What is a "boot time" scan after installing software?

Question

I'm seriously considering using a different anti-virus program, but I've been reminded to do a "boot time" scan after installing the software. I'm not sure what a "boot time" scan is. I'm familiar with rebooting the machine after installation, if this is the same thing.

Answer 1

A boot-time scan basically scans what's called the boot sector of your hard drive, which contains the information your system needs to boot into your operating system. These were more common with anti-virus software on Windows 95/98/ME, which would often run quick virus scans during the boot process, before Windows booted up. Your anti-virus package may have the option to enable such a scan. What will happen, then, is the next time you restart your computer, the anti-virus software will run a special scan of your system before Windows even loads, during the boot process--hence the term "boot-time scan." You'll probably need to refer to your specific package's documentation or Web site for more information on enabling a boot-time scan.



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Answer 2

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Answer 3

It sounds like you have installed the free anti-virus program called Avast?



A boot-time scan will check a computer for viruses and other malware BEFORE your Windows operating system loads. It is somewhat more effective than doing a regular full-system scan, but it is no panacea.



I suggest that you allow Avast to do its "thing" at your next reboot, (it won't nag you after that), then put anything that the boot-time scan finds ino the Avast "Chest".



The dudes over there in the Czech Republic that make Avast, they like to start your use of the program...on a "clean" machine.



Avast is a pretty damn good (for free) anti-virus solution.



I use it so it must be OK....LOL.