AVG 8.5 ANTI-VIRUS PLUS FIREWALL - REV 85.8, 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall User Manual

Document revision 85.8 (26.10.2009)

This product uses RSA Data Security, Inc. MD5 Message-Digest Algorithm, Copyright (C) 1991-2, RSA Data Security, Inc. Created 1991. This product uses code from C-SaCzech library, Copyright (c) 1996-2001 Jaromir Dolecek (dolecek@ics.muni.cz). This product uses compression library zlib, Copyright (c) 1995-2002 Jean-loup Gailly and Mark Adler. This product uses compression library libbzip2, Copyright (c) 1996-2002 Julian R. Seward.

AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall

User Manual

Contents

........................................................................................................................ 7

1. Introduction

........................................................................................................................ 8

2. AVG Installation Requirements

.......................................................................................................... 8

2.1 Operation Systems Supported

.......................................................................................................... 8

2.2 Minimum Hardware Requirements

........................................................................................................................ 9

3. AVG Installation Options

........................................................................................................................ 10

4. AVG Download Manager

.......................................................................................................... 10

4.1 Language Selection

.......................................................................................................... 10

4.2 Connectivity Check

.......................................................................................................... 12

4.3 Proxy Settings

.......................................................................................................... 13

4.4 Select License Type

.......................................................................................................... 14

4.5 Download Files to Install

........................................................................................................................ 15

5. AVG Installation Process

.......................................................................................................... 15

5.1 Installation Launch

.......................................................................................................... 16

5.2 License Agreement

.......................................................................................................... 17

5.3 Checking System Status

.......................................................................................................... 18

5.4 Select Installation Type

.......................................................................................................... 18

5.5 Activate your AVG License

.......................................................................................................... 20

5.6 Custom Installation - Destination Folder

.......................................................................................................... 21

5.7 Custom Installation - Component Selection

.......................................................................................................... 22

5.8 AVG Security Toolbar

.......................................................................................................... 23

5.9 Windows Firewall

.......................................................................................................... 24

5.10 Setup Summary

.......................................................................................................... 24

5.11 Application Termination

.......................................................................................................... 25

5.12 Installing AVG

.......................................................................................................... 26

5.13 Installation Complete

........................................................................................................................ 27

6. AVG First Run Wizard

.......................................................................................................... 27

6.1 Introducing the AVG First Run Wizard

.......................................................................................................... 28

6.2 Schedule regular scans and updates

.......................................................................................................... 28

6.3 Help us to identify new online threats

.......................................................................................................... 29

6.4 Configure the AVG Security Toolbar

.......................................................................................................... 30

6.5 Update AVG protection

.......................................................................................................... 30

6.6 AVG Configuration finished

........................................................................................................................ 32

7. Firewall Configuration Wizard

.......................................................................................................... 32

7.1 Network Connection Options

.......................................................................................................... 33

7.2 Scan for Internet Applications

.......................................................................................................... 34

7.3 Select Profile to Activate

.......................................................................................................... 35

7.4 Configuration Review

........................................................................................................................ 36

8. After Installation

.......................................................................................................... 36

8.1 Product Registration

.......................................................................................................... 36

8.2 Access to User Interface

.......................................................................................................... 36

8.3 Scanning of the whole computer

.......................................................................................................... 36

8.4 Eicar Test

.......................................................................................................... 37

8.5 AVG Default Configuration

........................................................................................................................ 38

9. AVG User Interface

.......................................................................................................... 39

9.1 System Menu

.......................................................................................................... 39

9.1.1 File

.......................................................................................................... 39

9.1.2 Components

.......................................................................................................... 39

9.1.3 History

.......................................................................................................... 39

9.1.4 Tools

.......................................................................................................... 39

9.1.5 Help

.......................................................................................................... 42

9.2 Security Status Info

.......................................................................................................... 43

9.3 Quick Links

.......................................................................................................... 44

9.4 Components Overview

.......................................................................................................... 45

9.5 Statistics

.......................................................................................................... 46

9.6 System Tray Icon

........................................................................................................................ 47

10. AVG Components

.......................................................................................................... 47

10.1 Anti-Virus

.......................................................................................................... 47

10.1.1 Anti-Virus Principles

.......................................................................................................... 47

10.1.2 Anti-Virus Interface

.......................................................................................................... 49

10.2 Anti-Spyware

.......................................................................................................... 49

10.2.1 Anti-Spyware Principles

.......................................................................................................... 49

10.2.2 Anti-Spyware Interface

.......................................................................................................... 50

10.3 Anti-Rootkit

.......................................................................................................... 50

10.3.1 Anti-Rootkit Principles

.......................................................................................................... 50

10.3.2 Anti-Rootkit Interface

.......................................................................................................... 52

10.4 Firewall

.......................................................................................................... 52

10.4.1 Firewall Principles

.......................................................................................................... 52

10.4.2 Firewall Profiles

.......................................................................................................... 52

10.4.3 Firewall Interface

.......................................................................................................... 56

10.5 E-mail Scanner

.......................................................................................................... 56

10.5.1 E-mail Scanner Principles

.......................................................................................................... 56

10.5.2 E-mail Scanner Interface

.......................................................................................................... 56

10.5.3 E-mail Scanner Detection

.......................................................................................................... 60

10.6 License

.......................................................................................................... 61

10.7 Link Scanner

.......................................................................................................... 61

10.7.1 Link Scanner Principles

.......................................................................................................... 61

10.7.2 Link Scanner Interface

.......................................................................................................... 61

10.7.3 AVG Search-Shield

.......................................................................................................... 61

10.7.4 AVG Active Surf-Shield

.......................................................................................................... 64

10.8 Web Shield

.......................................................................................................... 64

10.8.1 Web Shield Principles

.......................................................................................................... 64

10.8.2 Web Shield Interface

.......................................................................................................... 64

10.8.3 Web Shield Detection

.......................................................................................................... 68

10.9 Resident Shield

.......................................................................................................... 68

10.9.1 Resident Shield Principles

.......................................................................................................... 68

10.9.2 Resident Shield Interface

.......................................................................................................... 68

10.9.3 Resident Shield Detection

.......................................................................................................... 72

10.10 Update Manager

.......................................................................................................... 72

10.10.1 Update Manager Principles

.......................................................................................................... 72

10.10.2 Update Manager Interface

.......................................................................................................... 74

10.11 AVG Security Toolbar

........................................................................................................................ 77

11. AVG Advanced Settings

.......................................................................................................... 77

11.1 Appearance

.......................................................................................................... 79

11.2 Ignore Faulty Conditions

.......................................................................................................... 81

11.3 Virus Vault

.......................................................................................................... 81

11.4 PUP Exceptions

.......................................................................................................... 84

11.5 Web Shield

.......................................................................................................... 84

11.5.1 Web Protection

.......................................................................................................... 84

11.5.2 Instant Messaging

.......................................................................................................... 87

11.6 Link Scanner

.......................................................................................................... 88

11.7 Scans

.......................................................................................................... 88

11.7.1 Scan Whole Computer

.......................................................................................................... 88

11.7.2 Shell Extension Scan

.......................................................................................................... 88

11.7.3 Scan Specific Files or Folders

.......................................................................................................... 88

11.7.4 Removable Device Scan

.......................................................................................................... 93

11.8 Schedules

.......................................................................................................... 93

11.8.1 Scheduled Scan

.......................................................................................................... 93

11.8.2 Virus Database Update Schedule

.......................................................................................................... 93

11.8.3 Program Update Schedule

.......................................................................................................... 93

11.8.4 Anti-Spam Update Schedule

.......................................................................................................... 103

11.9 E-mail Scanner

.......................................................................................................... 103

11.9.1 Certification

.......................................................................................................... 103

11.9.2 Mail Filtering

.......................................................................................................... 103

11.9.3 Logs and Results

.......................................................................................................... 103

11.9.4 Servers

.......................................................................................................... 112

11.10 Resident Shield

.......................................................................................................... 112

11.10.1 Advanced Settings

.......................................................................................................... 112

11.10.2 Exceptions

.......................................................................................................... 115

11.11 Anti-Rootkit

.......................................................................................................... 116

11.12 Update

.......................................................................................................... 116

11.12.1 Proxy

.......................................................................................................... 116

11.12.2 Dial-up

.......................................................................................................... 116

11.12.3 URL

.......................................................................................................... 116

11.12.4 Manage

........................................................................................................................ 123

12. Firewall Settings

.......................................................................................................... 123

12.1 General

.......................................................................................................... 124

12.2 Security

.......................................................................................................... 125

12.3 Areas and Adapters Profiles

.......................................................................................................... 126

12.4 Logs

.......................................................................................................... 127

12.5 Profiles

.......................................................................................................... 127

12.5.1 Profile Information

.......................................................................................................... 127

12.5.2 Defined Adapters

.......................................................................................................... 127

12.5.3 Defined Networks

.......................................................................................................... 127

12.5.4 Defined Services

.......................................................................................................... 127

12.5.5 Applications

.......................................................................................................... 127

12.5.6 System Services

........................................................................................................................ 143

13. AVG Scanning

.......................................................................................................... 143

13.1 Scanning Interface

.......................................................................................................... 144

13.2 Predefined Scans

.......................................................................................................... 144

13.2.1 Scan Whole Computer

.......................................................................................................... 144

13.2.2 Scan Specific Files or Folders

.......................................................................................................... 150

13.3 Scanning in Windows Explorer

.......................................................................................................... 151

13.4 Command Line Scanning

.......................................................................................................... 151

13.4.1 CMD Scan Parameters

.......................................................................................................... 154

13.5 Scan Scheduling

.......................................................................................................... 154

13.5.1 Schedule Settings

.......................................................................................................... 154

13.5.2 How to Scan

.......................................................................................................... 154

13.5.3 What to Scan

.......................................................................................................... 161

13.6 Scan Results Overview

.......................................................................................................... 163

13.7 Scan Results Details

.......................................................................................................... 163

13.7.1 Results Overview Tab

.......................................................................................................... 163

13.7.2 Infections Tab

.......................................................................................................... 163

13.7.3 Spyware Tab

.......................................................................................................... 163

13.7.4 Warnings Tab

.......................................................................................................... 163

13.7.5 Rootkits Tab

.......................................................................................................... 163

13.7.6 Information Tab

.......................................................................................................... 170

13.8 Virus Vault

........................................................................................................................ 172

14. AVG Updates

.......................................................................................................... 172

14.1 Update Levels

.......................................................................................................... 172

14.2 Update Types

.......................................................................................................... 172

14.3 Update Process

........................................................................................................................ 174

15. Event History

........................................................................................................................ 175

16. FAQ and Technical Support

1. Introduction

This user manual provides comprehensive documentation for AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall.

