AVG 8.5 FILE SERVER EDITION - V 85.5, 8.5 FILE SERVER User Manual

1
Document revision 85.5 (14.9.2009)
Copyright AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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 File Server Edition
User Manual
2
Contents
........................................................................................................................ 6
1. Introduction
........................................................................................................................ 7
2. AVG Installation Requirements
.......................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Operation Systems Supported
.......................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Minimum Hardware Requirements
........................................................................................................................ 8
3. AVG Installation Options
........................................................................................................................ 9
4. AVG Installation Process
.......................................................................................................... 9
4.1 Installation Launch
.......................................................................................................... 10
4.2 License Agreement
.......................................................................................................... 10
4.3 Checking System Status
.......................................................................................................... 10
4.4 Select Installation Type
.......................................................................................................... 11
4.5 Activate Your AVG License
.......................................................................................................... 12
4.6 Custom Installation - Destination Folder
.......................................................................................................... 13
4.7 Custom Installation - Component Selection
.......................................................................................................... 14
4.8 Custom Installation - E-mail Scanning
.......................................................................................................... 14
4.9 AVG Security Toolbar
.......................................................................................................... 15
4.10 Setup Summary
.......................................................................................................... 15
4.11 Installing
.......................................................................................................... 15
4.12 Installation Complete
........................................................................................................................ 17
5. AVG First Run Wizard
.......................................................................................................... 17
5.1 AVG Essential Configuration
.......................................................................................................... 18
5.2 AVG Task Scheduling
.......................................................................................................... 18
5.3 Update AVG protection
.......................................................................................................... 19
5.4 AVG Configuration Finished
........................................................................................................................ 20
6. After Installation
.......................................................................................................... 20
6.1 Product Registration
.......................................................................................................... 20
6.2 Access to User Interface
.......................................................................................................... 20
6.3 Scanning of the whole computer
.......................................................................................................... 20
6.4 Eicar Test
.......................................................................................................... 21
6.5 AVG Default Configuration
........................................................................................................................ 22
7. AVG User Interface
.......................................................................................................... 23
7.1 System Menu
3
.......................................................................................................... 23
7.1.1 File
.......................................................................................................... 23
7.1.2 Components
.......................................................................................................... 23
7.1.3 History
.......................................................................................................... 23
7.1.4 Tools
.......................................................................................................... 23
7.1.5 Help
.......................................................................................................... 26
7.2 Security Status Info
.......................................................................................................... 27
7.3 Quick Links
.......................................................................................................... 27
7.4 Components Overview
.......................................................................................................... 29
7.5 Statistics
.......................................................................................................... 29
7.6 System Tray Icon
........................................................................................................................ 30
8. AVG Components
.......................................................................................................... 30
8.1 Anti-Virus
.......................................................................................................... 30
8.1.1 Anti-Virus Principles
.......................................................................................................... 30
8.1.2 Anti-Virus Interface
.......................................................................................................... 32
8.2 Anti-Spyware
.......................................................................................................... 32
8.2.1 Anti-Spyware Principles
.......................................................................................................... 32
8.2.2 Anti-Spyware Interface
.......................................................................................................... 33
8.3 Anti-Rootkit
.......................................................................................................... 33
8.3.1 Anti-Rootkit Principles
.......................................................................................................... 33
8.3.2 Anti-Rootkit Interface
.......................................................................................................... 35
8.4 E-mail Scanner
.......................................................................................................... 35
8.4.1 E-mail Scanner Principles
.......................................................................................................... 35
8.4.2 E-mail Scanner Interface
.......................................................................................................... 35
8.4.3 E-mail Scanner Detection
.......................................................................................................... 39
8.5 License
.......................................................................................................... 40
8.6 Link Scanner
.......................................................................................................... 40
8.6.1 Link Scanner Principles
.......................................................................................................... 40
8.6.2 Link Scanner Interface
.......................................................................................................... 40
8.6.3 AVG Search-Shield
.......................................................................................................... 40
8.6.4 AVG Active Surf-Shield
.......................................................................................................... 43
8.7 Web Shield
.......................................................................................................... 43
8.7.1 Web Shield Principles
.......................................................................................................... 43
8.7.2 Web Shield Interface
.......................................................................................................... 43
8.7.3 Web Shield Detection
.......................................................................................................... 47
8.8 Resident Shield
.......................................................................................................... 47
8.8.1 Resident Shield Principles
.......................................................................................................... 47
8.8.2 Resident Shield Interface
4
.......................................................................................................... 47
