High Cpu Usage Question

[sherryo]

When running scans, AV, Spybot and so forth, my CPU usage spikes between 90 and 100% for the whole scan. When I look at processes, it is the scan that is spiking it up. Is this normal, or a sign that I might have a problem? Thanks!

[Sir_Siddy]

I get high CPU usages when using Spybot so I think your fine

[Pete_C]

Yes, this is normal. Most spyware and antivirus programs are set to use as many cpu cycles as possible, to set themselves to the highest priority ; so that they can unload any malware and get rid of it and so that they will complete the scan as quickly as possible.

This causes some folks to refer to things like Norton Antivirus as "Resource hogs" when in reality they are doing it for a specific reason and only hog resources when necessary.

You can use the windows task manager or a program such as

Powermenu

To change their "priority" and thus limit the amount of cpu cycles they consume; but this will slow them down and may cause problems in removing infections.

[xxkbxx]

I've actually used Spy Sweeper at school to test if a CPU was any good

[CurlingSteve]

When you think about it, you'd expect the scan to be using 100% as long as nothing else is running.

Isn't it better to see you CPU doing something other than System Idle?

[sherryo]

Thanks for the info, I had never checked it before. Glad to know this is normal.

Sherry