How do I know as an ordinary mortal a particular free on-line virus scan is save to use and not causeing a threat in itself????? Recently www.housecall.antivirus.com was suggested in this Forum. Maybe this is a safe one but how do I know before I burn my fingers?

Hello Wgm, Normally when you enter to a site described as a scan anti-virus site, you enter in a securized zone which is impossible to be corrupted !!! this is the rule, but of course nothing is for sure, as everything in this world !!! Best is to have your own anti-virus program installed into your computer... best is also to buy for a program, today programs are really not so expensive in regards of services given... no hesitation I would say...

Thanks Imp, of course I have my own Antivirus program. I was just intrigued as these online scanning websites are recommended so often. I probably show my ignorance now but IF "I" am a Hacker and can develop tojans, worms and other creatures why can't "I" develop a website including all security zones and have people INVITING "me" to scan their computer. As I do "I" leave my creatures behind.

once you enter the site for the scan and you shut off your security software, you are open to attacks from anyone online ... only your firewall should be running which means if it is tunneled thru, you have nothing behind it to detect anything ... however the site credibility that you are doing the scan at is integral... just know where you are going for the scan www.pcpitstop.com is good

You are going to an online scan site by reputation.Trend Micro,Symantec,Panda etc..have possible new business/customers at stake.They have all the reason in the wiorld to be secure or safe.Now if a site is an unknown name,I wouldn't go there cuz it could be a "bad" site.I agree that the best av solution is a program resident on your pc.The people that I send to an online scan site are usually newbies without protection and having probable viral infections.It's a free and secure solution for someone that wants to know/clean virus immediately.Regards.JB

once the antivirus scan loads, into your browser, and starts scanning, you can disconnect from the net, an active connection isn't required, once it starts.

Nothing is ever "safe". Using any Virus scanner might simply trash your PC due to bad programming. I've seen simple .dat files (virus definitions) for scanners released which blew up the Virus scanner - due to crappy design. Nothing is ever safe. Never. Virus scanners by nature are like any real-life shot which in the effort to protect from a virus can kill the patient. But, you have to study companies, and those with a good rep and who've been in business and who have been reviewed - they aren't going to be malicious, just incompetent when something bad happens. The best ways to be safe are to: keep anything you want securely backed up. And be prepared for when the worst happens. Secure your PC with the best virus scanner ever - and your house/office may burn down. One obviuos fault with online scanners is you have to be able to get online. And some viri take pains to trash internet access... Others simply trash the PC!