Sophos Anti-Virus for UNIX/Linux: changing the scan speed

Sophos Anti-Virus for UNIX/Linux scan speed could be affected by running a 'full' scan or checking all files rather than executables.

What to do

Running a 'full' scan.

By default, Sophos Anti-Virus for UNIX/Linux performs a 'quick' scan which checks only the parts of files which are likely to contain a virus. If 'full' scanning is set, Sophos Anti-Virus for UNIX/Linux will be much slower. The computer configuration also influences scanning speed, but typically 'quick' scanning is five to ten times faster than 'full'.

Checking all files or all sectors.

By default, Sophos Anti-Virus for UNIX/Linux will only check files defined as executables. If Sophos Anti-Virus for UNIX/Linux is checking all files, it will take longer than if only executable files are being checked.

If you need more information or guidance, then please contact technical support.