Anti malware scanning techniques

[daniel952]

I have read in the past that it becomes possible to detect rootkits and some hard-to-find malware when scanning from a separate machine. Can someone post more information about how to do this? I don't remember the search terms to find the answer in Google, and would like to know the best techniques to connect between computers and the benefits.

Questions:

Is it better to use:
A. IEEE cable between computers; How is this done?
B. USB drive; is this dependable?
C. The best techniques to connect between computers?

I have an external USB drive that I'd like to use for anti-malware software installations, but am unsure which software applications would be best for use, and whether the external drive could be used to scan the computer hard disk without malware connecting from the computer to the external drive.

Questions:

D. Best anti-malware applications for use with an external drive?
E. Can the external USB drive be updated safely and used to scan the hard disk drive?
F. Is it possible to install, and update the antivirus software that has been installed on an external drive while using the computer from the internet, and is it safe to do so?

I'm hoping that many here can provide answers. I am only interested in what works well, and even if its not a personal choice. My goal is to better protect our personal data, so all thoughts are welcome. Thank you.

[MrBrian]

I don't have answers to all of your questions. That being said, have you considered using bootable rescue cds?

Rescue cd links:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=261720
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=253472
http://www.raymond.cc/blog/archives/2008/12/11/13-antivirus-rescue-cds-software-compared-in-search-for-the-best-rescue-disk/
http://www.sarducd.it/

If you're looking at installing programs to a removable device, look into portable anti-malware apps:

Portable anti-malware links:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=225107
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=271644

Note that if you connect a writable removable device to an active operating system that's infected, the malware could infect the programs on the removable device.