coolguy

    coolguy Notebook Prophet

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    coolguy, Mar 31, 2009
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  3. xenon2k9

    xenon2k9 Notebook Evangelist

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    Install Avira. Afterwards you can right click what you want to scan and select "Scan selected files with Avira".
     
    xenon2k9, Mar 31, 2009
    #3
  4. Red_Dragon

    Red_Dragon Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I use Avast and love it, good luck though...
     
    Red_Dragon, Mar 31, 2009
    #4
  5. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    If it's a single file, upload to VirusTotal and they'll scan it and give you results.
     
    MidnightSun, Mar 31, 2009
    #5
  6. metril

    metril Notebook Deity

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    If you are worried that a program will behave like a virus/spyware, then you can always test the program out in a virtual machine and then if you are satisfied, you can use it on your actual system.

    I've done this with programs that offer free trials and such. Great way to test a program without it messing with your computer. Of course, your system should be somewhat beefy to be able to run the virual machine and host OS with decent speed. :)
     
    metril, Mar 31, 2009
    #6
  7. zfactor

    zfactor Mastershake

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    or dr web cure it to do a full system scan with no install needed.. works great
     
    zfactor, Mar 31, 2009
    #7
  8. LaptopNut

    LaptopNut Notebook Virtuoso

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    I second testing on a virtual computer that has antivirus and anti-spyware tools installed along with registry monitors etc.

    If you don't want to do this you can use Avast, Spybot Search and destroy, Adaware, SpywareGuard, Spyware Blaster, Regprot and Appdefend Demos.
     
    LaptopNut, Mar 31, 2009
    #8
  9. entropy.cz

    entropy.cz Notebook Evangelist

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    entropy.cz, Mar 31, 2009
    #9