How often should one scan the computer using antivirus and antispyware programs?

I use the free addition of AVG Anti-virus and Spydoctor. Usually in the instructions for all the anti-malware programs its given that you should scan the computer regularly using them. So how often does regularly means? I usually end up scanning everyday or the other day. Can scanning a lot have any affect on my hard drive or other components?

How often should one scan the computer using antivirus and antispyware programs?norton internet security 2008

Most if not all anti-virus apps can be set to update %26 scan automaticly. I have mine run every nite because I leave it on to catch updates--Windows, ZoneAlarm, etc

The anti-spyware apps I run 5-6 times a month. This because of the number of nasties that they typically find. If I happen to go to a number of new, or suspect, or porn sites, I run it more often, because it will get more stuff from those.

The wear on the computer is negligible, it's more about the time involved

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How often should one scan the computer using antivirus and antispyware programs?spyware removal

I have mine set for once a week, depending on how much you use your computer I'd say once a week is good enough.
not very often...certainly no more than 1 time a week. maybe twice if you downloaded something your not sure of.