Congratulations on your purchase of AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall!

AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall is one of a range of award winning AVG products

designed to provide you with peace of mind and total security for your PC. As with all AVG products AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall has been completely re-designed, from the ground up, to deliver AVG’s renowned and accredited security protection in a new, more user friendly and efficient way.

Your new AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall product has a streamlined interface combined with more aggressive and faster scanning. More security features have been automated for your convenience, and new ‘intelligent’ user options have been included so that you can fit our security features to your way of life. No more compromising usability over security!

AVG has been designed and developed to protect your computing and networking activity. Enjoy the experience of full protection from AVG.

2. AVG Installation Requirements

2.1. Operation Systems Supported

AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall is intended to protect workstations with the

following operating systems:

 Windows 2000 Professional SP4 + Update Rollup 1

 Windows XP Home Edition SP2

 Windows XP Professional SP2

 Windows XP Professional x64 Edition SP1

 Windows Vista (x86 and x64, all editions)

(and possibly higher service packs for specific operating systems).

2.2. Minimum Hardware Requirements

Minimum hardware requirements for AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall are as follows:

 Intel Pentium CPU 1,2 GHz

 250 MB of free hard drive space (for installation purposes)

 256 MB of RAM memory

3. AVG Installation Options

AVG can be installed either from the installation file available on your installation CD, or you can download the latest installation file from the AVG website (www.avg.com).

Before you start installing AVG, we strongly recommend that you visit the

AVG website to check for a new installation file. This way you can be sure to

install the latest available version of AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall.

We recommend you to try out our new AVG Download Manager tool that will help you select the proper installation file!

During the installation process you will be asked for your license/sales number. Please make sure you have it available before starting the installation. The sales number can be found on the CD packaging. If you purchased your copy of AVG on-line, your license number will have been delivered to you via e-mail.

4. AVG Download Manager

AVG Download Manager is a simple tool that helps you select the proper

installation file for your AVG product. Based on your input data, the manager will select the specific product, license type, desired components, and language. Finally, AVG Download Manager will go on to download and launch the appropriate

installation process.

Following please find a brief description of each single step you need to take within the AVG Download Manager:

4.1. Language Selection

In this first step of AVG Download Manager select the installation language from the roll-down menu. Note, that your language selection applies only to the installation process; after the installation you will be able to change the language directly from program settings. Then press the Next button to continue.

4.2. Connectivity Check

In the next step, AVG Download Manager will attempt to establish an Internet connection so that updates can be located. You will not be allowed to advance the download process until the AVG Download Manager is able to complete the connectivity test.

 If the test shows no connectivity, make sure you are really connected to

Internet. Then click the Retry button

 If you are using a Proxy connection to the Internet, click the Proxy Settings

button to specify your proxy information:

 If the check has been successful, press the Next button to continue.

4.3. Proxy Settings

If AVG Download Manager was not able to identify your Proxy settings you have to specify them manually. Please fill in the following data:

 Server - enter a valid proxy server name or IP address

 Port - provide the respective port number

 Use proxy authentication - if your proxy server requires authentication, tick

this check box.

 Select authentication - from the drop-down menu select the authentication

type. We strongly recommend that you keep to the default value (the proxy server will then automatically convey its requirements to you). However, if you are a skilled user, you can also choose Basic (required by some servers) or NTLM (required by all ISA Servers) option. Then, enter a valid Username and Password (optionally).

Confirm your settings by pressing the Apply button to follow to the next step of AVG

Download Manager.

4.4. Select License Type

In this step you are prompted to choose the license type of the product you would like to download. The description provided will allow you to select the one that suits you

most:

 Full version - i.e. AVG Anti-Virus, AVG Anti-Virus plus Firewall, or AVG

Internet Security

 Trial version - provides you an opportunity to use all the features of AVG full

product for the limited time period of 30 days

 Free version - provides protection to home users free of charge, however

the application functions are limited! Also, the free version only includes some of the features available in the paid product.

4.5. Download Files to Install

Now, you have provided all information needed for the AVG Download Manager to start the installation package download, and launch the installation process. Further, advance to the AVG Installation Process.

5. AVG Installation Process

To install AVG on your computer, you need to get the latest installation file. You can use the installation file from the CD that is a part of your box edition but this file might be out-of-date.

Therefore we recommended getting the latest installation file online. You can download the file from the AVG website (at www.avg.com) / Downloads section. Or, you can make use of our new AVG Download Manager tool that helps you create and download the installation package you need, and launch the installation process.

The installation is a sequence of dialog windows with a brief description of what do at each step. In the following, we offer an explanation for each dialog window:

5.1. Installation Launch

The installation process starts with the Welcome to the AVG Setup Program window. In here you select the language used for the installation process. In the lower part of the dialog window find the Choose your setup language item, and select the desired language from the drop down menu. Then press the Next button to confirm and continue to the next dialog.

Attention: Here, you are selecting the language for the installation process only. You are not selecting the language for the AVG application - that can be specified later on during the installation process!

5.2. License Agreement

The License Agreement dialog provides the full wording of the AVG license agreement. Please read it carefully and confirm that you have read, understood and accept the agreement by pressing the Accept button. If you do not agree with the license agreement press the Don't accept button, and the installation process will be terminated immediately.

5.3. Checking System Status

Having confirmed the license agreement, you will be redirected to the Checking System Status dialog. This dialog does not require any intervention; your system is

being checked before the AVG installation can start. Please wait until the process has finished, then continue automatically to the following dialog.

5.4. Select Installation Type

The Select Installation Type dialog offers the choice of two installation options: standard and custom installation.

For most users, it is highly recommended to keep to the standard installation that installs AVG in fully automatic mode with settings predefined by the program vendor. This configuration provides maximum security combined with the optimal use of resources. In the future, if the need arises to change the configuration, you will always have the possibility to do so directly in the AVG application.

Custom installation should only be used by experienced users who have a valid reason to install AVG with non-standard settings. E.g. to fit specific system requirements.

5.5. Activate your AVG License

In the Activate your AVG License dialog you have to fill in your registration data. Type in your name (User Name field) and the name of your organization (Company Name field).

Then enter your license/sales number into the License/Sales Number text field. The sales number can be found on the CD packaging in your AVG box. The license number will be in the confirmation email that you received after purchasing your AVG on-line. You must type in the number exactly as shown. If the digital form of the license

number is available (in the email), it is recommended to use the copy and paste method to insert it.

Press the Next button to continue the installation process.

If in the previous step you have selected the standard installation, you will be redirected directly to the Installation Summary dialog. If custom installation was selected you will continue with the Destination Folder dialog.

5.6. Custom Installation - Destination Folder

The Destination Folder dialog allows you to specify the location where AVG should be installed. By default, AVG will be installed to the program files folder located on drive C:. If you want to change this location, use the Browse button to display the drive structure, and select the respective folder. Press the Next button to confirm.

5.7. Custom Installation - Component Selection

The Component Selection dialog displays an overview of all AVG components that can be installed. If the default settings do not suit you, you can remove/add specific components.

However, you can only select from components that are included in your purchased AVG edition. Only those components will be offered to be installed within the Component Selection dialog!

Within the list of components to be installed, you can define which language(s) AVG should be installed in. Check the Additional installed languages item and then select the desired languages from the respective menu.

Click the E-mail Scanner item to open and decide on what plug-in is to be installed to guarantee your electronic mail security. By default, Plugin for Microsoft Outlook will be installed. Another specific option is the Plugin for The Bat! If you use any other e-mail client (MS Exchange, Qualcomm Eudora, ...), go for the Personal E-mail Scanner option to secure your e-mail communication automatically no matter what e-mail program you run.

Continue by pressing the Next button.

5.8. AVG Security Toolbar

In the AVG Security Toolbar dialog, decide whether you want to install the AVG

Security Toolbar - if you do not change the default settings, this component will be

installed automatically into your Internet browser; in conjunction with AVG 8.0 and AVG XPL technologies to provide you with comprehensive online protection while surfing the Internet.

5.9. Windows Firewall

The license number you have provided in one of the previous setup steps responds to AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall edition that includes AVG Firewall. AVG Firewall cannot run parallelly with another installed firewall. In this dialog please confirm you want to install AVG Firewall , and you wish to deactivate the Windows Firewall at the same time.

Press the Next button to continue.

5.10. Setup Summary

The Setup Summary dialog provides an overview of all parameters of the installation process. Please make sure all the information is correct. If so, press the Finish button to continue. Otherwise, you can use the Back button to return to the respective dialog and correct the information.

5.11. Application Termination

Before the installation process starts, you might be invited to terminate some of the currently running applications that might collide with the AVG installation process. In such a case, you will see the following Application Termination dialog. This dialog is only to inform you and does not require any intervention - if you agree to having closed the listed programs automatically, press Next to continue:

Note: Please make sure you have saved all your data before you confirm you want to have the running application closed.

5.12. Installing AVG

The Installing AVG dialog shows the progress of the installation process, and does not require any intervention:

Please wait until the installation is complete, then you will be redirected to the

Installation Complete dialog.

5.13. Installation Complete

The Installation is complete! dialog is the last step of the AVG installation process. AVG is now installed on your computer and fully functional. The program is running in the background in fully automatic mode.

After the installation, AVG Basic Configuration Wizard will be launched automatically and in a few steps will lead you through the AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall elementary configuration. Despite the fact the AVG configuration is accessible any time during AVG run, we deeply recommend to use this option and set up the basic configuration with the wizard's help.

6. AVG First Run Wizard

When you first install AVG on your computer, the AVG Basic Configuration Wizard pops up to help you with initial AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall settings. Though you can set all of the suggested parameters later on, it is recommended that you take the wizard’s tour to secure your computer’s protection simply and immediately. Follow the steps described in each of the wizard’s windows:

6.1. Introducing the AVG First Run Wizard

The Introducing the AVG First Run Wizard welcome window briefly summarizes the status of AVG on your computer, and suggests the steps to be taken to complete protection. Click on the Next button to continue.