8.8.3 Resident Shield Detection
.......................................................................................................... 51
8.9 Update Manager
.......................................................................................................... 51
8.9.1 Update Manager Principles
.......................................................................................................... 51
8.9.2 Update Manager Interface
.......................................................................................................... 53
8.10 AVG Security Toolbar
........................................................................................................................ 56
9. AVG for SharePoint Portal Server
.......................................................................................................... 56
9.1 Program Maintenance
.......................................................................................................... 57
9.2 AVG for SPPS Configuration - SharePoint 2007
.......................................................................................................... 59
9.3 AVG for SPPS Configuration - SharePoint 2003
.......................................................................................................... 61
9.4 AVG for SPPS Edition Diagnostics
........................................................................................................................ 63
10. AVG Advanced Settings
.......................................................................................................... 64
10.1 Appearance
.......................................................................................................... 66
10.2 Ignore Faulty Conditions
.......................................................................................................... 68
10.3 Virus Vault
.......................................................................................................... 69
10.4 PUP Exceptions
.......................................................................................................... 71
10.5 Web Shield
.......................................................................................................... 71
10.5.1 Web Protection
.......................................................................................................... 71
10.5.2 Instant Messaging
.......................................................................................................... 75
10.6 Link Scanner
.......................................................................................................... 76
10.7 Scans
.......................................................................................................... 76
10.7.1 Scan Whole Computer
.......................................................................................................... 76
10.7.2 Shell Extension Scan
.......................................................................................................... 76
10.7.3 Scan Specific Files or Folders
.......................................................................................................... 76
10.7.4 Removable Device Scan
.......................................................................................................... 83
10.8 Schedules
.......................................................................................................... 83
10.8.1 Scheduled Scan
.......................................................................................................... 83
10.8.2 Virus Database Update Schedule
.......................................................................................................... 83
10.8.3 Program Update Schedule
.......................................................................................................... 92
10.9 E-mail Scanner
.......................................................................................................... 92
10.9.1 Certification
.......................................................................................................... 92
10.9.2 Mail Filtering
.......................................................................................................... 92
10.9.3 Logs and Results
.......................................................................................................... 92
10.9.4 Servers
.......................................................................................................... 100
10.10 Resident Shield
.......................................................................................................... 100
10.10.1 Advanced Settings
.......................................................................................................... 100
10.10.2 Exceptions
5
.......................................................................................................... 104
10.11 Anti-Rootkit
.......................................................................................................... 105
10.12 Update
.......................................................................................................... 105
10.12.1 Proxy
.......................................................................................................... 105
10.12.2 Dial-up
.......................................................................................................... 105
10.12.3 URL
.......................................................................................................... 105
10.12.4 Manage
.......................................................................................................... 112
10.13 Remote Administration
........................................................................................................................ 114
11. AVG Scanning
.......................................................................................................... 114
11.1 Scanning Interface
.......................................................................................................... 115
11.2 Predefined Scans
.......................................................................................................... 115
11.2.1 Scan Whole Computer
.......................................................................................................... 115
11.2.2 Scan Specific Files or Folders
.......................................................................................................... 121
11.3 Scanning in Windows Explorer
.......................................................................................................... 122
11.4 Command Line Scanning
.......................................................................................................... 124
11.5 Scan Scheduling
.......................................................................................................... 124
11.5.1 Schedule Settings
.......................................................................................................... 124
11.5.2 How to Scan
.......................................................................................................... 124
11.5.3 What to Scan
.......................................................................................................... 131
11.6 Scan Results Overview
.......................................................................................................... 133
11.7 Scan Results Details
.......................................................................................................... 133
11.7.1 Results Overview Tab
.......................................................................................................... 133
11.7.2 Infections Tab
.......................................................................................................... 133
11.7.3 Spyware Tab
.......................................................................................................... 133
11.7.4 Warnings Tab
.......................................................................................................... 133
11.7.5 Rootkits Tab
.......................................................................................................... 133
11.7.6 Information Tab
.......................................................................................................... 140
11.8 Virus Vault
........................................................................................................................ 142
12. AVG Updates
.......................................................................................................... 142
12.1 Update Levels
.......................................................................................................... 142
12.2 Update Types
.......................................................................................................... 142
12.3 Update Process
........................................................................................................................ 143
13. Event History
........................................................................................................................ 144
14. AVG Diagnostics
........................................................................................................................ 146
15. FAQ and Technical Support
6
1. Introduction
This user manual provides comprehensive documentation for AVG 8.5 File Server.
