Not really a necessity just to run the scans.
However, for example, when you tell the spyware software to delete/uninstall/disable any spyware it finds then it may not be able to do the fix if that spyware software is currently running/in use. In those cases and usually the program will tell you that the computer has to be rebooted to complete the fix.
I run scans with Word, FrontPage, Notepad, IE open and surfing the internet and a host of other programs open. When it is time to do the fixes that the spyware finds I then shut everything down.
local news update on Rita situation:
Contra-flow is now open on I - 45 which goes up to Dallas.....from FM 1488 up to Buffalo.
Contra-flow is now open on I - 10 west starting at Hwy 6.....don't know where it stops but I heard them mention Seguin.
Contra-flow on Hwy 290 which goes Northwest to Austin will not be implemented because incoming will be needed for incoming assistance personnel.
Kathy, going South on I - 45 to I - 10 East was probably a snap for your family. I - 10 East is probably a parking lot although I haven't seen any video of it.