6.2. Schedule regular scans and updates

In the Schedule regular scans and updates dialog set up the interval for new update files accessibility check-up, and define time when the scheduled scan should be launched. It is recommended to keep the default values. Press the Next button to continue.

6.3. Help us to identify new online threats

In the Help us to identify new threats dialog decide whether you want to activate the option of reporting of exploits and bad sites found by users either via AVG Surf- Shield / AVG Search-Shield features of the LinkScanner component to feed the database collecting information on malicious activity on the web. It is recommended to keep the default value and have the reporting activated. Press the Next button to continue.

6.4. Configure the AVG Security Toolbar

In the Configure the AVG Security Toolbar dialog you can tick the check box to define you want Yahoo! to become your default search engine.

6.5. Update AVG protection

The Update AVG protection dialog will automatically check and download the latest

AVG updates. Click on the Next button to download the latest update files and

perform the update.

6.6. AVG Configuration finished

Now your AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall has been configured; press the Finish button to start working with AVG.

7. Firewall Configuration Wizard

Firewall Configuration Wizard launches automatically right after the AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall installation. Though you can configure the component’s

parameters later on, it is recommended that you take the wizard’s tour to ensure the

Firewall works properly.

Firewall Configuration Wizard can also be called directly from the Firewall

interface by pressing the Configuration wizard button.

7.1. Network Connection Options

In this dialog, the Firewall Configuration Wizard asks how your computer is connected to the Internet. For instance, your notebook, that connects to the Internet from many different locations (airports, hotel rooms, etc.) requires security rules that are stricter than those of a computer in a domain (company network, etc.). Based on the selected connection type the Firewall default rules will be defined with a different security level.

You have three options to select from:

 Standalone computer

 Computer in domain (company network)

 Computer on the move (typically a notebook)

 Small home or office network

In this dialog please choose the connection type(s), that suit your normal computer usage. You can tick more than one choice that corresponds to your current usage. Confirm your selection by pressing the Next button and proceed to the next dialog.

7.2. Scan for Internet Applications

To set the initial Firewall configuration it is necessary to scan your computer and define all applications and system services that need to communicate over the network. Initial Firewall rules should be created for all those applications and services.

Note: The wizard detects all generally known applications communicating over the network, and defines rules for these applications. However, it will not detect all such applications.

Within the Scan for Internet applications dialog you have to decide whether you want to run:

 Quick search - text this option is only active if you have configured the

Firewall previously, and only applications that are currently saved within the

existing Firewall configuration will be searched for. New default configuration (i.e. manufacturer recommended) will then be applied to these. Please note that no new applications will be detected! We recommend this option if you already have Firewall rules defined, and want to avoid repeating the whole scanning process.

 Complete scan - scan all local hard drives of your computer

 Common directories - (by default) scan program and Windows directories

only, scanning time is significantly shorter

 Selected areas scan - specify selected hard drives to be scanned

7.3. Select Profile to Activate

The Select profile to activate dialog informs you about the Firewall configuration set up in the previous dialogs.

Before closing the Firewall Configuration Wizard it is necessary that you select a profile you want to use on your computer. You can choose from up to three options (standalone computer, computer in domain, and computer on the move) based on the connection parameters you have specified in the first dialog (Network Connection

Options) of this wizard. You can then later on switch between the pre-defined Firewall profiles according to the current state of your computer.

At the moment simply select the desired profile from the list and activate it by pressing the Next button:

If you do not want to set up the profiles manually you can switch on the function of profile's automatic detection. In that case Firewall will automatically select the most appropriate profile based on where and how your computer currently connects to the network. The automatic profile selection guarantees maximum security! To select this option, tick the Assign profile later by network area detection and automatic profile switch item in the upper part of the dialog:

This way the profile list will get deactivated and you just press the Next button to continue to the following wizard's dialog.

7.4. Configuration Review

The Configuration Review dialog closes the Firewall Configuration Wizard. Press the Finish button to finalize the Firewall's initial settings. If you would like to see a review of set up parameters, or to continue with the detailed configuration of the

Firewall component press the Open review button to switch to the Firewall Settings editing interface.

8. After Installation

8.1. Product Registration

Having finished the AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall installation, please register you product online on the AVG website, Registration page (follow the instruction provided directly in the page). After the registration you will be able to gain full access to your AVG User account, the AVG Update newsletter, and other services provided exclusively for registered users.

8.2. Access to User Interface

The AVG User Interface is accessible in several ways:

 double-click the AVG icon on the system tray

 double-click the AVG icon on the desktop

 from the menu Start/All Programs/AVG 8.0/AVG User Interface

8.3. Scanning of the whole computer

There is a potential risk that a computer virus has been transmitted to your computer prior to AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall installation. For this reason you should run a Scan of the whole computer to make sure there are no infections on your PC.

For instructions on running a Scan of the whole computer please consult the chapter AVG Scanning.

8.4. Eicar Test

To confirm that AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall has been installed correctly you can perform the EICAR test.

The EICAR test is a standard and absolutely safe method used to test antivirus system functioning. It is safe to pass around, because it is not an actual virus, and does not include any fragments of viral code. Most products react to it as if it were a virus (though they typically report it with an obvious name, such as "EICAR-AV-Test" ). You can download the EICAR virus from the EICAR website at www.eicar.com, and you will also find all necessary EICAR test information there.

Try to download the eicar.com file, and save it on your local disk. Immediately after you confirm downloading of the test file, the Web Shield will react to it with a warning. This Web Shield notice demonstrates that AVG is correctly installed on your computer.

If AVG fails to identify the EICAR test file as a virus, you should check the program configuration again!

8.5. AVG Default Configuration

The default configuration (i.e. how the application is set up right after installation) of AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall is set up by the software vendor so that all components and functions are tuned up to achieve optimum performance.

Unless you have a real reason to do so, do not change the AVG configuration! Changes to settings should only be performed by an experienced user.

Some minor editing of AVG components settings is accessible directly from the specific component user interface. If you feel you need to change the AVG configuration to better suit your your needs, go to AVG Advanced Settings: select the system menu item Tools/Advanced settings and edit the AVG configuration in the newly opened AVG Advanced Settings dialog.

9. AVG User Interface

AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall open with the main window:

The main window is divided into several sections:

 System Menu (top system line in the window) is the standard navigation that

allows you to access all AVG components, services, and features - details >>

 Security Status Info (upper section of the window) provides you with

information on the current status of your AVG program - details >>

 Quick Links (left section of the window) allow you to quickly access the most

important and most frequently used AVG tasks - details >>

 Components Overview (central section of the window) offer an overview of

all installed AVG components - details >>

 Statistics (left bottom section of the window) provide you with all statistical

data regarding the programs operation - details >>

 System Tray Icon (bottom right corner of the monitor, on the system tray)

indicates the AVG current status - details >>

9.1. System Menu

The System menu is the standard navigation used in all Windows applications. It is located horizontally in the very top part of the AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall main window. Use the system menu to access specific AVG components, feature, and services.

The system menu is divided into five main sections:

9.1.1. File

 Exit - closes the AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall's user interface.

However, the AVG application will continue running in the background and your computer will still be protected!

9.1.2. Components

The Components item of the system menu includes links to all installed AVG components, opening their default dialog page in the user interface:

 System overview - switch to the default user interface dialog with the

overview of all installed components and their status

 Anti-Virus - opens the default page of the Anti-Virus component

 Anti-Rootkit - opens the default page of the Anti-Rootkit component

 Anti-Spyware - opens the default page of the Anti-Spyware component

 Firewall - opens the default page of the Firewall component



 E-mail Scanner - opens the default page of the E-mail Scanner component

 License - opens the default page of the License component

 LinkScanner - opens the default page of the LinkScanner component

 Web Shield - opens the default page of the Web Shield component

 Resident Shield - opens the default page of the Resident Shield component

 Update Manager - opens the default page of the Update Manager

component

9.1.3. History

 Scan results - switches to the AVG testing interface, specifically to the Scan

Results Overview dialog

 Resident Shield Detection - open a dialog with an overview of threats

detected by Resident Shield

 E-mail Scanner Detection - open a dialog with an overview of mail

messages attachments detected as dangerous by the E-mail Scanner component

 Web Shield findings - open a dialog with an overview of threats detected by

Web Shield

 Virus Vault - opens the interface of the quarantine space (Virus Vault) to

where AVG removes all detected infections that cannot be healed automatically for some reason. Inside this quarantine the infected files are isolated and your computer's security is guaranteed, and at the same time the infected files are stored for possible future repair.

 Event History Log - opens the history log interface with an overview of all

logged AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall actions.

 Firewall - opens the Firewall settings interface on the Logs tab with a

detailed overview of all Firewall actions

9.1.4. Tools

 Scan computer - switches to the AVG scanning interface and launches a scan

of the whole computer

 Scan selected folder - switches to the AVG scanning interface and allows you

to define within the tree structure of your computer which files and folders should be scanned

 Scan file - allows you to run an on-demand test over a single file selected

from the tree structure of your disk

 Update - automatically launches the update process of AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus

plus Firewall

 Update from directory - runs the update process from the update files

located in a specified folder on your local disk. However, this option is only recommended as an emergency, e.g. in situations where there is no connection to the Internet (for example, your computer is infected and

disconnected from the Internet; your computer is connected to a network with no access to the Internet, etc.). In the newly opened window select the folder

where you have previously placed the update file, and launch the update process.

 Advanced settings - opens the AVG advanced settings dialog where you

can edit the AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall configuration. Generally, it is recommended to keep the default settings of the application as defined by the software vendor.

 Firewall settings - open a standalone dialog for advanced configuration of

the Firewall component

9.1.5. Help

 Contents - opens the AVG help files

 Get Help Online - opens the AVG website at the customer support center

page

 Your AVG Web - opens the AVG homepage (at www.avg.com)

 About Viruses and Threats - opens the online Virus Encyclopedia where

you can look up detailed information on the identified virus

 Reactivate - opens the Activate AVG dialog with the data you have entered

in the Personalize AVG dialog of the installation process. Within this dialog you can enter your license number to either replace the sales number (the

number you have installed AVG with), or to replace the old license number (e. g. when upgrading to a new AVG product).

 Register now - connects to the registration website at www.avg.com. Please

fill in your registration data; only customers who register their AVG product can receive free technical support.

