Regularly checking the operating system using any Anti-virus program is considered one of the easiest ways to maintain the security of your computer and the data stored on the hard drive, whether from damage or harm caused by viruses. It is also recommended to use an Anti-Malware program as an assistant to the main antivirus program. However, if your device’s capabilities do not allow running more than one security program at the same time, it is not necessary. Most users often ask which of the three scan methods should be used and if there is a difference between them. Well, we have prepared this article specifically to answer this question and to understand what actually happens when you click the Scan button in the security program.
Before we delve into the differences between the three scan methods in a security program, you must first understand how Antivirus programs work. Generally, most security programs have two or three different scan methods, which include a full scan, a custom scan, and a quick scan. The names indicate the functions of the scan and do not require detailed explanation, but you need to know what happens when you choose each method and which method is best to use when you want to scan your computer. So, let’s start right away.
First: Quick/Smart Scan
This is a common option in all security programs and antivirus software. This option comes under different names but operates in a similar manner, focusing on conducting a comprehensive scan without taking up too much time. When you click the Quick Scan or Smart Scan button, the program will first scan the sites or folders that are likely to contain viruses or be susceptible to malware, such as system files. Not all files stored on the hard drive are scanned; instead, a quick look at the files is taken, significantly reducing the scan time. Secondly, modified folders (added new files inside them or changed names etc.) since the last scan by the program are also scanned.
In rare cases, the quick scan process can detect at least one virus on your device. In this case, you can perform a full scan to try and detect more infected files and know how to deal with them. So, the quick/smart scan gives you a simplified overview of the security status of your device.
When should it be used? You can perform a quick scan daily without affecting the computer’s performance, as it does not consume the device’s resources significantly and does not take up much time. However, if you want a quick report on the system’s security and know if you need to take further action to avoid being infected by any virus, a quick scan is the best option.
Second: Custom Scan
The custom scan, as the name suggests, directs the scanning techniques of the security program to a specific folder or location instead of scanning every small and large item in the system. It is a middle ground between a full scan and not taking up much time. When you choose Custom Scan, you are telling the antivirus program to avoid scanning specific drives or folders.
For example, if you are using a Windows system and saving system files and downloaded files in partition C, you can perform a custom scan on this partition specifically to find out if it contains malicious files or not. Sometimes, if you encounter abnormal behavior, direct the security program to scan a specific folder or file that you suspect may be the cause. Note that most security programs add a “Scan Now” option to the right-click menu within Windows, meaning you can scan any specific file with a few clicks.
When should it be used? You can perform a custom scan to quickly and comprehensively scan storage drives or individual folders, as the custom scan is a reliable way to scan removable external storage units and get rid of issues that could harm the computer.
Third: Full Scan
The full scan is an option that many antivirus program users avoid due to the long time it takes to complete. The reason for this is known, as the program scans the entire device starting from hard drives, removable storage units, RAM, startup files, to registry files and changes that could create vulnerabilities for viruses to penetrate the device. The time taken here depends on the amount of data being scanned, as the scan analyzes each file comprehensively and in-depth.
As for when it should be used? Only when needed to ensure that your device does not contain any viruses after a period of use. Therefore, it is not necessary to scan every day but is preferable every two weeks if you download files from the internet from untrustworthy sources. However, for most “average” users, performing a full scan once a month is sufficient to keep the computer secure.
