(thats funny thats the first time i've used the term "viral" in this context) anyways... for ex. I download (dl) a file and once it dls, If windows automatically recognizes, does that mean the file is virus-free? Or are most trojans and other virus in software files... i.e. ziped file?
2006-08-24 00:43:34 · 6 answers · asked by mike_online_now 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
run a virus scan on it
2006-08-24 00:44:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you anti virus software installed and updated you can usually right click the file and choose scan. There is alsoan option to scan files coming in from different sources, ie the floppy, email, ect.
Check your settnigs. The "Options" section is a good place to start. The defaults are alo a good place to start.
Trojans and malware might - probably - will require some different software to scan for and remove. Don't download any "free" software such as games or screensavers and you'll be miles ahead. When downloading be sure you know and trust the source.
2006-08-24 07:52:04 · answer #2 · answered by hlsj_99 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm assuming you have anti virus virus software running (if not, get some)!
If you do, you can turn on 'Real Time Scan' this will scan files that get written to any number of selected drives in real time.
The other option is to go into Windows Explorer, right click the file you downloaded and use the scan option put there from your software.
Good Luck
2006-08-24 07:56:13 · answer #3 · answered by the_big_v 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
Since virus code must be executed to have any effect, files that the computer treats as pure data are safe. This includes graphics and sound files such as .gif, .jpg, .mp3, .wav, etc., as well as plain text in .txt files. For example, just viewing picture files won't infect your computer with a virus. The virus code has to be in a form, such as an .exe program file or a Word .doc file, that the computer will actually try to execute.
So basically it means audio, video are safe > no code
Word file are tricky because they might contains macro - and be potentially a threat.
But if you just drag and drop the downloaded file on an anti-virus icon or shortcut - it will scan it.
The following web sites have sections with reviews of various a-v programs:
2006-08-24 07:52:44 · answer #4 · answered by Everest 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy and Install the latest Norton anti-virus on your computer and also keep the virus signatures updated. (normally the liveupdate takes place automatically but sometimes it does not and we have to do it manualy) After this forget about virus problems everthing will be taken care by the anti-virus program.
2006-08-24 07:52:08 · answer #5 · answered by ssmindia 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Trend PC-Cillin 2006 Security suite will scan downloads as they come in. It also protects against spyware and malware of all sorts.
Of course, you COULD stop getting your music from people who don't know what they are doing in the first place!
2006-08-24 08:08:20 · answer #6 · answered by glenbarrington 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