It is important to regularly scan your computer for any potential virus or malware threat. It’s just that despite of all the warnings, there are still those who often neglect to scan their PCs simply because they do not think that it’s such a big deal to do so. By doing so, they’re eventually making their computers more vulnerable to malware and viruses. So before it’s too late, it’s much better to take the necessary precautions. After all, there are a lot of reliable anti-virus software and applications that you can use for free. As for those who are looking for a quick and hassle-free way to scan their computers, you might as well check out this cloud-based anti-virus/anti-malware tool called BullGuard Virus Scan.

What is it and what does it do

Main Functionality

BullGuard Virus Scan is a free cloud-based anti-virus/anti-malware tool that you can use to scan your computer for any potential threats such as spyware, malware, viruses and Trojans. This tool is also compatible with today’s most widely used web browsers such as Firefox, Chrome and Internet Explorer. What’s also great about this tool is that you do not need to download any program to your computer — it works via browser add-ons/extensions. Just install the appropriate plug-in or add-on to your web browser then you’re all set to do a quick scan. Once done, BullGuard Virus Scan will then inform you about the status of your computer – if it’s still safe from viruses and malware. Just keep in mind that this tool will only scan your computer. You cannot use this tool to remove or fix any harmful file.

Pros

• Supports Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer
• Performs quick and easy scan – it roughly a minute for this tool to scan your computer
• You can view the complete scan report – in Notepad
• Detects spyware, malware, Trojans and viruses

Cons

• Due to its in-the-browser nature and quick scanning, BullGaurd Virus Scan will not find and detect the deeper, more stubborn viruses and malware; it will only find the more common ones. (Any virus scan that finishes its scan in a minute and claims to have fully scanned your whole computer for even the most stubborn malware/virus is, simply put, lying.)
• While the BullGuard Virus Scan detects known types of malware, spyware and viruses, it does not provide support for removing any potential threats. If you want to remove these threats, you will need to download an anti-virus program to your computer. BullGuard obviously want you to download their anti-virus program, but you can use any that you want such as Norton or Avast.
• Does not support Opera

Discussion

BullGuard Virus Scan is very simple to use. It also does not require you to download or install anything on your computer so it’s very convenient especially if you are using a public or shared computer.

To use this tool, you simply need to install its appropriate plug-in or extension to your web browser. You can do this by visiting its official website (see link below) and then you click on its “Start Scan” button. This tool will automatically detect the appropriate plug-in or extension for your web browser so all you need to do is to grant its access to your computer. What’s also great about this tool is that it is not only limited to Chrome. You can also use it on your other browsers such as Firefox and Internet Explorer. Nevertheless, it would still be best for you to double-check the tool’s compatibility to your web browser.

Once installed, BullGuard Virus Scan will automatically add its icon to your browser. If you’re using Chrome, it will add its shortcut icon to your browser’s omnibar. Just click on this icon to perform a quick scan. After which, this tool will start to scan and analyze the critical areas of your computer such as your ongoing processes, network activity, critical files, browser plugins, etc. Once done, it will show you the results and you can even download and view the detailed report via Notepad.

Functionality wise, this tool does what it is intended to do. It will scan your PC for malware, spyware and viruses. However, it won’t do anything to remove any potential risk or threat. So if ever it finds any malware on your computer, it won’t do anything to delete the file or move the virus to quarantine. Instead, it will only suggest you to download its premium Internet Security software – which is currently available for a free 30-day trial. Nonetheless, downloading this software is completely optional. So you can use a different virus removal tool such as Norton or Avast.

Conclusion and download link

BullGuard Virus Scan provides a quick and hassle-free way to scan your computer for malware, spyware, viruses, etc. However, its scope of functionality is limited; this cannot and should not be used as a replacment for your main anti-virus program. But as a secondary tool to scan your computer if you suspect you are infected, this tool proves to be really useful. This is one of those “keep in my emergency kit” type tools; go ahead give this free virus and malware scanner a try.

Price: Free

Version reviewed: N/A

Requires: Works with Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer on Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8

BullGuard Virus Scan homepage