On-demand anti-malware scanners running permanently?

[Noreen]

I came across an interesting statement from a rep of SUPERAntiSpyware on the Wilders forums. He said that even if you only had the free on-demand scanner installed, you should always let it start up with your computer. The reason being that some malware can infect your computer and then prevent you starting your anti-malware program to remove it however it can't do this if the program is already "started" even though not yet running. He said that all the time that it's not actually running it's not using any resources.

I have to say that I have had my two on-demand scanners turned off until wanted but I'm now thinking again. I'd been advised to turn them off at startup as it wasn't thought necessary. What do you do?

[Rik]

I only scan when I feel the need, Noreen. I'm not sure I believe this claim.

[Noreen]

He's not talking about scanning but just having the scanner started and available, Rik.

[Inactive]

I let SUPERantispyware kick in at start up, it doesn't cause any problems as far as I am aware Noreen.

[Rik]

He's not talking about scanning but just having the scanner started and available, Rik.

I realised, I just don't do it.

[Simon]

I don't see any harm in doing so, Noreen, unless your main AV software objects to another scanner being activated on start up.  However, although we hear a lot about it, spyware is relatively rare with 'safe' surfers, such as yourself, and I've never heard of something which could stop a spyware scanner from starting.  I think this is something you can only decide for yourself, but will probably have little effect on the everyday running of your PC.

[Noreen]

Thanks all, I think that I'll leave them as they are.

[Sebby]

I think that you can be too cautious at the cost of performance. If you're a sensible browser, I personally feel that a manual scan now and again is ample.

[Rik]

I second that.