To combat malware and viruses we try to keep the antivirus updated and to periodically scan the PC, but inevitably some new threat manages to "pass" our defenses, making us vulnerable to the most powerful attacks. In addition to the antivirus, we will therefore also have to use a program that can stop and identify any type of malware, so as to block any threat that has escaped the antiviruses and prevent powerful viruses from taking the hostage, generating malfunctions and unwanted advertising windows.
To increase the security of our PC, we can rely on a free program like IObit Malware Fighter, able to assist the action of the antivirus and block the most dangerous threats before they can cause damage to our files and the system.
In this guide we will show you how to install IObit Malware Fighter (now in version 7), how to configure it and how to start automatic and manual virus scanning; finally we will show you the differences between the free version and the paid version, so you can choose whether to focus on full protection or settle for basic protection.
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How to install IObit Malware Fighter
The latest version of IObit Malware Fighter can be downloaded for free from the official page, we will only have to click on the Free Download button. At the end of the download, we double-click the IObit installer and, in the window that will appear, simply click Install to install IObit Malware Fighter on our computer.
In the next window we choose whether or not to install the Opera browser together with the IObit program, then wait for the end of the installation. A new window will appear, asking us if we want to benefit from cloud-based protection and if we want to start the program immediately.
By confirming on Run now, the IObit Malware Fighter icon will appear at the bottom right (in the system icon bar) and the main program window will open.
At the first start the signature database will be reported as obsolete and the program will signal that no scan of the computer has ever been performed: to be able to remedy it immediately, click on the Repair all button; in this way IObit Malware Fighter will update the signatures and definitions and start a quick scan of the system, looking for any threats that have escaped the antivirus.
How to start a manual scan
To increase the security of our computer, it is a good idea to run a manual scan of IObit Malware Fighter at regular intervals (at least once a week). To launch a scan with this program, we open its interface by clicking on the icon present at the bottom right or looking for the name of the program in the Start menu, then we press the Scan icon on the left side, so as to open the window with the scan modules offered by IObit Malware Fighter.
We will have three types of scan: Intelligent scan, to quickly check all areas of the system most prone to infection; Full scan, to scan every folder and file on the PC (slower); Custom scan, with which we will be able to choose the folders, external disks or USB sticks to be scanned.
To configure each scanner, simply click on the small gear icon in the top right corner of each module.
To access the quarantine of malicious files and to manually update the definitions, click on the Options icon at the top right and use the item that best suits our needs.
The general settings of IObit Malware Fighter can be found under Settings .
How to schedule an automatic scan
We can never remember to scan with IObit Malware Fighter ">
We can choose to scan the PC only when inactive (i.e. we have not moved the mouse for at least 20 minutes) or choose an hour of the day or a weekly schedule. By checking the item below, in the Action section, any threats encountered with the automatic scan will be eliminated without user intervention.
Note : the automatic scan feature is only available in the PRO version of the program.
Additional protection modules
In addition to the scan modules, IObit Malware Fighter is able to protect other elements present on the computer, so as to prevent some harmful program from applying modifications invisible to the inexperienced eye.
Additional protection modules are available by clicking on the Protected Brower side menu ...
... or by selecting the side menu Security Guard .
By enabling the items available in these two menus, we will prevent malware and various infections from modifying the browser homepage, changing DNS, installing malicious extensions and we will also be able to protect processes when Windows starts, scan new downloaded files and protect the network connections.
If, on the other hand, we want to completely replace the antivirus and increase the protection of our personal data, we can activate the real-time scan offered by Bitdefender, the Safe deposit box module (to protect user privacy) and an innovative anti-ransomware system, capable of blocking even the most dangerous viruses (those that block the system and take files hostage).
Note : Some of the protection items are only available with the PRO version of IObit Malware Fighter.
Comparison between the free version and the paid version
The free version of IObit Malware Fighter can be used alongside the main antivirus to scan the system at regular intervals and increase the protection of Windows with a minimally invasive tool (which consumes few resources).
If we want complete protection of our computer, we can buy the PRO version of IObit Malware Fighter, which can unlock the Bitdefender real-time scan engine (which can therefore replace the antivirus used so far on the PC) , the anti module -ransomware and other security settings seen in the guide.
The IObit Malware Fighter PRO license costs € 21.99 and can be purchased from here -> PRO IObit Malware Fighter license.
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