AVG 8.5 File Server 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 File Server 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 File Server 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.
7
2. AVG Installation Requirements
2.1. Operation Systems Supported
AVG 8.5 File Server is intended to protect fileservers with the following operating
systems:
Windows 2000 Server SP4 + Update Rollup 1
Windows Server 2003 (x86, x64) SP1
Windows Server 2008 (x86 and x64)
(and possibly higher service packs for specific operating systems)
2.2. Minimum Hardware Requirements
Minimum hardware requirements for AVG 8.5 File Server are as follows:
Intel Pentium CPU 600 MHz
70 MB of free hard drive space (for installation purposes)
256 MB of RAM memory
8
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 File Server.
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.
9
4. 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.
Once you have downloaded and saved the installation file on your hard disk, you can 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:
4.1. Installation Launch
The installation process starts with the Welcome 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 choosing 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!
10
4.2. 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.
4.3. 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.
4.4. 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.
11
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.
4.5. 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 Number text field. 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 Setup Summary dialog. If custom installation was selected you will continue with the Destination Folder dialog.
12
4.6. 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.
13
4.7. 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!
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.
LinkScanner cooperates with Internet Explorer and Firefox (1.5 and newer). It
prevents you from accidentally becoming infected by drive-by downloads and other exploits as well as delivers a real-time safety verdict on all search results.
Remote Control Communication Library - if you intend to connect AVG to an
AVG DataCenter (AVG Network Editions), then you need to select this option.
Additional Installed Languages - 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.
E-mail Scanner - E-mail scanning provided by AVG 8.5 File Server is only suitable
14
for protecting your e-mail client on the file server itself. By default the E-mail Scanner is not installed, as it is not normal practice to run an e-mail client on a file server. If you require email scanning for your email server then we recommend purchasing the AVG 8.5 Email Server Edition. This edition will provide full protection for your email server application and its file server. You can purchase and download the latest version of AVG Email Server Edition from the AVG
website (www.avg.com).
Continue by pressing the Next button.
4.8. Custom Installation - E-mail Scanning
E-mail scanning provided by AVG 8.5 File Server is only suitable for protecting your e-mail client on the file server itself. As it is not normal practice to run an e-mail client on a file server, so by default the E-mail Scanner is not installed.
Note: If you require email scanning for your email server then we recommend purchasing the AVG 8.5 Email Server Edition. This edition will provide full protection for your email server application and it's file server. You can purchase and download the latest version from the AVG website (www.avg.com).
4.9. 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
15
installed automatically into your Internet browser; in conjunction with AVG 8.5 and AVG XPL technologies to provide you with comprehensive online protection while surfing the Internet.
4.10. 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.
4.11. Installing
The Installing 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.
4.12. Installation Complete
The Installation 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 File Server
16
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.
17
5. AVG First Run Wizard
When you first install AVG on your computer, the AVG First Run Wizard pops up to help you with initial AVG 8.5 File Server 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:
5.1. AVG Essential Configuration
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.
