We Scan While You Surf
Written: Dec 16 '00 (Updated Dec 28 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Free, up to date, easy to use, no big downloads
Cons: Slow, no full time protection
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| _Eowyn_'s Full Review: TrendMicro HouseCall |
Some people think I'm paranoid when it comes to virus protection, but I have my reasons to be cautious. I'm currently sharing a computer with my younger sister who just won't be careful with downloading files. I've yelled, begged, offered her a percentage of what I earn with Pay to Surf programs but she still downloads stuff like it's 1999. Without scanning them first, she runs programs from dubious sources, thus driving me mad. I'm really attached to this computer. I learned to surf the 'net and use HTML on her (I call her Dellla, she's a Dell Latitude CP) and I don't want to see her get hurt because of my sister's stupidity.*
So what do I do?
I keep my virus scanner up to date and I go to HouseCall for a second opinion on a regular basis.
HouseCall is a product of TrendMicro, an antivirus company that also makes virus software for home users and businesses. Housecall is not software, but a web page. It checks your computer for viruses without you having to download a big virus scanner that takes up valuable disk space.
You just go to their page and wait a while (took 15 minutes for me the first time, after the first time it takes much less time, only a minute or two) for your directory tree to be displayed on the web page. The first time you visit you'll have to download a small file that enables them to scan your system. You pick which drives are scanned and then you click on 'scan'. It starts scanning your system and you start doing other stuff. You can surf the web as they say in their slogan but it does slow down your scanning and your surfing. I usually just find something else to do away from my computer or I fire up good ol' Windows Solitaire.
It takes about 25 minutes to scan my 16473 (give or take a file) files, which is a lot slower than my other virus scanner. But it is very thorough and easy to use. It's all point and click, it can restore files to their uninfected state for you and offers you the choice to delete or quarantine infected files if it can't restore them. If there were any files it could not scan (doesn't happen much) it will tell you so you know you're not completely safe yet.
It is updated all the time, which makes it an ideal tool for people who forget to download update files (or just hate updating all the time.
The one big downside is that a virusscan with HouseCall is like a snapshot; it only gives you a picture of your computer at the moment you scan. Real antivirus software protects you all the time, not just when you decide to scan your system.
That's why I only use for a second opinion, to check on my other virus checker. But if you're a cheapskate (like me, my other scanner is a trial version), a flakey type or just too lazy to download update files, this is your thing. It's a lot better than nothing:)
*Mind you, I do love my sister. Sometimes.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
_Eowyn_
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Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 14 members
About Me:
I like reading and traveling and cats, but I'm not allowed to keep pets.
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