 About AVG - opens the Information dialog with five tabs providing data on

program name, program and virus database version, system info, license agreement, and contact information of AVG Technologies CZ.

9.2. Security Status Info

The Security Status Info section is located in the upper part of the AVG main window. Within this section you will always find information on the current security status of your AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall. Please see an overview of icons possibly depicted in this section, and their meaning:

The green icon indicates that your AVG is fully functional. Your computer is completely protected, up to date and all installed components are working properly.

The orange icon warns that one or more components are incorrectly configured and you should pay attention to their properties/settings. There is no critical problem in AVG and you have probably decided to switch some component off for some reason. You are still protected by AVG. However, please pay attention to the problem component's settings! Its name will be provided in the Security Status Info section.

This icon also appears if for some reason you have decided to ignore a

component's error status (the "Ignore component state" option is available

from the context menu opened by a right-click over the respective component's icon in the component overview of the AVG main window). You may need to use this option in a specific situation but it is strictly recommended to switch off the "Ignore component state" option as soon as possible.

The red icon indicates that AVG is in critical status! One or more components does not work properly and AVG cannot protect your computer. Please pay immediate attention to fixing the reported problem. If you are not able to fix the error yourself, contact the AVG technical support team.

It is strongly recommended that you pay attention to Security Status Info and in case the report indicates any problem, go ahead and try to solve it immediately. Otherwise your computer is at risk!

Note: AVG status information can also be obtained at any moment from the system

tray icon.

9.3. Quick Links

Quick links (in the left section of the AVG User Interface) allow you to immediately access the most important and most frequently used AVG features:

 Overview - use this link to switch from any currently opened AVG interface to

the default one with an overview of all installed components - see chapter

Components Overview >>

 Computer scanner - use this link to open the AVG scanning interface where

you can run tests directly, schedule scans, or edit their parameters - see chapter AVG Tests >>

 Update now - this link open the updating interface, and launches the AVG

update process immediately - see chapter AVG Updates >>

These links are accessible from the user interface at all times. Once you use a quick link to run a specific process, the GUI will switch to a new dialog but the quick links are still available. Moreover, the running process is further graphically depicted - see picture 2.

9.4. Components Overview

The Components Overview section is located in the central part of the AVG User

Interface. The section is divided into two parts:

 Overview of all installed components consisting of a panel with the

component's icon and the information of whether the respective component is active or inactive

 Description of a selected component

Within the AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall the Components Overview section contains information on the following components:

 Anti-Virus ensures that your computer is protected from viruses trying to

enter your computer - details >>

 Anti-Spyware scans your applications in the background as you run them -

details >>

 Anti-Rootkit detects programs and technologies trying to camouflage

malware - details >>

 Firewall controls how your computer exchanges data with other computers

on the Internet or local network - details >>

 E-mail Scanner checks all incoming and outgoing mail for viruses - details

 License provides full wording of the AVG License Agreement - details >>

 LinkScanner checks the search results displayed in your internet browser -

details >>

 Web Shield scans all data being downloaded by a web browser - details >>

 Resident Shield runs in the background and scans files as they are copied,

opened or saved - details >>

 Update Manager controls all AVG updates - details >>

Single-click any component's icon to highlight it within the components overview. At the same time, the component's basic functionality description appears in the bottom part of the user interface. Double-click the icon to open the components own interface with a list of basic statistical data.

Right-click you mouse over a component's icon to expand a context menu: besides opening the component's graphic interface you can also select to Ignore component state. Select this option to express you are aware of the component's error state but for some reason you wish to keep your AVG so and you do not want to be warned by the grey color of the system tray icon.

9.5. Statistics

The Statistics section is located in the left bottom part of the AVG User Interface. It offers a list of information regarding the program's operation:

 Last scan - provides the date when the last scan was performed

 Last update - provides the date when the last update was launched

 Virus DB - informs you about the currently installed version of the virus

database

 AVG version - informs you about the AVG version installed (the number is in

the form of 8.0.xx, where 8.0 is the product line version, and xx stands for the number of the build)

 License expires - provides the date of your AVG license expiration

9.6. System Tray Icon

System Tray Icon (on your Windows taskbar) indicates the current status of your

AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall. It is visible at all times on your system tray, no matter whether your AVG main window is opened or closed.

If in full color , the System Tray Icon indicates that all AVG components are active and fully functional. Also, AVG system tray icon can be displayed in full color if AVG is in error state but you are fully aware of this situation and you have deliberately decided to Ignore the component state.

A gray icon coloring with an exclamation mark indicates a problem (inactive component, error status, etc.). Double-click the System Tray Icon to open the main window and edit a component.

The system tray icon further informs on current AVG activities and possible status changes in the program (e.g. automatic launch of a scheduled scan or update, Firewall profile switch, a component's status change, error status occurrence, ...) via a pop-up window opened from the AVG system tray icon:

The System Tray Icon can also be used as a quick link to access the AVG main window at any time - double click on the icon. By right-click on the System Tray Icon you open a brief context menu with the following options:

 Open AVG User Interface - click to open the AVG User Interface

 Update - launches an immediate update

 Exit - click to close AVG (You only close the user interface, AVG continues to

run in the background and your computer is still fully protected!)

10. AVG Components

10.1. Anti-Virus

10.1.1. Anti-Virus Principles

The antivirus software's scanning engine scans all files and file activity (opening/closing files, etc.) for known viruses. Any detected virus will be blocked from taking any action and will then be cleaned or quarantined. Most antivirus software also uses heuristic scanning, where files are scanned for typical virus characteristics, so called viral signatures. This means that the antivirus scanner can detect a new, unknown virus, if the new virus contains some typical characteristics of existing viruses.

The important feature of antivirus protection is that no known virus can run on the computer!

Where just a single technology might fall short of detecting or identifying a virus, Anti-Virus combines several technologies to ensure that your computer is protected from viruses:

 Scanning - searching for character strings that are characteristic of a given

virus

 Heuristic analysis - dynamic emulation of the scanned object’s instructions in a

virtual computer environment

 Generic detection - detection of instructions characteristic of the given

virus/group of viruses

AVG is also able to analyze and detect executable applications or DLL libraries that could be potentially unwanted within the system. We call such threats Potentially Unwanted Programs (various kinds of spyware, adware etc.). Furthermore, AVG scans your system registry for suspicious entries, temporary Internet files and tracking cookies, and allows you to treat all potentially harmful items in the same way as any other infection.

10.1.2. Anti-Virus Interface

The Anti-Virus component's interface provides some basic information on the component's functionality, information on the component's current status (Anti-Virus component is active.), and a brief overview of Anti-Virus statistics:

 Infection definitions - number provides the count of viruses defined in the

up-to-date version of the virus database

 Latest database update - specifies when and at what time the virus

database was last updated

 Database version - defines the number of the latest virus database version;

and this number increases with every virus base update

There is just one operating button available within this component's interface (Back)

- press the button to return to the default AVG user interface (components overview).

Please note: The software vendor has set up all AVG components to give optimum performance. Unless you have a real reason to do so, do not change the AVG configuration. Any changes to settings should only be performed by an experienced user. If you need to change AVG configuration, select the system menu item Tools / Advanced settings and edit the AVG configuration in the newly opened AVG

Advanced Settings dialog.

10.2. Anti-Spyware

10.2.1. Anti-Spyware Principles

Spyware is usually defined as a type of malware, i.e. software, that gathers information from a user's computer without the user's knowledge or consent. Some spyware applications may also be installed on purpose and often contain advertisements, window pop-ups or different types of unpleasant software.

Currently, the most common source of infection is websites with potentially dangerous content. Other methods of transmission, such as via e-mail or transmission by worms and viruses are also prevalent. The most important protection is to use an always-on background scanner, Anti-Spyware, that works like a resident shield and scans your applications in the background as you run them.

There is also the potential risk that malware has been transmitted to your computer prior to AVG installation, or that you have neglected to keep your AVG 8.5 Anti- Virus plus Firewall up-to-date with the latest database and program updates. For this reason, AVG allows you to fully scan your computer for malware/spyware using the scanning feature. It also detects sleeping and non-active malware, i.e. malware that has been downloaded but not yet activated.

10.2.2. Anti-Spyware Interface

The Anti-Spyware component's interface provides a brief overview on the component's functionality, information on the component's current status (Anti- Spyware component is active.), and some Anti-Spyware statistics:

 Spyware definitions - number provides the count of spyware samples

defined in the latest spyware database version

 Latest database update - specifies when and at what time the spyware

database was updated

 Database version - defines the number of the latest spyware database

version; and this number increases with every virus base update

There is just one operating button available within this component's interface (Back)

- press the button to return to the default AVG user interface (components overview).

Advanced Settings dialog.

10.3. Anti-Rootkit

10.3.1. Anti-Rootkit Principles

Anti-Rootkit is a specialized tool detecting and effectively removing dangerous rootkits, i.e. programs and technologies that can camouflage the presence of malicious software on your computer.

A rootkit is a program designed to take fundamental control of a computer system, without authorization by the system's owners and legitimate managers. Access to the hardware is rarely required as a rootkit is intended to seize control of the operating system running on the hardware. Typically, rootkits act to obscure their presence on the system through subversion or evasion of standard operating system security mechanisms. Often, they are also Trojans as well, thus fooling users into believing they are safe to run on their systems. Techniques used to accomplish this can include concealing running processes from monitoring programs, or hiding files or system data from the operating system.

10.3.2. Anti-Rootkit Interface

The Anti-Rootkit user interface provides a brief description of the component's functionality, informs on the component's current status (Anti-Rootkit component is active.) and also brings information on the last time the Anti-Rootkit test was launched.

In the bottom part of the dialog you can find the Anti-Rootkit settings section where you can set up some elementary functions of the rootkit presence scanning. First, mark up the respective check-boxes to specify objects that should be scanned:

 Scan applications

 Scan DLL libraries

 Scan drivers

Further you can pick the rootkit scanning mode:

 Quick rootkit scan - scans only the system folder (typically c:\Windows)

 Full rootkit scan - scans all accessible disks except for A: and B:

Control buttons available:

 Search for rootkits - since the rootkit scan is not an implicit part of the

Scan of the whole computer, you can run the rootkit scan directly from the

Anti-Rootkit interface using this button

 Save changes - press this button to save all changes made in this interface

and to return to the default AVG user interface (components overview)

 Cancel - press this button to return to the default AVG user interface

(components overview) without having saved any changes you made

10.4. Firewall

10.4.1. Firewall Principles

Firewall is a system that enforces an access control policy between two or more networks by blocking/permitting traffic. Firewall contains a set of rules that protect the internal network from attacks originating outside (typically from the Internet) and controls all communication on every single network port. The communication is evaluated according to the defined rules, and then either allowed or forbidden. If Firewall recognizes any intrusion attempts, it “blocks” the attempt and does not allow the intruder access to the computer.

