Runscanner

Runscanner is a security scanner much like Hijack This but aims to be helpful for all kinds of users. It has three different modes depending on the experience level of the user, they are called Beginner, Classic and Expert Mode. The Beginner Mode scans the system and writes the results in a log file that can be given to security experts in various forums that are mentioned on the Runscanner homepage.

It is aimed at novice users who suspect that something is wrong with their computer but do not have the knowledge to interpretate and fix the issues by themselves. The Classic Mode is giving the user more information and a way to quickly fix common problems. It does not provide full information like the Expert Mode that displays lots of information.

Users of all three modes can always use a service called Online Malware Analysis which can be of great help. It compares the MD5 hash of the scanned files on the user’s system with those in the Runscanner database. MD5 hashes have to be the same if the same unaltered program version is used.

The Online Malware Analysis uses green, purple and red icons to rate the item. Green items are checked and safe, purple items are not yet checked and red items are not safe.

This is a great way of getting more information about current services, programs and processes on your system without having to consult another person.

Runscanner has several features that make it stand out even more. It offers right-click options to compare the MD5 hash with authority websites like Castle Cops and File Advisor, perform a Google search on the item, upload the file to Virus Total and open the file folder and Registry location.

Another aspect that is worth mentioning are so called Run files. As I said earlier novice users can create a log file that they can send to experts who analyze it. These experts can create a so called Fun file specifically designed to be run in Runscanner. The novice user can load the run file and execute the fixes that the expert has authorized.

Oh, it is free of course and portable. You can run it from any location on your computer.