Mark the Conduct a scheduled scan of
the computer checkbox to check your files
and settings for hidden threats.
Use the lists under the checkbox to select
when the scan should begin. Choose a time
when you would normally not use the
computer very much after switching it on, like
lunchtime on a Friday.
Maximize your protection
Your security software can not only search for
threats in files and settings, but also check for
suspicious behavior on your computer.
Mark the Check if programs try to make
unauthorized changes to system settings
that could threaten your security checkbox
to block suspicious changes. Such changes
can result in Web browser hijackings,
unwanted but unremovable Web browser
toolbars, or reduced computer performance,
among other problems.
Mark the Prevent programs on portable
drives from launching automatically
checkbox to block programs that try to start
running without your permission when you
plug a USB drive into the computer. Flash
memory or other portable USB drives rarely
include certain kinds of programs that launch
automatically, so they usually represent a
threat if found.
If you have strong concerns about your
security, then you can take even stronger
measures against threats.
Mark the Check compressed files, such
as ZIP files, during real-time scans
checkbox to check files reduced in size
through data compression techniques. Such
files commonly end with the ZIP or RAR
extension and require a specific program to
"unpack," "unzip," or "decompress" the
contents.
Mark the Automatically delete files that
show any signs of a threat checkbox to get
rid any file that might cause trouble. This
aggressive response could remove some
harmless files along with the unsafe ones, so
consider using this protection only when
receiving files or installing programs that
seem risky.