Firewall is configured to allow or deny internal/external communication (both ways, in or out) through defined ports, and for defined software applications. For example, the firewall could be configured to only permit web data to flow in and out using Microsoft Explorer. Any attempt to transmit web data by any other browser would be blocked.

Firewall protects your personally-identifiable information from being sent from your computer without your permission. It controls how your computer exchanges data with other computers on the Internet or local network. Within an organization, the firewall also protects the single computer from attacks initiated by internal users on other computers in the network.

Note: AVG Firewall is not intended for server platforms!

How does AVG Firewall work

In AVG, the Firewall component controls all traffic on every network port of your computer. Based on the defined rules, the Firewall evaluates applications that are either running on your computer (and want to connect to the Internet/local network), or applications that approach your computer from outside trying to connect to your PC. For each of these applications the Firewall then either allows or forbids the

communication on the network ports. By default, if the application is unknown (i.e. has no defined Firewall rules), the Firewall will ask you if you wish to allow or block the communication attempt.

What the Firewall can do:

 Allow or block communication attempts of known applications automatically,

or ask you for confirmation

 Use complete profiles with predefined rules, according to your needs

 Keep an archive of all defined profiles and settings

 Switch profiles automatically when connecting to various networks, or using

various network adapters

10.4.2. Firewall Profiles

The Firewall allows you to define specific security rules based on whether your computer is located in a domain, or it is a standalone computer, or even a notebook. Each of these options requires a different level of protection, and the levels are covered by the respective profiles. In short, a Firewall profile is a specific configuration of Firewall component, and you can use a number of such predefined configurations.

Available profiles

 Allow all - a Firewall system profile that has been pre-set by the

manufacturer and is always present. When this profile is activated, all network communication is allowed and no safety policy rules are applied, as if the

Firewall protection was switched off (i.e. all applications are allowed but

packets are still being checked - to completely disable any filtering you need to disable Firewall). This system profile cannot be duplicated, deleted, and its

settings cannot be modified.

 Block all - a Firewall system profile that has been pre-set by the

manufacturer and is always present. When this profile is activated, all network communication is blocked, and the computer is neither accessible from outer networks, nor can communicate outside. This system profile cannot be duplicated, deleted, and its settings cannot be modified.

 Custom profiles - profiles generated through the Firewall Configuration

Wizard. The maximum of three custom profiles can be generated through the

Wizard:

Standalone computer – suitable for common desktop home computers connected directly to the Internet.

Computer in domain – suitable for computers in a local network, e.g. school or corporate network. It is assumed that the network is protected by some additional measures so that the security level can be lower than for a standalone computer.

Small home or office network – suitable for computers in a small network, e.g. at home or in a small business, typically only several computers connected together, without a "central" administrator.

Computer on the move – suitable for notebooks. It is supposed that, as a handheld travel computer, it connects to the Internet from various unknown and therefore totally insecure places (Internet café, hotel room etc.), and the highest security level is set.

Profile switching

The profile switching feature allows the Firewall to switch automatically to the defined profile when using a certain network adapter, or when connected to a certain type of network. If no profile has been assigned to a network area yet, then upon next connection to that area, the Firewall will display a dialog asking you to assign a profile.

You can assign profiles to all local network interfaces or areas and specify further settings in the Areas and Adapters Profiles dialog, where you can also disable the feature if you do not wish to use it (then, for any kind of connection, the default profile will be used).

Typically, users who have a notebook and use various types of connection will find this feature useful. If you have a desktop computer, and only ever use one type of connection (e.g. cable connection to the Internet), you do not have to bother with profile switching as most likely you will never use it.

10.4.3. Firewall Interface

The Firewall component's interface provides some basic information on the component's functionality, and a brief overview of Firewall statistics:

 Firewall has been enabled for - time elapsed since Firewall was last

launched

 Blocked packets - number of blocked packets from the entire amount of

packets checked

 Overall packets - number of all packets checked during the Firewall run

Firewall settings section

 Select Firewall profile - from the roll-down menu select one of the defined

profiles - two profiles are available at all times (the default profiles named

Allow all and Block all), other profiles were added as you went through the

Firewall Configuration Wizard or by profile editing in the Profiles dialog in Firewall Settings.

 Firewall status:

Firewall enabled - select this option to allow communication to those applications that are assigned as 'allowed' in the set of rules defined

within selected Firewall profile

Firewall disabled - this option switches Firewall off completely, all network traffic is allowed but not checked!

Emergency mode (block all internet traffic) - select this option to block all traffic on every single network port; Firewall is still running but all network traffic is stopped

 Enable gaming mode - Check this option to ensure that when running

full-screen applications (games, PowerPoint presentations etc.), the Firewall will not display dialogs asking you whether you want to allow or block communication for unknown applications. In case an unknown application tries to communicate over the network at that time, the Firewall will allow or block the attempt automatically according to settings in the current profile.

Please note: The software vendor has set up all AVG components to give optimum performance. Unless you have a real reason to do so, do not change the AVG configuration. Any changes to settings should only be performed by an experienced user. If you need to change Firewall configuration, select the system menu item

File / Firewall settings and edit the Firewall configuration in the newly opened

Firewall Settings dialog.

Control buttons available are:

 Configuration wizard - press the button to launch the Firewall

configuration wizard that will lead you step by step through the Firewall

component configuration

 Save changes - press this button to save and apply any changes made in

this dialog

 Cancel - press this button to return to the default AVG user interface (

components overview)

10.5. E-mail Scanner

10.5.1. E-mail Scanner Principles

One of the most common sources of viruses and trojans is via e-mail. Phishing and spam make e-mail an even greater source of risks. Free e-mail accounts are more likely to receive such malicious e-mails (as they rarely employ anti-spam technology), and home users rely quite heavily on such e-mail. Also home users, surfing unknown

sites and filling in online forms with personal data (such as their e-mail address) increase exposure to attacks via e-mail. Companies usually use corporate e-mail accounts and employ anti-spam filters etc, to reduce the risk.

The E-mail Scanner component checks every e-mail sent or received, providing much needed protection from e-mail borne threats. AVG supports all leading e-mail clients including MS Outlook, The bat!, Eudora and all other SMTP/POP3 based email clients such as Outlook Express. Encrypted connections using SSL are also supported.

Note: AVG E-mail Scanner is not intended for server platforms!

When detected, viruses are quarantined in Virus Vault immediately. Some e-mail clients may support messages with text certifying that sent and received e-mail has been scanned for viruses.

10.5.2. E-mail Scanner Interface

In the E-mail Scanner component's dialog you can find a brief text describing the component's functionality, information on its current status (E-mail Scanner is active. ), and the following statistics:

 Total e-mails scanned - how many e-mail messages were scanned since

the E-mail Scanner was last launched (if needed, this value can be reset; e. g. for statistic purposes - Reset value)

 Threats found and blocked - provides the number of infections detected in

e-mail messages since the last E-mail Scanner launch

 Installed e-mail protection - information about a specific e-mail protection

plug-in referring to your default installed e-mail client

Basic component configuration

In the bottom part of the dialog you can find the section named E-mail Scanner settings where you can edit some elementary features of the component's

functionality:

 Scan incoming messages - check the item to specify that all e-mails

delivered to your account should be scanned for viruses (by default, this item is on, and it is recommended not to change this setting!)

 Scan outgoing messages - check the item to confirm all e-mail sent from

your account should be scanned for viruses (by default, this item is off)

 Display notification icon while E-mail is being scanned - during the

scanning the E-mail Scanner component displays a notification dialog informing on an actual task the component is processing (connecting to server, downloading a message, scanning the message, ...)

The advanced configuration of the E-mail Scanner component is accessible via the File/Advanced settings item of the system menu; however advanced configuration is recommended for experienced users only!

Advanced Settings dialog.

Control buttons

The control buttons available within the E-mail Scanner interface are as follows:

 Save changes - press this button to save and apply any changes made in

this dialog

 Cancel - press this button to return to the default AVG user interface

(components overview)

10.5.3. E-mail Scanner Detection

In the E-mail Scanner detection dialog (accessible via system menu option History / E-mail Scanner detection) you will be able to see a list of all findings

detected by the E-mail Scanner component. For each detected object the following information is provided:

 Infection- description (possibly even name) of the detected object

 Object - object location

 Result - action performed with the detected object

 Object Type - type of the detected object

10.6. License

In the Licence component interface you will find a brief text describing the component's functionality, information on its current status (License component is active.), and the following information:

 License number - provides the exact form of your license number. When

entering your license number, you have to be absolutely precise and type it exactly as shown. For your comfort, the License dialog offers the Copy license number button: press the button to copy the license number into the clipboard, and then you can simply paste it anywhere you like (CTRL+V).

 License type - specifies the product edition defined by your license number.

 License expires - this date determines the period of validity of your license.

If you want to go on using AVG after this date you have to renew your license. The license renewal can be performed online on the AVG website.

 Number of seats - how many workstations on which you are entitled to

install your AVG.

Control buttons

 Copy license number - press the button to insert the currently used license

number into clipboard (just like with CTRL+C), and you can paste it wherever needed

 Re-activate - opens the Activate AVG dialog with the data you have entered

in the Personalize AVG dialog of the installation process. Within this dialog you can enter your license number to either replace the sales number (the

number you have installed AVG with), or to replace the old license number (e. g. when upgrading to a new AVG product).

 Register - connects to the registration website at www.avg.com. Please fill in

your registration data; only customers who register their AVG product can receive free technical support.

 Back - press this button to return to the default AVG user interface

(components overview)

10.7. Link Scanner

10.7.1. Link Scanner Principles

LinkScanner consists of two features: AVG Active Surf-Shield and AVG Search

Shield.

AVG Active Surf-Shield prevents you from accidentally becoming infected by drive-

by downloads and other exploits, ensuring the web pages you visit are safe at the only time that really matters - when you are about to click the link.

