What are you to do when you have a computer problem so bad that your computer won't start at all and you're pretty sure a virus or some other malware is to blame? How do you scan for viruses when you can't start Windows to do a virus scan?
This is where a bootable antivirus program becomes the hero of the day. With a bootable virus scanner, you create a special flash drive or CD/DVD disc from a working computer and then use it on the infected machine to scan the hard drive for viruses—all without needing to start Windows!
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Since the most serious of viruses cause damage to the parts of your computer that allow it to start, a bootable antivirus tool can often be a powerful weapon at your disposal for getting the virus removed and your computer back up and running.
In general, getting a bootable antivirus program up and running requires that you take the ISO image provided and then, from a working computer, burn it to a disc or burn it to a USB drive. Next, you'll need to boot from the disc or boot from the flash drive on the infected PC. More details are available in our reviews and on the bootable AV program websites.
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Anvi Rescue DiskWhat We Like
Our Review of Anvi Rescue Disk
Anvi Rescue Disk is a really simple bootable virus scanner. There are only three main scan buttons, two sections to the program, and no custom settings.
You can run a quick smart scan, a full system scan, or a custom scan to search for malware inside one or more specific folders.
There's also a section for finding and correcting corrupt registry issues that may have been altered by a virus.
The only thing I don't like about Anvi Rescue Disk is that you must scan the whole drive at once—you can not choose to scan single, specific files like you can with regular antivirus software.
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AVG Rescue CDWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
AVG Rescue CD is a text-only free bootable antivirus program. It can check for potentially unwanted programs, scan cookies, find hidden file extensions, and even scan inside archives.
Before you start a scan with AVG Rescue CD, you have the option to just scan a folder of your choice, just the boot sector, only the registry, or any locally attached hard drive.
Unfortunately, because AVG Rescue CD doesn't provide a graphical interface, navigating the menus can become difficult.
AVG no longer updates or maintains this program, so the virus definitions will forever be outdated. You can still scan normally, but it won't catch brand new threats.
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Avira Rescue SystemWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Avira Rescue System is a free bootable antivirus program that also functions as a registry editor, web browser, and more, all under a standard graphical interface.
Avira Rescue System automatically updates its definitions before performing a scan, which is great so you don't have to re-download the software every time you wish to use it.
During a virus scan, compressed files are unpacked and scanned for added protection.
Avira Rescue System doesn't let you scan individual files, but only a whole partition at once, which is too bad. Also, the download is rather large at over 650 MB.
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Comodo Rescue DiskWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
In addition to the regular, installable Comodo Antivirus software, Comodo also has a free bootable antivirus program.
Comodo Rescue Disk can be launched from a USB device or disc in either text-only mode or with a full graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI version has a familiar program interface which is much easier to use.
There are three different scan types you can start with Comodo Rescue Disk: smart scan, full scan, or custom scan.
Smart scan checks for viruses and rootkits in the memory, boot sectors, autorun entries, and other areas like the registry and system folder. A custom scan lets you choose individual files and folders to scan instead of an entire drive.
You can also scan archives, enable heuristics scanning, and skip files over a specified size.
I love that Comodo Rescue Disk includes a familiar Desktop-like interface because it makes it easier to use than some of these other text-based scanning tools.
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Dr.Web LiveDiskWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Dr.Web LiveDisk is a feature-filled free bootable virus scanner for Windows and Linux.
There are plenty of configurable settings, like choosing the actions Dr.Web should take when finding infected, suspicious, or incurable files. Also, you can set what should occur in the event it detects specific issues like adware, dialers, jokes, hacktools, and riskware.
You can also exclude directories from being scanned, set how large a file can be before it's excluded from a scan, and define a maximum duration Dr.Web is allowed to spend scanning a single file.
I like that Dr.Web can check for virus definition updates directly from the program. This means you can reuse the program in the future and all you have to do is update it before you do a scan.
You can install Dr.Web LiveDisk to a USB device or a disc, but either method is still a rather large download, at over 700 MB in size.
