Anti-virus Scanning Question

Just a quick question, I have noticed in almost any of the anti-virus programs I have used that you can chose to scan:

"All Files"

or

"Only infectable files"

I know if I check mark "all files", it takes sooo much longer that if I check mark "only infectable files".

1. Is this really important?
2. Is there really a difference in the files?
3. Are there really files that cannot be infected?
4. Can most anti-virus programs really tell the difference?

Thanks in advance for the help,
BeenThereDoneThat

 

Think it depends on your surfing, downloading and general internet habits.

1. Yes
2. Yes, some types are attacked more often
3. Not sure, there are files less likely to be infected
4. Yes, but no anti program is 100% effective and there are always new viruses/spyware coming out.

Look at it this way, if viruses only hid in the quick scan files...there would not be a full scan option?
I always do a full scan at night.

Malware Forum would be a better place to ask this question for a more informed answer. All said, only you know how careful you are on the net.

 

Cat_w_9_live,

Thanks for the help, I am a very careful surfer and I am sure that I have an above average system of protection, but then my idea is what is 30 minutes each night. The difference in the scans is not that much, but the choices intriged me and so I thought I would ask. I have been on internet since 1983 when there was just compuserve to chose from and have as yet to be infected, knock on wood , but was just wondering about those choices. I will leave it as I always have, scanning all files.

Thanks & have a good day,
BeenThereDoneThat

 

Your welcome, and BTW you're doing better than me...I'm a reformed clicker, MGs showed me the error in my ways and now pay attention to what I do on-line.