AVG Search Shield works with Google, Yahoo! and MSN search engines to deliver a

real-time safety verdict on all search results, including search ads, displaying an icon to show the safety rating for each site.

Note: AVG Link Scanner is not intended for server platforms!

10.7.2. Link Scanner Interface

The LinkScanner component consists of two parts that you can switch on/off in the LinkScanner component interface:

 Enable AVG Search-Shield - (on by default): advisory notifying icons on

searches performed in Google, Yahoo or MSN having checked ahead the content of sites returned by the search engine.

 Enable AVG Active Surf-Shield - (on by default): active (real-time)

protection against exploitive sites as they are accessed. Known malicious site connections and their exploitive content is blocked as they are accessed by the user via a web browser (or any other application that uses HTTP).

 Back reporting of exploiting web sites - mark this item to allow back

reporting of exploits and bad sites found by users either via Safe Surf or Safe Search to feed the database collecting information on malicious activity on the web.

10.7.3. AVG Search-Shield

When searching Internet with the AVG Search-Shield on, all search results returned from the most popular search engines like Yahoo!, Google, MSN, etc. are evaluated for dangerous or suspicious links. By checking these links and marking the bad links, the AVG Security Toolbar warns you before you click on dangerous or suspicious

links, so you can ensure you only go to safe websites.

While a link is being evaluated on the search results page, you will see a graphic sign next to the link informing that the link verification is in progress. When the evaluation is complete, the respective informative icon will be displayed:

The linked page is safe (with Yahoo! search engine within AVG Security

Toolbar this icon will not be displayed!).

The linked page does not contain threats but is somewhat suspicious (

questionable in origin or motive, therefore not recommended for e-shopping etc.

The linked page can be either safe itself, but containing further links to positively dangerous pages; or suspicious in code, though not directly employing any threats at the moment.

The linked page contains active threats! For your own safety, you will not be allowed to visit this page.

The linked page is not accessible, and so could not be scanned.

Hovering over an individual rating icon will display details about the particular link in question. Information include additional details of the threat (if any), the IP address of the link and when the page was scanned by AVG:

10.7.4. AVG Active Surf-Shield

This powerful protection will block malicious content of any webpage you try to open, and prevent it from being downloaded to your computer. With this feature enabled, clicking a link or typing in a URL to a dangerous site will automatically block you from opening the web page thus protecting you from inadvertently being infected. It is important to remember that exploited web pages can infect your computer simply by visiting the affected site, for this reason when you request a dangerous webpage

containing exploits or other serious threats, the AVG Security Toolbar will not allow your browser to display it.

If you do encounter a malicious web site, within your web browser the AVG Security

Toolbar will warn you with a screen similar to:

If you still wish to visit the infected page, a link to the page is available on this screen, but continuing to these pages in not recommended!

10.8. Web Shield

10.8.1. Web Shield Principles

Web Shield is a type of a real time resident protection; it scans the content of visited web pages (and possible files included in them) even before these are displayed in your web browser or downloaded to your computer.

Web Shield detects that the page you are about to visit includes some dangerous javascript, and prevents the page from being displayed. Also, it recognizes malware contained in a page and stops its downloading immediately so that it never gets to your computer.

Note: AVG Web Shield is not intended for server platforms!

10.8.2. Web Shield Interface

The Web Shield component's interface describes the behavior of this type of protection. Further you can find information on the component's current status (Web Shield is active and fully functional.). In the bottom part of the dialog you will then find the elementary editing options of this component's functionality.

Basic component configuration

First of all, you have the option to immediately switch on/off the Web Shield by checking the Enable Web Shield item. This option is enabled by default, and the Web Shield component is active. However, if you do not have a good reason to change this settings, we recommend to keep the component active. If the item is checked, and the Web Shield is running, more configuration options are available and editable on two tabs:

 Web - you can edit the component's configuration regarding the scan of the

website content. The editing interface allows you to configure the following elementary options:

Web protection - this option confirms that the Web Shield should perform scanning of the www pages content. Provided this option is on ( by default), you can further switch on/off these items:



Check archives - scan the content of archives possibly included in the www page to be displayed



Scan Potentially Unwanted Programs - scan potentially unwanted programs (executable programs that can operate as spyware or adware) included in the www page to be displayed



Use heuristic analysis - scan the content of the page to be displayed using the heuristic analysis method (dynamic emulation of

the scanned object’s instructions in a virtual computer environment see chapter Anti-Virus Principles)



Maximum file size to be scanned - if included files are present in the displayed page you can also scan their content even before these are downloaded to your computer. However, scanning of large files takes quite some time and the web page download might be slowed significantly. You can use the slide bar to specify the maximum size of a file that is still to be scanned with Web Shield. Even if the downloaded file is bigger than specified, and therefore will not be scanned with Web Shield, you are still protected: in case the file is infected, the Resident Shield will detect it immediately.

 Instant Messaging - allows you to edit the components settings referring to

instant messaging (e.g. ICQ, MSN Messenger, Yahoo ...) scanning.

Instant Messaging protection - check this item if you wish that the Web Shield verifies the on-line communication is virus free. Provided this option is on, you can further specify which instant messaging application you want to control - currently AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall supports the ICQ, MSN, and Yahoo applications.

Advanced Settings dialog.

Control buttons

The control buttons available within the Web Shield interface are as follows:

 Save changes - press this button to save and apply any changes made in

this dialog

 Cancel - press this button to return to the default AVG user interface (

components overview)

10.8.3. Web Shield Detection

Web Shield scans the content of visited web pages and possible files included in them even before these are displayed in your web browser or downloaded to your computer. If a threat is detected, you will be warned immediately with the following dialog:

The suspect web page will not be opened, and the threat detection will be logged in the list of Web Shield findings (accessible via system menu History / Web Shield findings).

10.9. Resident Shield

10.9.1. Resident Shield Principles

The Resident Shield scans files as they are copied, opened or saved. When the Resident Shield discovers a virus in a file that is accessed, it stops the operation

currently being performed and does not allow the virus to activate itself. The Resident Shield, loaded in the memory of your computer during system startup, also provides vital protection for the system areas of your computer.

10.9.2. Resident Shield Interface

Besides an overview of the most important statistical data and the information on the component's current status (Resident Shield is active and fully functional), the Resident Shield interface offers some elementary component settings options, too. The statistics is as follows:

 Resident Shield has been active for - provides the time since the latest

component's launch

 Threats detected and blocked - number of detected infections that were

prevented from being run/opened (if needed, this value can be reset; e.g. for statistic purposes - Reset value)

Basic component configuration

In the bottom part of the dialog window you will find the section called Resident Shield settings where you can edit some basic settings of the component's

functionality (detailed configuration, as with all other components, is available via the File/Advanced settings item of the system menu).

The Resident Shield is active option allows you to easily switch on/off resident protection. By default, the function is on. With resident protection on you can further decide how the possibly detected infections should be treated (removed):

either automatically (Remove all threats automatically)

or only after the user's approval (Ask me before removing threats)

This choice has no impact on the security level, and it only reflects your preferences.

In both cases, you can still select whether you want to Remove cookies automatically. In specific cases you can switch this option on to achieve maximum security levels, however it is switched off by default. (cookies = parcels of text sent

by a server to a web browser and then sent back unchanged by the browser each time it accesses that server. HTTP cookies are used for authenticating, tracking, and maintaining specific information about users, such as site preferences or the contents of their electronic shopping carts).

Advanced Settings dialog.

Control buttons

The control buttons available within the Resident Shield interface are as follows:

 Manage exceptions - opens the Resident Shield - Directory Excludes

dialog where you can define folders that should be left out from the Resident

Shield scanning

 Save changes - press this button to save and apply any changes made in

this dialog

 Cancel - press this button to return to the default AVG user interface

(components overview)

10.9.3. Resident Shield Detection

Resident Shield scans files as they are copied, opened or saved. When a virus or any kind of threat is detected, you will be warned immediately via the following dialog:

The dialog provides information on the threat detected, and it invites you to decide what action should be taken now:

 Heal - if a cure is available, AVG will heal the infected file automatically; this

option is the recommended action to be taken

 Move to Vault - the virus will be moved to AVG Virus Vault

 Ignore - we strictly recommend NOT TO use this option unless you have a

very good reason to do so!

The Resident Shield detection offers an overview of objects that were detected by the Resident Shield, evaluated as dangerous and either cured or moved to the

Virus Vault. For each detected object the following information is provided:

 Infection- description (possibly even name) of the detected object

 Object - object location

 Result - action performed with the detected object

 Object Type - type of the detected object

 Process - what action was performed to call out the potentially dangerous

object so that it could be detected

In the bottom part of the dialog, under the list, you will find information on total number of detected objects listed above. Further you can export the entire list of detected objects in a file (Export list to file) and delete all entries on detected objects (Empty list). The Refresh list button will update the list of finding detected by Resident Shield. The Back button switches you back to the default AVG user

interface (components overview).

10.10. Update Manager

10.10.1. Update Manager Principles

No security software can guarantee true protection from various types of threats unless it is regularly updated! Virus writers are always looking for new flaws that they can exploit in both software and operating systems. New viruses, new malware, new hacking attacks appear daily. For this reason, software vendors are continually issuing updates and security patches, to fix any security holes that are discovered.

It is crucial to update your AVG regularly!

The Update Manager helps you to control regular updating. Within this component you can schedule automatic downloads of update files either from the Internet, or the local network. Essential virus definition updates should be daily if possible. Less urgent program updates can be weekly.

Note: Please pay attention to the AVG Updates chapter for more information on update types and levels!

10.10.2. Update Manager Interface

The Update Manager's interface displays information about the component's

functionality and its current status (Update manager is active.), and provides the relevant statistical data:

 Latest update - specifies when and at what time the database was updated

 Virus database version - defines the number of the latest virus database

version; and this number increases with every virus base update

Basic component configuration

In the bottom part of the dialog you can find the Update Manager settings section where you can perform some changes to the rules of the update process launch. You can define whether you wish the update files to be downloaded automatically (Start automatic updates) or just on demand. By default, the Start automatic updates option is switched on and we recommend to keep it that way! Regular download of the latest update files is crucial for proper functionality of any security software!

Further you can define when the update should be launched:

Periodically - define the time interval

At a specific time - define the exact day and time

By default, the update is set for every 4 hours. It is highly recommended to keep this setting unless you have a true reason to change it!