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Kaspersky Rescue DiskWhat We Like
Our Review of Kaspersky Rescue Disk
Kaspersky has what's called a Rescue Disk, which can scan for viruses, worms, Trojans, malicious tools, adware, dialers, and other malicious items.
You can pick between using the graphical mode (recommended) or the text-only mode.
Your scan options include Fileless objects, Startup objects, and System drive. You can also scan boot sectors and specific folders.
You can also use Kaspersky's tool to browse through the file system to copy or delete files. The Firefox browser is also built in to Kaspersky Rescue Disk, among many other tools.
The only downfall I can find with Kaspersky Rescue Disk is that the download file is rather large, and may, therefore, take some time to download.
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Panda Cloud Cleaner Rescue ISOWhat We Like
What We Don't Like![]()
Panda Rescue ISO is a program that allows the freePanda Cloud Cleaner program to scan a computer without any other running processes that could potentially shut it down and prevent a virus scan.
First, you must boot to the Panda Rescue ISO disc to prepare your computer for running Panda Cloud Cleaner. Next, your computer will reboot into Windows but launch the cleaner before any other applications start. All other processes are shut down so that Panda Cloud Cleaner is less likely to be terminated by a virus.
The problem I have with this tool is that it may not work properly if a virus has infected your computer so deeply that you can't even boot into Windows. If this is the case, you'll want to try any of the other tools in this list that don't require Windows to boot.
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Sophos Bootable Anti-VirusWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Not many custom settings or options are available in Sophos Bootable Anti-Virus except choosing one of two different scan types.
A Recommended Scan can either rename infected files or just display a log of the malicious items that were found. An Advanced Scan will actually remove any infected files it detects.
There's also a Bash Shell menu option for manually removing viruses. This option is only useful if you know where the malicious items are, which isn't very likely.
You must answer several questions before you can get to the download link.
Advanced steps are necessary to get the Sophos Bootable Anti-Virus ISO file. You must read the instructions carefully in order to download the program. It ends up requiring around 360 MB of free space.
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Trend Micro Rescue DiskWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Trend Micro Rescue Disk is another free bootable antivirus tool that doesn't have a graphical interface, meaning you'll need to navigate entirely in text mode with the arrow keys.
You can run a quick scan or a full scan depending on what areas you'd like checked.
Trend Micro Rescue Disk is first downloaded as a regular program file that includes the bootable software. Just choose to install it on a USB device or CD.
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Windows Defender OfflineWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
From Microsoft, Windows Defender Offline is a bootable virus scanner that sports a full user interface.
You can update the virus definitions directly from the disc, view quarantined files, and exclude files, folders, and extension types from scans.
Windows Defender Offline supports quick virus scans, full scans, and custom scans so you can choose your own folders and drives to scan.
The Windows Defender Offline tool from the download link can burn the software to a disc or USB device for you, so no image burning software is necessary. See Am I Running a 32-bit or 64-bit Version of Windows? to know which download file to select.
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Zillya! LiveCDWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Zillya! LiveCD can scan entire drives or whole folders only, so it won't scan just single files.
There's an option to check for viruses in potentially dangerous file types like executables so you're not scanning every single file type, which could take a long time.
A utility called Zillya! MBR Recovery is available from this bootable disc, which can scan the MBR for viruses and attempt to fix boot issues caused by a corrupt MBR.
I like all the settings that are included in Zillya! LiveCD as well as the fact that it provides a very easy to use interface.
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ESET SysRescue LiveWhat We Like
ESET SysRescue is another bootable virus scanner that you can use for free from a CD, DVD, or USB device. It comes from the company ESET, which also sells security software for home users and businesses.
This tool provides a full desktop environment, so if you're uncomfortable with text-only user interfaces, you should be okay with how this one works. There's a start menu, desktop items for other tools like TeamViewer and GParted, a file browser, and of course a shortcut to ESET SysRescue.
