Internet Security

Internet Security Suite ~ How often should I scan for viruses and spyware?

I'm using Verizon's Internet Security Suite which contains anti virus and anti spyware along with a firewall. I wish to set the system for scheduled scanning. I'm using Windows xp. 1) How often should I scan for viruses and spyware? 2) A scheduled scan won't take place if my pc is off. 3) Will it run if the pc is in hybernation mode? 4) Any drawbacks to leaving my pc in hybernation mode when I'm not using it instead of closing down all pc stuff 4) If yes to question #3 ~ what are the drawbacks?

Public Comments

1. 1) How often should I scan for viruses and spyware schedule scan daily 2) A scheduled scan won't take place if my pc is off. 3) Will it run if the pc is in hybernation mode? YES it will 4) Any drawbacks to leaving my pc in hybernation mode when I'm not using it instead of closing down all pc stuff NO -------------------------------------------------------- start up options - hibernate - shut down -screen saver password go to start at bottom of screen in blue bar (task bar) go to control panel choose power options choose never to all listed there or the settings you want choose apply then choose ok if you want to hibernate then choose hibernate click advanced choose hibernate then click hibernate click enable hibernate make sure you click apply and ok to everything also click advanced tab choose show icon on desk top then you can push power button windows will close push button again and you are where you was again computer does not have to do all that work again password protected screen saver is good i use it my self do this by close all windows right click on open area of desk top choose properties choose screen saver choose password protect on resume this will be your password as you are the administrator be sure to set the time for screen saver to come on or and press the windows key logo + L at the same time located on the key bord to lock it. when you unlock it will ask for password this will be your password as you are the administrator
2. 1. Depends on your internet activity. Best bet to run it once a week, same as the program to remove spyware. 2. Yep, it won't. 3. No, it won't. Hibernation is just the as same as the pc being shut down, but the difference is that the pc start-up without reloading all the start-up programs, so it is faster, if left your works open, it opens where exactly when you left them. 4. There is a chance when you left your pc on hibernate, your system might just hang (freezes up), this has happened. I personally don't do hibernation due to experience. This could happen just because out of date firmware, the graphic card just suddenly stop functioning (driver), etc... Best bet, pick a time you know when you are going to be around, and not really need the pc, so you can run the anti virus, etc... Or, leave it on stand by (leave the hdd on maybe for couple hours, to let the programs finished), and just turn off the monitor and walk away. Hope this help.
3. 1) You can set it to run once in a week if you are not browsing unknown sites frequently. Or else, you can set it to run once a day. 2) Scheduled scan will not take place if the computer is switched off. 3) In hibernation mode you can't execute the scheduled scan. In this case, computer will be going to off mode and it will just write all the opened applications status and resume it when you turn on the computer again. 4) Only it takes more time to switch off in hibernation mode and to on as well.
4. most virus are spread through IE. IE is not a safe browser. you should use a more secure browser to protect your PC from virus. i recommand you to use firefox with Google toolbar. firefox can block any any popup and disable any virus and adware, spyware on webpage, so, firefox is much safer than IE browser. as you know, most of virus spread throught internet and webpage. besides, firefox is much smaller than IE, so it run faster than IE. download firefox for free, Just have a try: http://www.163flash.net/firefox/ Good Luck !!!
5. 1.Scan at least once a week 2.A scan wont work when off 3.Wont work in hibernate 4.no 5.no drawbacks:-)