Check files for viruses before you download it?

Sorry if this makes me sound like a "computer noob" but i was wondering if there is any possible way to check files for viruses before you download it.

I have been told "Dr. Web" can do it, but it doesnt seem to work.

So... if either know a program that can do this or your saying "no, its not possible." please post. =)

 

Online Virus Scanners?

 

http://virusscan.jotti.org/

Upload your file or whatever here and it will scan it. Hope that helps.

 

but with virusscan, dont you have to download it first?

 

Yes you do, but your computer should have come with a free virus protection program already installed. There are plenty of free virus protection sites that are highly trusted that you can download a virus protection system from. Once I get some links I'll post them if no one else has already. Off the top of my head, I know if you google 'AVG' you will get a link to the AVG virus protection homepage, which has plently of free downloads.

 

your computer should detect whether it has a virus or not

 

Download Avast, then you're pretty much safe to download it and send it to Jotti to be scanned risk-free. Providing you don't run the program before you scan it.

You are never 100% safe.

 

The Dark is right with Avast, i have the program and its great.

 

virustotal.com is the best because it uses around 26 different virus scanners.

 

As long as you don't open the program, you won't get a virus.

 

As he stated, as long as you don't run the executable file, you're fine.
Most trojans/worms run by executables. The executable files contain malicious code that damage your necessary files. If those aren't activated, then nothing happens...

Also, avast! virus scanner (www.avast.com) scans files as you download them. I use it and it's great.

 

Thanks. This stopped me from opening up a trojan earlier since Norton is shitty

 

Please also note that some scanners are not 100% accurate. It may be a false alarm. With new emerging malware, its still much safer if you download from a reliable and trusted source.