# What are some outstanding (free) virus checkers? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 2, 2001, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-outstanding-free-virus-checkers/84916 "2001-10-02T04:59:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![RocknRoll\_Killing\_Machine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/5daacb/32.png) [@RocknRoll\_Killing\_Machine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RocknRoll_Killing_Machine)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2001, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-outstanding-free-virus-checkers/84916/1 "2001-10-02T04:59:52Z")
I have the sneaking suspicion that my computer has a virus, but the only checker I have is at least a year old. What programs would come highly recommended? ---
**Author:** ![Squee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ba9def/32.png) [@Squee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squee)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2001, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-outstanding-free-virus-checkers/84916/2 "2001-10-02T05:28:01Z")
If you paid for your AV software, you should be able to download the latest virus definitions for free. If you need a free updated scan pronto, use the FREE[McAfee Online VirusScan](http://www.mcafee.com/myapps/vso/default.asp?). As for freeware AV scanners, I use InoculateIT, but I think their freeware promo has expired and their updates are only available to users who previously downloaded the scanner before the offer ended. I guess I was not of much help, but maybe you want to try searching for free software on [download.com](http://download.com). I cannot vouch for anything there, but it might be better than not being protected at all. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![AbbySthrnAccent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/eb9ed0/32.png) [@AbbySthrnAccent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AbbySthrnAccent)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2001, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-outstanding-free-virus-checkers/84916/3 "2001-10-02T05:32:53Z")
I like [this one](http://www.antivirus.com/pc-cillin). ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2001, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-outstanding-free-virus-checkers/84916/4 "2001-10-02T12:52:55Z")
[http://housecall.antivirus.com](http://housecall.antivirus.com) has a good one, too. You can also install AVG Antivirus for on-demand protection from [http://www.grisoft.com/html/us\_downl.cfm](http://www.grisoft.com/html/us_downl.cfm) Nowadays, you need that, since viruses spread so rapidly. ---
**Author:** ![slortar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6bbea6/32.png) [@slortar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slortar)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2001, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-outstanding-free-virus-checkers/84916/5 "2001-10-02T13:50:40Z")
Innoculate is definitely the bee’s knees. If you can dig up a copy, it’s all you’ll really need. Don’t bother with MacAfee. It’s free, but then again, so is scandisk, and it has roughly the same effect on viruses… ---
**Author:** ![bibliophage](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bibliophage/32/7615_2.png) [@bibliophage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bibliophage)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2001, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-outstanding-free-virus-checkers/84916/6 "2001-10-02T14:05:55Z")
This is more of an IMHO than a GQ, so I’ll move it. bibliophage moderator GQ