18
5.2. AVG Task Scheduling
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.
5.3. Update AVG protection
19
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.
5.4. AVG Configuration Finished
Now your AVG 8.5 File Server has been configured; press the Finish button to start working with AVG.
20
6. After Installation
6.1. Product Registration
Having finished the AVG 8.5 File Server 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.
6.2. 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 8.5/AVG User Interface
6.3. 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 File Server 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.
6.4. Eicar Test
To confirm that AVG 8.5 File Server 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.
21
Try to download the eicar.com file, and save it on your local disk. Immediately after you confirm downloading of the test file, the Resident Shield will react to it with a warning. This Resident 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!
6.5. AVG Default Configuration
The default configuration (i.e. how the application is set up right after installation) of AVG 8.5 File Server 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 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.
22
7. AVG User Interface
AVG 8.5 File Server 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 >>
23
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 >>
7.1. 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 File Server main window. Use the system menu to access specific AVG components, feature, and services.
The system menu is divided into five main sections:
7.1.1. File
Exit - closes the AVG 8.5 File Server's user interface. However, the AVG
application will continue running in the background and your computer will still be protected!
7.1.2. 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-Spyware - opens the default page of the Anti-Spyware component
Anti-Rootkit - opens the default page of the Anti-Rootkit 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
24
Update Manager - opens the default page of the Update Manager
component
WARNING: The E-mail Scanner, LinkScanner and Web Shield components are not a part of standard AVG File Server installation, so they won't be available to you (and therefore won't be displayed here), unless you have previously selected them in the Custom Installation - Component Selection dialog of the
Installation Process!
7.1.3. 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 File Server actions.
WARNING: The E-mail Scanner Detection and the Web Shield findings items won't be available to you (and therefore won't be displayed here), unless you have previously selected the E-mail Scanner and/or the Web Shield item in the Custom Installation - Component Selection dialog of the Installation
Process!
7.1.4. 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
25
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 File Server
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 File Server configuration. Generally, it is recommended to keep the default settings of the application as defined by the software vendor.
7.1.5. 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 Activate your AVG license 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
26
program name, program and virus database version, system info, license agreement, and contact information of AVG Technologies CZ.
7.2. 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 File Server. 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
27
tray icon.
7.3. 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.
7.4. 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
28
Description of a selected component
Within the AVG 8.5 File Server 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 >>
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.
WARNING: The E-mail Scanner, LinkScanner and Web Shield components are not a part of standard AVG File Server installation, so they won't be available to you (and therefore won't be displayed in this dialog), unless you have previously selected them in the Custom Installation - Component Selection dialog of the Installation Process!
29
7.5. 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 8.5.xx, where 8.5 is the product line version, and xx stands for the number of the build)
License expires - provides the date of your AVG license expiration
7.6. System Tray Icon
System Tray Icon (on your Windows taskbar) indicates the current status of your
AVG 8.5 File Server. 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. 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 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 two options:
Open AVG User Interface - click to open the AVG User Interface
Update - launches an immediate update
Exit - click to close the System Tray Icon (Note that by closing it you will no longer
be able to manage and monitor all other components, so you won't be fully protected!)
30
8. AVG Components
8.1. Anti-Virus
8.1.1. 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.
31
8.1.2. 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:
Spyware 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.
32
8.2. Anti-Spyware
8.2.1. 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 File Server 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.
8.2.2. Anti-Spyware Interface
33
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 in database - 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).
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.
8.3. Anti-Rootkit
8.3.1. 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.
34
8.3.2. 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:
35
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 and apply all configuration changes
done within this dialog
Cancel - press this button to return to the default AVG user interface
(components overview)
8.4. E-mail Scanner
WARNING: This component is not a part of standard AVG File Server installation, so it won't be available to you, unless you have previously selected it in the Custom Installation - Component Selection dialog of the
Installation Process!
8.4.1. 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.
36
8.4.2. 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:
37
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!
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.
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)
38
8.4.3. 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
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).
