small question about spy and virus scanning

Does it significantly matter whether one's internet connection is on or off while doing the scans? I noticed a recent post in a forum suggesting the connection be turned off. I have performed my scans with the DSL connected.

 

It really shouldnt matter if the Net connection is turned off. What does matter is if your browser windows are open or not. Many Viruses and malware function thru the opening of IE or windows explorer or even windows media. In some scans case they wont find problems if the problem is dormant, (that is.. not runnning) in others they will. If they are "wiped" while your browser windows are open, it it possible (and indeed likely) that the information needed to self replicate the virus back onto your pc will be contained (and therefore not wiped) within this environment.

Personally i find that Trend Micros housecall is the best for me, http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp used in conjunction with a good Anti Virus. Trend can run in IE or Firefox, which is useful.
Panda scan nowadays doesnt wipe what it finds, but instead suggests buying its products, which means its counter productive to NOT find any problems.

Hope this helps.

Alistair