Windows OS users have a little more to worry about than what a normal download looks like, a harmless attachment, a USB drive gift from a friend, and so on. Antiviruses are a form of peace of mind, but a single file download probably isn’t enough to clinch the deal. Additionally, the process of downloading multiple files to submit them to a site can be tedious. VirusTotal Uploader is able to simplify the process. You can submit files from your Windows system to VirusTotal for analysis, and not worry about defeating your purpose.
Submitting Analyses on Files
The VirusTotal uploader has a purpose, and it is to be placed on the Windows menu to keep it neat. After installation, users submit the file for scanning on VirusTotal. Instead of an antivirus, it is in the hands of multiple security engines that will spin off from VirusTotal. Users can be at ease when downloading free software, installation files, or archived files.
In the practical world, the process is quite simple. The sender either sends the file or checks the file using a hash method and cross-references it with the previous ones. If it is the same file that has been previously analyzed, the results will show up instantly. This prevents uploading the same file multiple times and saves time. In the case of new files, the scanning is a bit more complicated and takes longer; however, the results will be made available on the web interface. The process is more like yesterday’s antivirus tool; it’s more about consulting a huge and comprehensive security database.
Practical Workflow Benefits on Windows
VirusTotal Uploader is practical because it places the bare minimum requirements on a computer system. That is, it is not system persistent, and will not clash with an anti-virus currently running. It serves simply as an on-demand safety checking tool. This is why it is great for students who want to download some academic software, home users who want to experiment with some open source software, or IT enthusiasts who want to try some new utilities.
Regarding real-time protection, it is meant to be used with, not instead of, real-time protection services. The best workflow would be protective download, protective scan, open, and then protective results. This whole thing will take a couple of seconds and will save you from high anxiety and countless hours wasting your time trying to protect your computer’s OS.
Understanding the Results and Their Limits
Just like any other analysis, VirusTotal has risks and requires an analysis to be conducted with caution. Not every analysis will be erroneous. One or two engines may flag a file without it being malicious. In that same regard, a file may be flagged as malicious, but that does not mean the analysis is safe. VirusTotal lists the results, but you have to do the analysis yourself.
The VirusTotal uploader for Windows may seem simple, but you have to know how to read detection ratios and what the vendors mean. You may have to do some research to get the hang of the interface. Unlike other programs, the VirusTotal uploader actually sends the file to the VirusTotal company. This is also why you should not upload anything sensitive or personal.
Best Suited for Wary Everyday Users and Technical Hobbyists
VirusTotal is an excellent tool to add to your Windows computer, especially if you prefer to add more layers of protection to your Windows computer. Remember, though, that VirusTotal is not an antivirus program. It is a tool that can be used to examine untrusted files that are unknown to you, before you open or execute them.
Home users and students can also enjoy a confidence boost by selecting the transparency option when using VirusTotal Uploader. It is also useful to users who test new programs or beta utilities. VirusTotal Uploader is a means of accelerating multi-engine analysis and shielding your everyday tasks.