Gmail now features automatic virus scanning of file attachments. Unlike Yahoo Mail’s virus scanner, Gmail’s scanner does not appear to be powered by a third party such as Norton or McAfee. Apparently, Google has developed this virus scanner internally.

It begs the question: Will Google release its own branded desktop virus scanner? It could integrate with Google Desktop Search. Google Sidebar could inform you of the status of your system scan. You could search Google’s virus encyclopedia. (I find both Norton’s and McAfee’s to be lacking.)

Look for it.