BleepingComputer.com: Scan Alone?

Hello:
I have a sort of dumb question, but it's a question that gets a variety of answers. When scanning my hard drive with anti-virus software, can I do other tasks as it runs? For example, can I run the anti-virus and check email, surf online, etc. I ask this because I've received conflicting responses. I figured I would ask here since you all are more educated on these matters than my friends.

Windows dont stop so why should you? If AV is good it will let you work, wont eat up all resources. Might not be great to start up a game but whatever you normally do should not be a problem. Actually you can game since "game-mode" is in some AVs. They do all they can to not annoy users. What does your AV maker say about this? Anyway, if you want to scan a dead Windows use a live/rescue-cd.

If computer is infected and you are in the middle of a cleanup you should not touch too much, but cant think of reasons to pay much attention to scans under normal conditions.

You worry too much

Depends on how powerful your computer is. I don't believe mine is powerful enough to do that kind of multi tasking. So I normally start a scan, go out for breakfast, and by the time I get back, the scan is finished.

Bambo, on Sep 7 2009, 11:53 AM, said:

LOL. You pegged me. I do worry too much. Both my desktop and laptop machines are my babies, and I treat them as such. I use Avast as my AV; it's been very good to me. Nothing slows down or stalls when I multi-task as the AV runs, so I guess I'm in the clear. Yeah, I wouldn't really try to run a heavy game...

Thanks so much for your input. It is very much appreciated!

i would add that if you are just doing a routine scan that may be acceptible. If you are scanning because you have a report of malware found. I would scan with interne disconnrcted , from safe mode after checking my AV for updates. As malware are easiest to remove if they are not active.