How to run an antivirus scan on your computer

Published: Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 10:49 am

How to Run an Antivirus Scan: A Comprehensive Guide

This article from TechRadar Pro provides a detailed guide on how to effectively run an antivirus scan on your computer, emphasizing the importance of regular scans in today's evolving cybersecurity landscape. The article stresses that simply installing antivirus software isn't enough; users need to understand how to utilize it properly to protect their devices.

The guide begins by highlighting the significance of choosing the right antivirus software, recommending features like real-time protection, automatic updates, ransomware protection, web protection, and firewall integration. It also cautions against free antivirus tools riddled with ads or bloatware.

The article then delves into the practical aspects of running a scan, including the importance of keeping your antivirus software up-to-date with the latest definitions and patches. It explains different scan types, such as quick scans for routine checks, full scans for thorough weekly or monthly assessments, custom scans for specific devices or folders, and boot-time scans for deeply embedded malware. The article also emphasizes the need for automated and policy-driven scan schedules for consistent protection.

The guide further details the process of executing a scan, advising users to avoid resource-intensive tasks during the scan and to keep laptops plugged in. It also covers analyzing scan results, including the importance of detailed reports, threat correlation, and appropriate responses like quarantine or deletion. The article also suggests post-scan security measures, such as patching operating systems, changing passwords, and creating backups. Finally, the article concludes by emphasizing the human element of cybersecurity, urging users to avoid suspicious links, download software from trusted sources, and practice strong password hygiene.

BNN's Perspective: This article offers a practical and informative guide to antivirus scanning, which is essential for anyone using a computer. While the advice is sound and the recommendations are generally good, it's important to remember that no single antivirus solution is foolproof. Users should remain vigilant and practice safe online habits to minimize their risk.

Keywords: antivirus scan, computer security, malware, virus protection, cybersecurity, scan types, real-time protection, ransomware protection, software updates, scan results, security measures, online safety, tech tips, computer guide, techradar pro

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