McAfee AVDCDE-AA-AA User Guide - Page 191

Creating and Configuring 6 Scheduled Tasks 6 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 website for virus information, open and view log files, and copy and paste task definitions within the Console window. For a complete overview of functions available from within the Console window, see "Using the Console window" on page 194. 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 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. User's Guide 191