The virus scanner itself is very easy to use and can be used quickly without any customizations. From the On-demand scan page, just choose the option you want to use: Smart scan to check only some areas for malware—specifically, common locations malware is found; or choose Custom scan to run an in-depth, full scan of any area of the drive, including the whole thing.
However, you can change advanced settings if you want. Some of the scan settings include choosing which object types to scan—such as files, symbolic links, email files, archives, self-extracting archives, boot sectors, and others. You can also enable heuristics, detect PuPs, exclude specific file extensions, and set scan limits on files of a certain size.
When you first run the program, you're given the option to not only run SysRescue but also check for errors on the disc or in the memory.
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VBA32 RescueWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
VBA32 doesn't support a graphical interface but it makes up for it in its detailed settings.
There are plenty of options in this program, like choosing which drives to scan, defining a set of file types to scan, choosing to scan inside archives, and deciding a default action when a malicious file is detected.
You can also adjust the heuristic scan settings and update virus definitions directly from the CD or USB drive.
The obvious downfall to VBA32 Rescue is that you must use it in a text-only mode, unlike most of these other tools that have a regular, graphical interface.
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Bitdefender Rescue CDWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Bitdefender Rescue CD is a free bootable virus scanner program that can exclude certain file extensions from a scan, lets you choose the maximum file size Bitdefender Rescue CD should scan, and optionally include archives with a scan.
Bitdefender Rescue CD lets you search in individual folders if you wish to target a specific directory and not the whole drive.
The most important downfall with this program is that it's no longer supported, so you won't get any new updates, virus signatures, features, etc. Another thing we don't like about Bitdefender Rescue CD is that it takes quite a long time to start up when you boot into the program.
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PC Tools' Alternate Operating System ScannerWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
This utility is a bit different than the others in this list because PC Tools' Alternate Operating System Scanner is a portion of a larger suite.
The whole suite includes not only a virus scanner but also a system shell, file manager, data destruction utility, and file recovery tool.
If malicious files are found, PC Tools' Alternate Operating System Scanner will show a results page where you can disable them so they can't do any harm to your other files.
The main thing I like about this tool is that there aren't any custom settings (which could be a good or bad thing depending on your perspective). It works as quickly as choosing the drive to scan and then waiting for the results.
The official website that used to host AOSS is no longer operational, so if the link above doesn't work to download AOSS, try this one from the Wayback Machine.
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F-Secure Rescue CDWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
F-Secure Rescue CD is a simple bootable antivirus program. It works without any graphical user interface, so it might be a bit confusing.
Best Free Antivirus Mac
There are hardly any options or user input except pressing the Enter key to confirm the start of a scan.
Readers periodically ask about antivirus recommendations for OS X, especially given some of the past rhetoric about Macs not having any viruses. Though it is true that OS X has been relatively free of viruses and other malware, in large part this has been because the small Mac market share has made the platform an insignificant target for malware developers; however, the landscape is steadily changing. Recent reports have shown Apple's market share in the U.S. to be one of the fastest growing, leaving the company just shy of 10 percent market share by some estimates. As the Mac OS becomes more popular, hackers and malware developers will undoubtedly begin to target the platform more and more.
Main types of malware
There are three main types of malware: viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. A true computer virus is defined by having the ability to self-replicate and infect specific programs or files with little or no direct input from the user. When the files are read, the virus continues to spread throughout the system and over networks or physical media to other systems. Similar to viruses, computer 'worms' have the same replicating behavior as viruses with the exception that they exist as standalone applications instead of tagging along embedded in files.
These types of attacks are serious threats that can lead to data loss, crashing, and theft of confidential information, but luckily most operating systems have safeguards that make it difficult (though not impossible) for viruses and worms to propagate.
As a result of this difficulty, malware developers tend to take the easier route and try to trick users using Trojan horse malware or phishing schemes. Trojan horses have the potential to be just as malicious as viruses by deleting files, breaking down security measures, and stealing personal information, but unlike viruses and worms they require the user to first install or otherwise enable them so they can run.
