Chapter 6. Creating And Configuring Scheduled Tasks; What Does Virusscan Console Do; Why Schedule Scan Operations - McAfee VIRUSSCAN 5.1 User Manual

Creating and Configuring
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Scheduled Tasks

What does VirusScan Console do?

The VirusScan Console exists primarily to run scan operations and other tasks
on the dates and at the times you choose, or at intervals you set. You can use
the Console to run a scan operation in your absence, when it causes the least
disruption to your work, as part of a series of automated tasks, or in other
ways that suit your needs. The VirusScan Console can become the cornerstone
of your anti-virus security strategy if you set it up to run a number of
interlocking or related tasks that provide coverage at idle or otherwise
unproductive computer time. Separate tasks on individual cycles can scan
different parts of your system, for instance, or provide coverage for regular
and predictable work events.
the Console also allows you to start and stop a number of other important
VirusScan operations, including VShield scan sessions, AutoUpdate, and
AutoUpgrade operations. You can connect to the McAfee AVERT Labs Web
site for virus information, open and view log files, and copy and paste task
definitions within the Console window.

Why schedule scan operations?

Although VirusScan software includes components that look for viruses
continuously or that allow you to scan your system whenever you want, you
should schedule regular scan operations and other software activities to:
• Set a periodic baseline for your system. If you want to track your system
or your network for recurring virus activity, schedule a full scan operation
for your system at regular intervals. VirusScan software reporting features
can provide you with a complete report on the number, type, size and other
characteristics of any viruses it finds.
• Supplement or replace on-access scanning. McAfee VirusScan Software
recommends that you use VShield software to scan continuously for
viruses, but if your environment doesn't permit you to use VShield
software or if you have other concerns about system performance,
schedule frequent scan operations to prevent infections. Even if you do use
VShield software, scheduling periodic full scan operations for your system
reduces the likelihood that infected files remain undetected.
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