ESET Online Scanning is a free tool that can be used to identify threats without the need to install antivirus software. It employs the same scanning technology as ESET Smart Security or ESET NOD32, however it is only accessible via a browser. It can scan a wide range of areas, including autostart locations, boot sectors and the registry. It can also resolve issues during a reboot and rescan files that were previously believed to be infected. It does not provide real-time security.
The interface is simple and user-friendly. The primary window displays the list of threats that have been identified along with their names and descriptions. The user has the option to remove or quarantine threats and create a customized scanning profile to scan particular files and folders. The program can be used offline, however you’ll need an internet connection to download the signatures and then complete the initial update.
The program is able to detect important site various types of malware, such as viruses, Trojans, spyware, adware and other potentially unwanted programs. It can also remove rootkits which are typically not eliminated by other scanners. However, it may take a long time to complete a full scan, and the program can be quite demanding on the CPU. It does not examine encrypted or password-protected files and doesn’t always detect sophisticated zero-day malware. It is best used as a second-opinion scanner alongside other antivirus software. The initial scan is for free however subsequent scans and fixes to problems require payment.