Be it characterized as a virus, worm, or Trojan horse, all malware has the potential to break down system security measures, steal personal information, corrupt or delete files, or turn your computer into a communications node for hackers (aka, 'botnets'). While most attempts at this appear to be unsuccessful, hackers are continually trying. In recent years, malware targeted for OS X has included OSX.RSPlug.A (aka, 'DNSChanger'), which caused system's DNS servers to switch to malicious ones that could make legitimate URLs point to servers run by hackers, and Leap-A (aka, 'Oompa Loompa'), which was distributed in pirated versions of iWork and spread itself to users' contacts via iChat without them knowing.
Free Antivirus For Mac Downloads
Antivirus and security recommendations
Though having computer 'street smarts' and knowing how to avoid threats is the best defense against attacks, the use of antivirus software is a good second measure to take, especially given the increasing target that OS X is becoming for malware developers, and the increase in communication between computers with file-sharing services and social networking.
As with any setup, your needs for antivirus software will depend on your computer uses. The more you accept and open files from people online (especially from anonymous users), the more you will need to be prepared against potential threats. The risk is higher if you connect to file-sharing networks, visit software pirating and other underground Web sites, or connect to numerous social networks, than if you keep communications limited to groups you know and trust; however, malware can make its way to your system even if you never contact anyone. Just having an e-mail address set up in a mail client may eventually have that address spammed with solicitations and malware, and if your e-mail client is set up to automatically download attachments then malware can be easily put on your system.
My current recommendation for people concerned about malware threats is to have a reputable scanner that you keep regularly updated with the latest malware definitions. Forget the notion that Macs can't get viruses and attacks; they absolutely can, even though the numbers of threats are low, and it's better to be safe than sorry. However, there currently is a limit as to what is practical for Mac users. Some utilities support and promote advanced features like on-access scanning and full system security to filter and detect all incoming data, but in my experiences this has been a rather impractical feature that can sometimes lead to performance problems.
Instead of loading your system with security software and enabling all available features, I've found the best approach is to set up your browsers, chat programs, and e-mail clients to download files to a select folder and then have the scanner either perform regular scans of that directory or scan only when new files are added.
This is not to say a full system scan isn't needed, but to have it done all the time or whenever you access a file may be a bit much. Schedule the scanner to run once a week or once a month, and provided you do not visit software pirating Web sites, pornographic sites, or other underground sites where malware is most common, then you should be OK.
Again, the best defense is using good judgement when surfing the Web and using your system in public environments. If a deal looks too good to be true, then it probably is. If you choose to pursue underground Web sites and illegitimate software then you do so at your own risk.
Antivirus options
As a response to the increased potential for attacks given the rising market share of the Mac OS, the number of antivirus options for Mac users is steadily climbing and becoming readily available. Many reputable antivirus programs have been made available for the Mac in recent years, with a few being released as free 'Home' versions. These, along with the ones that have been around for a while, give Mac users a healthy number of options to choose from: Free Bootable Antivirus Rescue Cd
In addition to dedicated utilities, the OS X maintenance programs MacKeeper and Snow Leopard Cache Cleaner also include antivirus capability. For a full listing of these programs, including reviews, see the Mac Antivirus Software at CNET's Download.com.
Free Antivirus Software For Mac
What about Windows?
Though non-Mac viruses are not direct threats to the Mac OS, a number of Mac users regularly boot Windows and other operating systems using Boot Camp or virtualization software. While booting multiple operating systems may be fun and convenient, it also increases the potential targets for viruses on your system, especially if you have data shared between the various operating systems that you run.
If you have any installation of Windows on your Mac, be sure you have a Windows-based virus scanner installed. It's preferable to have one in the Windows installation that will protect the Windows files, but at the very least have one on your Mac that will detect both Mac and Windows viruses.
Avg Bootable Antivirus CdFree Bootable Antivirus Tool For Macbook
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