Many sites offer to scan your computer for viruses online which should be seen as a last resort because this method has advantages but also disadvantages. If you scan your system online you can be sure that the latest virus definitions are used while scanning your system and that the script that is running was not compromised by a virus or trojan running on your system.
Huge disadvantages exist nevertheless. Most if not all scanners do work solely in the Internet Explorer and require Active X controls to be active. This could pose a security risk by itself and it is therefor advised to use those scanners as a last resort. Only a few scanners work with Firefox and none seem to work with Opera. On to the list:
Bitdefender (IE only)
Command on Demand (IE only)
eTrust (IE only)
F-Secure (IE only)
Kapersky (IE only)
McAfee (IE and Firefox)
Pandasoftware (IE only)
Symantec (IE only)
TrendMicro (IE, Firefox and Mozilla)
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Wouldn’t really trust these, but thanks anyway :)
“We cannot scan your computer unless you allow Active X controls on Internet Explorer. thanks”
->
“You are currently using Internet Explorer with Active X controls active. This is making your internet experience more risky. We advise you to turn those controls off, and stop using Internet Explorer.”
->
“We cannot scan your computer unless you allow Active X controls on Internet Explorer. thanks”
->
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