Advanced Settings dialog.

Control buttons

The control buttons available within the Update Manager interface are as follows:

 Update now - launches an immediate update on demand

 Save changes - press this button to save and apply any changes made in

this dialog

 Cancel - press this button to return to the default AVG user interface

(components overview)

10.11. AVG Security Toolbar

The AVG Security Toolbar is designed to work with MS Internet Explorer (version

6.0 or greater) and Mozilla Firefox (version 1.5 or greater).

Note: AVG Security Toolbar is not intended for server platforms!

Once installed the AVG Security Toolbar will by default be located just under your browsers address bar:

The AVG Security Toolbar consists of the following:

 AVG logo button - provides access to general toolbar items. Click the logo

button to get redirected to the AVG website (www.avg.com). Clicking the pointer next to the AVG icon will open the following:

Toolbar Info - link to the AVG Security Toolbar home page with detailed information on the toolbar's protection

Launch AVG 8.0 - opens the AVG 8 user interface

Options - opens a configuration dialog where you can adjust your AVG Security Toolbar settings to suit your needs; the dialog is divided into

two tabs:



General - on this tab you can find two sections named Buttons and Ratings.

The Buttons section allows you to configure which buttons are visible or hidden on the AVG Security Toolbar. By default all buttons are visible.

The Ratings section allows you to determine what type of ratings do you want to be displayed for your search results. By default all ratings are visible but you may hide some of them (when searching from the Yahoo! search box, only safe results are displayed).



Advanced - on this tab you can edit the AVG Security Toolbar protection features. By default, both the AVG Search-Shield and

AVG Active Surf-Shield features are enabled.

Update - checks for new updates for your AVG Security Toolbar

Help - provides options to open the help file, contact AVG technical

support, or view the details of the current version of the toolbar

 Yahoo! powered search box - easy and safe way to search the web using

Yahoo! search. Enter a word or phrase into the search box press Search to start the search on the Yahoo! server directly, no matter what page is currently displayed. The search box also lists your search history. Searches done through the search box are analyzed using the AVG Search-Shield protection.

 AVG Active Surf-Shield button - on/off button controls the status of the

AVG Active Surf-Shield protection

 AVG Search-Shield button - on/off button controls the status of the AVG

Search-Shield protection

 AVG Info button - provides links to important security information located

on the AVG website (www.avg.com)

11. AVG Advanced Settings

The advanced configuration dialog of AVG 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall opens in a new window named Advanced AVG Settings. The window is divided into two sections: the left part offers a tree-arranged navigation to the program configuration options. Select the component you want to change the configuration of (or its specific part) to open the editing dialog in the right-hand section of the window.

11.1. Appearance

The first item of the navigation tree, Appearance, refers to the general settings of the AVG user interface and a few elementary options of the application's behavior:

Language selection

In the Language selection section you can chose your desired language from the drop-down menu; the language will then be used for the entire AVG user interface. The drop-down menu only offers those languages you have previously selected to be installed during the installation process (see chapter Custom Installation - Component

Selection). However, to finish switching the application to another language you have

to restart the user interface; follow these steps:

 Select the desired language of the application and confirm your selection by

pressing the Apply button (right-hand bottom corner)

 Press the OK button to close the Advanced AVG Settings editing dialog

 Close the AVG user interface via the system menu item option File/Exit

 Re-open the AVG user interface by one of these options: double-click the AVG

system tray icon, double-click the AVG icon on your desktop, or via the menu

Start/All Programs/AVG 8.0/AVG User Interface (see chapter Access to

User Interface). The user interface will then be displayed in the newly

selected language.

Balloon tray notifications

Within this section you can suppress display of system tray balloon notifications on the status of the application. By default, the balloon notifications are allowed to be displayed, and it is recommended to keep this configuration! The balloon notifications typically inform on some AVG component's status change, and you should pay attention to them!

However, if for some reason you decide you do not wish these notifications to be displayed, or you would like only certain notifications (related to a specific AVG component) to be displayed, you can define and specify your preferences by checking/unchecking the following options:

 Display system tray notifications - by default, this item is checked (

switched on), and notifications are displayed. Uncheck this item to completely turn off the display of all balloon notifications. When turned on, you can further select what specific notifications should be displayed:

Display tray notifications about update - decide whether information regarding AVG update process launch, progress, and finalization should be displayed;

Display tray notifications about scanning - decide whether information upon automatic launch of the scheduled scan, its progress and results should be displayed;

Display Resident Shield related tray notifications - decide whether information regarding file saving, copying, and opening processes

should be displayed or suppressed;

Display components state change notifications - decide whether information regarding component's activity/inactivity or its possible problem should be displayed. When reporting a component's fault status, this option equals to the informative function of the system tray

icon (color changing) reporting a problem in any AVG component.

Display Firewall related tray notifications - decide whether information concerning Firewall status and processes, e.g. component's activation/deactivation warnings, possible traffic blocking etc. should be displayed;

Display E-mail Scanner related tray notifications - decide whether information upon scanning of all incoming and outgoing e-mail messages should be displayed.

11.2. Ignore Faulty Conditions

In the Ignore faulty components conditions dialog you can tick those components that you do not want to get informed about:

By default, no component is selected in this list. It means that if any component get to an error status, you will be informed about it immediately via:

 system tray icon - while all parts of AVG are working properly, the icon is

displayed in four colors; however, if an error occurs, the icon appears with a yellow exclamation mark,

 text description of the existing problem in the Security Status Info section

of the AVG main window

There might be a situation that for some reason you need to switch a component off temporarily (this is not recommended, you should try to keep all components permanently on and in default configuration, but it may be happen). In that case the system tray icon automatically reports the component's error status. However, in this very case we cannot talk about an actual error since you have deliberately induced it yourself, and you are aware of the potential risk. At the same time, once being displayed in grey color, the icon cannot actually report any possible further error that might appear.

For this situation, within the above dialog you can select components that may be in an error state (or switched off) and you do not wish to get informed about it. The same option of Ignoring component state is also available for specific components directly from the components overview in the AVG main window.

11.3. Virus Vault

The Virus Vault maintenance dialog allows you to define several parameters regarding the administration of objects stored in the Virus Vault:

 Limit Virus vault size - use the slider to set up the maximum size of the

Virus Vault. The size is specified proportionally compared to the size of your

local disk.

 Automatic file deletion - in this section define the maximum length of time

that objects should be stored in the Virus Vault (Delete files older than ...

days), and the maximum number of files to be stored in the Virus Vault ( Maximum number of files to be stored)

11.4. PUP Exceptions

AVG is able to analyze and detect executable applications or DLL libraries that could be potentially unwanted within the system. In some cases the user may wish to keep certain unwanted programs on the computer, (programs that were installed on purpose). Some programs, especially free ones, include adware. Such adware might be detected and reported by AVG as a potentially unwanted program. If you wish

to keep such a program on your computer, you can define it as a potentially unwanted program exception:

The Potentially Unwanted Programs Exceptions dialog displays a list of already defined and currently valid exceptions from potentially unwanted programs. You edit, delete, or add new exception.

Control buttons

 Edit - opens an editing dialog (identical with the dialog for new exception

definition, see below) of an already defined exception, where you can change

the exception's parameters

 Remove - deletes the selected item from the list of exceptions

 Add exception - open an editing dialog where you can define parameters of

the new exception to be created:

File - type the full path to the file that you want to mark as an exception

Checksum - displays the unique 'signature' of the chosen file. This checksum is an automatically generated string of characters, which allows AVG to unequivocally distinguish the chosen file from other files. The checksum is generated and displayed after successful addition of the file.

File Info - displays any additional information available about the file (

license/version information etc.)

Any location - do not use full path - if you want to define this file as an exception only for the specific location, then leave this checkbox unchecked

11.5. Web Shield

The Web Protection dialog allows you to activate/deactivate the entire Web Shield component (activated by default). For further advanced settings of this component please continue to the subsequent dialogs as listed in the tree navigation.

In the bottom section of the dialog, select in which way you wish to be informed about possible detected threat: via standard pop-up dialog, via tray balloon notification, or via tray icon signalization.

11.5.1. Web Protection

In the Web Protection dialog you can edit the component's configuration regarding the scan of the website content. The editing interface allows you to configure the following elementary options:

 Web protection - this option confirms that the Web Shield should perform

scanning of the www pages content. Provided this option is on (by default), you can further switch on/off these items:

Check archives - scan the content of archives possibly included in the www page to be displayed .

Scan Potentially Unwanted Programs and Spyware threats - scan potentially unwanted programs (executable programs that can operate as spyware or adware) included in the www page to be displayed, and

spyware infections.

Use heuristic analysis - scan the content of the page to be displayed using the heuristic analysis method (dynamic emulation of the scanned object’s instructions in a virtual computer environment).

Ports to be scanned - this field lists the standard http communication port numbers. If your computer configuration differs, you can change the port numbers as needed.

Shield will detect it immediately.

Exclude host/IP/domain - into the text field you can type the exact name of a server (host, IP address, IP address with mask, or URL) or a domain that should not be scanned by Web Shield. Therefore exclude only host that you can be absolutely sure would never provide dangerous website content.

11.5.2. Instant Messaging

In the Instant Messaging Shield dialog you can edit the Web Shield components settings referring to instant messaging scanning. Currently the following three instant messaging programs are supported: ICQ, MSN, and Yahoo - tick the respective item for each of them if you want the Web Shield to verify the on-line communication is virus free.

For further specification of allowed/blocked users you can see and edit the respective dialog (Advanced ICQ, Advanced MSN) and specify the Whitelist (list of users that will be allowed to communicate with you) and Blacklist (users that should be blocked ).

11.6. Link Scanner

The LinkScanner settings dialog allows you to switch on/off the two elementary features of the LinkScanner:

 Enable Safe Search - (on by default): advisory notifying icons on searches

performed in Google, Yahoo, MSN or Baidu having checked ahead the content of sites returned by the search engine.

 Enable Safe Surf - (on by default): active (real-time) protection against

exploitive sites as they are accessed. Known malicious site connections and their exploitive content is blocked as they are accessed by the user via a web browser (or any other application that uses HTTP).

 Enable reporting to AVG of exploited websites - (on by default): mark

this item to allow back reporting of exploits and bad sites found by users either via Safe Surf or Safe Search to feed the database collecting information on malicious activity on the web.

