HouseCall - Free Online Virus Scan

With version 7.1, you can perform three types of antivirus scans:

• Quick scan—targets critical system areas to detect and remove active malware; these scans are designed to focus on active threats and can complete within several minutes. HouseCall 7.1 ensures that there are no active threats by checking running processes and important registry and disk sections. It also checks for malicious browser plug-ins and rootkits.
• Full system scan—checks all system areas, including all files and folders; these scans take the longest, but are able to check everything on the computer for threats.
• Custom scan— checks specified folders only; to scan specific files on a computer, select the folder that contains the questionable files.

"Active malware" refers to malicious programs that have been installed on computers and are capable of launching themselves after the computer restarts. These programs typically perform malicious activities, including contacting a "command & control" center, logging keystrokes, copying personal data, and sending spam.

A dormant malware file is typically not considered an active threat, unless it is actually running and has installed.

Trend Micro has offered the free HouseCall on-demand virus scanning service for more than twelve years. We feel it is important to protect not only paying customers but also the general public.

The threat landscape is changing dramatically, and users are more at risk today than at any time in the past. Threats are harder to detect and harder to clean. HouseCall is a great on-demand security option, whether or not it is used as a supporting scanner with another security solution, because of its strong ability to detect and fix threats.

The standalone application model frees HouseCall from browser dependencies. HouseCall users will not have to worry about browser compatibility issues or having ActiveX or Java enabled. The new model uses a local application launcher to start the main HouseCall application. When starting HouseCall from the landing page, users basically download and start the launcher. They can choose to save the launcher and open it whenever they want to perform a scan.

When a user starts HouseCall 7.1 for the first time, a small executable (1.4MB) is downloaded. This launcher application runs locally and manages the download of local scanning components, such as the scan engine, configuration files, and pattern files. On subsequent scans, the launcher checks for existing scanning components and downloads them only when they are outdated.

If you save a local copy of the launcher, you can use it to open HouseCall anytime.

Because HouseCall 7.1 uses our latest technologies, we are anticipating frequent updates. To help ensure that users have the latest version, HouseCall will check for a new version every time it is used. If a new version is available you will be directed to visit the HouseCall landing page and download the latest version. 

To speed up scans, HouseCall performs quick scans by default. It focuses on key system areas to address active threats and reduce the total scan time. Manually copying infected files leaves inactive copies of threats and does not simulate real-world infections. Real malware programs drop copies into key folders and take advantage of system settings to autostart and operate effectively.

To check a specific folder for threats, whether or not they are active threats, run a custom scan and specify the folder.

By default, HouseCall 7.1 performs a quick scan, which can identify and scan areas that are most likely to contain active threats. By looking only at critical areas of the computer, HouseCall 7.1 reduces total scan times from hours to minutes, but is still very effective at fixing infections.

HouseCall 7.1 detects active malware and spyware, or basically file-based threats. It can detect web threats that have already been downloaded to infected machines. However, HouseCall 7.1 does not support malicious URL blocking, which can proactively protect against web threats.

HouseCall 7.1 provides an easy, on-demand check for active viruses and other malware. It complements, but is not a substitute for, existing security software that provides proactive protection and continuously scans and monitors for threats.

For always-on real-time protection, Trend Micro recommends that users install Internet security software, such as Trend Micro Maximum Security, which provides the most comprehensive protection available for your personal and financial information—whether you are at home or on the road.

Initially HouseCall 7.1 will be available in English only. Regional language support of HouseCall 7.1 may be offered depending on requirements.