Scan Files for Viruses | Dr.Web

Proactive Virus Scanning Before File Downloads

Individuals who often obtain files from potentially untrustworthy sources should prioritize virus checks. It is more effective to scan files before downloading them, rather than relying solely on your standard anti-virus program to detect threats afterward.

Utilizing the Dr.Web Plugin

A practical solution involves employing the Dr.Web plugin. This extension integrates directly into your browser, adding a convenient option to the right-click menu. This allows for quick scanning of any webpage or download link using Dr.Web’s online virus detection service.

To demonstrate its functionality, a test scan was performed on the Dr.Web Firefox plugin itself, utilizing Dr.Web’s scanner.

The results confirmed a clean status for the plugin!

It’s important to acknowledge that no anti-virus software provides absolute protection. Complete virus detection is not always achievable. Therefore, this plugin should be considered a supplementary security measure, not a replacement for comprehensive anti-virus software.

Prudent file downloading practices remain essential.

Limitations of the Plugin

The plugin does not currently support scanning attachments within webmail services. Testing on Gmail revealed that the functionality is unavailable. However, this can be viewed as a positive aspect, as it helps maintain the privacy of your email attachments.

Browser Compatibility

Here's how to obtain the Dr.Web Anti-Virus Link Checker for various browsers:

• Firefox:

  Download the Dr.Web Anti-Virus Link Checker from Mozilla Add-ons.

• Internet Explorer:

  A registry hack is required to enable the Dr. Web Anti-Virus Link Checker.

• Opera:

  Instructions are available for adding a context menu item to the Opera browser.