11.7. Scans

The advanced scan settings is divided into three categories referring to specific scan types as defined by the software vendor:

 Scan Whole Computer - standard predefined scan of the entire computer

 Shell Extension Scan - specific scanning of a selected object directly from

the Windows Explorer environment

 Scan Specific Files or Folders - standard predefined scan of selected areas

of your computer

 Removable Device Scan - specific scanning of removable devices attached

to your computer

11.7.1. Scan Whole Computer

The Scan whole computer option allows you to edit parameters of one of the scans predefined by the software vendor, Scan of the whole computer:

Scan settings

The Scan settings section offers a list of scanning parameters that can be optionally switched on/off:

 Automatically heal/remove infection - if a virus is identified during

scanning it can be healed automatically if a cure is available. If the infected file cannot be healed automatically, or if you decide to switch off this option, you will be notified upon a virus detection and will have to decide what to do with the detected infection. The recommended method is to remove the infected file to the Virus Vault.

 Scan Potentially Unwanted Programs - this parameter controls the Anti-

Virus functionality that allows detection of potentially unwanted programs (

executable files that can run as spyware or adware) and these can then be

blocked, or removed;

 Scan for cookies - this parameter of the Anti-Spyware component defines

that cookies should be detected; (HTTP cookies are used for authenticating,

tracking, and maintaining specific information about users, such as site preferences or the contents of their electronic shopping carts)

 Scan inside archives - this parameters defines that scanning should check

all files even those stored inside archives, e.g. ZIP, RAR, ...

 Use Heuristics - heuristic analysis (dynamic emulation of the scanned object’

s instructions in a virtual computer environment) will be one of the methods

used for virus detection during scanning;

 Scan system environment - scanning will also check the system areas of

your computer;

 Scan for rootkits - tick this item if you want to include the rootkit detection

into scanning of the entire computer. The rootkit detection is also available on its own within the Anti-Rootkit component;

 Scan infectable files only - with this option switched on, files that cannot

get infected will not be scanned. These can be for instance some plain text files, or some other non-executable files.

Scan media files – check to scan media files (Video, Audio etc.). If you leave this box unchecked, it will reduce the scanning time even more, because these files are often quite large and are not too likely to be infected by a virus.

Scan process priority

Within the Scan process priority section you can further specify the desired scanning speed dependent on system resource usage. By default, this option value is set to the medium level of automatic resource usage. If you want the scanning to run faster, it will take less time but system resources usage will increase significantly during the scan, and will slow down your other activities on the PC (this option can be used when your computer is switched on but nobody is currently working on it). On the other hand, you can decrease system resources usage by extending the scanning duration.

Set additional scan reports ...

Click the Set additional scan reports ... link to open a standalone dialog window called Scan reports where you can tick several items to define what scan findings should be reported:

11.7.2. Shell Extension Scan

Similar to the previous Scan whole computer item, this item named Shell extension scan also offers several options for editing the scan predefined by the

software vendor. This time the configuration is related to scanning of specific objects

launched directly from the Windows Explorer environment (shell extension), see

chapter Scanning in Windows Explorer:

The list of parameters is identical to those available for the Scan of the whole

computer . However, the default settings differ: with the Scan of the Whole

Computer most parameters are selected while for the Shell extension scan (

Scanning in Windows Explorer) only the relevant parameters are switched on.

11.7.3. Scan Specific Files or Folders

The editing interface for Scan specific files or folders is identical to the Scan

Whole Computer editing dialog. All configuration options are the same; however,

the default settings are more strict for the Scan of the whole computer:

All parameters set up in this configuration dialog apply only to the areas selected for scanning with the Scan of specific files or folders! If you tick the Scan for rootkits option within this configuration dialog, only a quick rootkit test will be performed, i.e. rootkit scanning of selected areas only.

Note: For a description of specific parameters please consult the chapter AVG

Advanced Settings / Scans / Scan Whole Computer.

11.7.4. Removable Device Scan

The editing interface for Removable device scan is also very similar to the Scan

Whole Computer editing dialog:

The Removable device scan is launched automatically once you attach any removable device to your computer. By default, this scanning is switched off. However, it is crucial to scan removable devices for potential threats since these are a major source of infection. To have this scanning ready and launched automatically when needed, mark the Enable Removable device scan option.

Note: For a description of specific parameters please consult the chapter AVG

Advanced Settings / Scans / Scan Whole Computer.

11.8. Schedules

In the Schedules section you can edit the default settings of:

 Whole computer scan schedule

 Virus database update schedule

 Program update schedule

 Anti-Spam update schedule

11.8.1. Scheduled Scan

Parameters of the scheduled scan can be edited (or a new schedule set up) on three tabs:

On the Schedule settings tab you can first check/uncheck the Enable this task item to simply deactivate the scheduled test temporarily, and switch it on again as the need arises.

Next, give a name to the scan you are about to create and schedule. Type the name into the text field by the Name item. Try to use brief, descriptive and apt names for scans to make it easier to later recognize the scan from others.

Example: It is not appropriate to call the scan by the name of "New scan" or "My scan" since these names do not refer to what the scan actually checks. On the other hand, an example of a good descriptive name would be "System areas scan" etc. Also it is not necessary to specify in the scan's name whether it is the scan of the whole of

the computer or just a scan of selected files or folders - your own scans will always be a specific version of the scan of selected files or folders.

In this dialog you can further define the following parameters of the scan:

 Schedule running - specify time intervals for the newly scheduled scan

launch. The timing can either be defined by the repeated scan launch after a certain period of time (Run every ...) or by defining an exact date and time ( Run at specific time ...), or possibly by defining an event that the scan launch should be associated with (Action based on computer startup).

 Advanced schedule options - this section allows you to define under which

conditions the scan should/should not be launched if the computer is in low power mode or switched off completely.

Once the scheduled scan is launched in the time you have specified, you will be informed on this fact via a pop-up window opened over the AVG system tray icon:

A new AVG system tray icon then appears (in full color with a white arrow - see picture above) informing a scheduled scan is running. Right-click on the running scan AVG icon to open a context menu where you can decide to pause or even stop the running scan:

On the How to scan tab you will find a list of scanning parameters that can be optionally switched on/off. By default, most parameters are switched on and the functionality will be applied during scanning. Unless you have a valid reason to change these settings we recommend to keep the predefined configuration:

 Automatically heal/remove infection - (switched on, by default): if a virus

is identified during scanning it can be healed automatically if a cure is available. If the infected file cannot be healed automatically, or if you decide to switch off this option, you will be notified upon virus detection and will have to decide what to do with the detected infection. The recommended action is to remove the infected file to the Virus Vault.

 Scan Potentially Unwanted Programs - (switched on, by default): this

parameter controls the Anti-Virus functionality that allows detection of

potentially unwanted programs (executable files that can run as spyware or

adware) and these can then be blocked, or removed;

 Scan for cookies - (switched on, by default): this parameter of the Anti-

Spyware component defines that cookies should be detected during scanning

; (HTTP cookies are used for authenticating, tracking, and maintaining specific

information about users, such as site preferences or the contents of their

electronic shopping carts)

 Scan inside archives - (switched on, by default): this parameter defines the

scanning should check all files even if they are stored inside an archive, e.g. ZIP, RAR, ...

 Use Heuristics - (switched on, by default): heuristic analysis (dynamic

emulation of the scanned object’s instructions in a virtual computer environment) will be one of the methods used for virus detection during

scanning;

 Scan system environment - (switched on, by default): scanning will also

check the system areas of your computer;

 Scan for rootkits - tick this item if you want to include the rootkit detection

into scanning of the entire computer. The rootkit detection is also available on its own within the Anti-Rootkit component;

 Scan infectable files only - (switched off, by default): with this option

switched on, scanning will not be applied to files that cannot get infected. These can be for instance some plain text files, or some other non-executable files.

Within the Scan process priority section you can further specify the desired scanning speed dependent on system resource usage. By default, this option is set to the medium level of automatic resource usage. If you want the scanning to run faster, it will take less time but the system resources usage will increase significantly during the scan, and will slow down your other activities on the PC (this option can be used when your computer is switched on but nobody is currently working on it). On the other hand, you can decrease the system resources usage by extending the scanning duration.

Click the Set additional scan reports ... link to open a standalone dialog window called Scan reports where you can tick several items to define what scan findings should be reported:

Click the Additional scan settings ... to open a new Computer shutdown options dialog where you can decide whether the computer should be shut down automatically once the running scanning process is over. Having confirmed this option (Shutdown computer upon scan completion), a new option activates that allows the computer to shut down even if it is currently locked (Force shutdown is computer is locked).

On the What to scan tab you can define whether you want to schedule scanning of

the whole computer or scanning of specific files or folders. If you select scanning of

specific files or folders, in the bottom part of this dialog the displayed tree structure activates and you can specify the folders to be scanned.

11.8.2. Virus Database Update Schedule

On the Schedule settings tab you can first check/uncheck the Enable this task item to simply deactivate the scheduled virus database update temporarily, and switch it on again as the need arises.

The basic virus database update scheduling is covered within the Update Manager component. Within this dialog you can set up some detailed parameters of the virus database update schedule:

Give a name to the virus database update schedule you are about to create. Type the name into the text field by the Name item. Try to use brief, descriptive and appropriate names of update schedules to make it easier to recognize the schedule among others later.

 Schedule running - specify the time intervals for the newly scheduled virus

database update launch. The timing can either be defined by the repeated update launch after a certain period of time (Run every ...) or by defining an exact date and time (Run at specific time ...), or possibly by defining an event that the update launch should be associated with (Action based on

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computer startup).

 Advanced schedule options - this section allows you to define under which

conditions the virus database update should/should not be launched if the computer is in low power mode or switched off completely.

 Other update settings - check this option to make sure than if the internet

connection gets corrupted and the update process fails, it will be launched again immediately after the internet connection is restored.

Once the scheduled scan is launched in the time you have specified, you will be informed on this fact via a pop-up window opened over the AVG system tray icon (

provided that you have kept the default configuration of the the Advanced Settings/

Appearance dialog).

11.8.3. Program Update Schedule

On the Schedule settings tab you can first check/uncheck the Enable this task item to simply deactivate the scheduled program update temporarily, and switch it on again as the need arises.

AVG 8.5 ANTI-VIRUS PLUS FIREWALL - REV 85.8, 8.5 Anti-Virus plus Firewall User Manual

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