Download Squad

We know what you want to ask, so here's the answer right away: Runscanner is not a sequel to (or, heaven help us, a prequel to) the movie Blade Runner. So what is it?

Runscanner is a free windows system utility which scans your system for all configured running programs. Runscanner will detect all programs that start automatically, including spyware, adware, and homepage hijackers. In other words, if opening your web browser makes your screen blow up like the fourth of July fireworks show, you'll probably want to download and run Runscanner.

Runscanner offers a lot in its small package: Google search integration, Authenticode signature analysis, VirusTotal integration, and FileAdvisor and CastleCops integration, which allow you to compare the MD5 hash of your files with their respective online databases.

With three modes: beginner, classic, and expert, you can wade in slowly or jump right into the deep end. The Beginner mode is particularly unique: you can't make any changes to your system when in beginner mode. However, you can save the Runscanner log files and upload them to a Forum Expert. They in turn can mark the items that need fixing, send the file back to the beginner, and have them run only the fixes the expert has designated as necessary. Creepy, but with good execution; kind of like Michael Jackson's "Thriller."

Classic mode's primary use is to eliminate malware, and offers easy one-click fixes. Expert mode includes startup tweaks, with more scanning, reporting, and filtering options.

Runscanner is freeware, and currently in beta.

[Via gHacks.net]