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ClamWin: Need for antivirus on flashdrive

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anon_private
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ClamWin: Need for antivirus on flashdrive

I assume that an antivirus programme on a flashdrive is only necessary if the pc's that one uses do not have AV programmes installed that check the hard drives and memories. Assuming of course that they will scan the flashdrive as an option (right click,etc). Is this a correct assumption.

Jimbo
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Joined: 2007-12-17 05:43
yes and no

Just because there is an antivirus app installed on the PC doesn't mean that you should trust it.

I was given a laptop to clean yesterday that was suffering from virus-related problems.

The machine had a well-know AV product installed, that had come with it from the supplier when the machine was purchased, 14 months ago.

There was an icon in the corner by the clock announcing that the software was installed and running.

Sadly, although the user had never been prompted to do so, the software registration had never been filled out, which, for this AV software meant that everything worked except for the automatic updates.

The machine's virus definitions were 14 months out of date.

After removing the five (pretty good, really) viruses, I installed a fresh AV on it with working autoupdate, and passed it back to the client.

So, really, antivirus on a flashdrive is necessary to help you check that the PC you are using is clean. If you trust it to be, then you don't need to run the one you are carrying. If you're not sure, you can run it. If you don't carry one, and you're faced with an unknown machine, your choices are.... limited Smile

Personally, I'd suggest carrying a regularly updated copy of some AV on your flashdrive if you have the space, just in case...

m-p-3
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As this portable anti-virus

As this portable anti-virus should not interfere with any local anti-virus, it could be a good idea to check the system integrity with another malware database. Remember, no anti-viruses are perfect, they don't detect everything and some might detect a virus that another won't. Also, an anti-virus might detect a legitimate file as a virus (false-positive), so it is a good idea to get a second result to see if this is the case.

anon_private
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Last seen: 11 years 1 month ago
Joined: 2009-02-14 21:50
Thanks for the responses. You

Thanks for the responses.

You both think that it is wise to keep an AV programme on the flashdrive.

I'll download ClamWin Portable.

Any comments/advice on this programme appreciated.

Best wishes

A

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