39
8.5. 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 link: clicking it allows you 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
40
Re-activate - opens the Activate AVG dialog with the data you have entered
in the Activate your AVG license 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)
8.6. Link Scanner
WARNING: This component is not a part of standard AVG File Server installation, so it won't be available to you, unless you have previously selected it in the Custom Installation - Component Selection dialog of the
Installation Process!
8.6.1. Link Scanner Principles
LinkScanner cooperates with Internet Explorer and Firefox (1.5 and newer), and 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!
41
8.6.2. 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. The browsers supported are Internet Explorer and Firefox.
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.
42
8.6.3. 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 contains active threats! For your own safety, you will not be
allowed to visit this page.
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:
8.6.4. 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:
43
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!
8.7. Web Shield
WARNING: This component is not a part of standard AVG File Server installation, so it won't be available to you, unless you have previously selected it in the Custom Installation - Component Selection dialog of the
Installation Process!
8.7.1. 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!
8.7.2. 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.
44
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:
o
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
45
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.
o
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
46
you want to control - currently AVG 8.5 File Server supports the ICQ, MSN, and Yahoo applications.
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.
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)
8.7.3. 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
47
findings).
8.8. Resident Shield
8.8.1. 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.
8.8.2. 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
48
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):
o
either automatically (Remove all threats automatically)
o
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).
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.
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
49
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)
8.8.3. 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!
50
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).
51
8.9. Update Manager
8.9.1. 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!
8.9.2. Update Manager Interface
52
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:
o
Periodically - define the time interval
o
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!
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.
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
53
Cancel - press this button to return to the default AVG user interface
(components overview)
8.10. 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:
o
Toolbar Info - link to the AVG Security Toolbar home page with detailed information on the toolbar's protection
o
Launch AVG 8.5 - opens the AVG 8 user interface
o
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).
54
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.
o
Update - checks for new updates for your AVG Security Toolbar
o
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
55
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)
56
9. AVG for SharePoint Portal Server
This chapter deals with AVG maintenance on MS SharePoint Portal Server that can be considered a special type of a file server.
9.1. Program Maintenance
AVG 8.5 for SharePoint Portal Server uses the Microsoft SP VSAPI 1.4
virus-scanning interface for the protection of your server against possible virus infection. The objects on the server are tested for the presence of malware when they are downloaded and/or uploaded from or on the server by your users. The configuration of the anti-virus protection can be set up using the Central
Administration interface of your SharePoint Portal Server. Within the Central Administration you can also view and manage the AVG 8.5 for SharePoint Portal
Server log file.
You can launch the SharePoint Portal Server Central Administration when you are logged in on the computer that your server is running on. The administration interface is web-based (as well as the user interface of the SharePoint Portal Server) and you can open it using the SharePoint (3.0) Central Administration option in the Programs/Microsoft Office Server folder (or SharePoint Portal Server) of the Windows Start menu:
57
You can also enter the SharePoint Portal Server Central Administration web page remotely using the proper access rights and URL.
9.2. AVG for SPPS Configuration - SharePoint 2007
In the SharePoint 3.0 Central Administration interface you can easily configure the performance parameters and actions of the AVG 8.5 for SharePoint Portal Server scanner. Choose the Operations option in the Central Administration section. A new dialog will appear. Select Antivirus item in the Security Configuration part.
The following window will then be displayed:
58
You can configure various AVG 8.5 for SharePoint Portal Server anti-virus scanning actions and performance features here:
Scan documents on upload – enable/disable the scanning of documents
being uploaded
Scan documents on download – enable/disable the scanning of documents
being downloaded
Allow users to download infected documents – allow/disallow users to
download infected documents
Clean infected documents – enable/disable automatic erasing of infected
documents
Time out duration (in seconds) – the maximum number of seconds the virus
scanning process will run after single launch (decrease the value when the server’s response seems to be slow when scanning the documents)
59
Number of threads – you can specify the number of virus scanning threads
that can run simultaneously; increasing the number may speed up the scanning due to the higher level of parallelism, but it can increase the server’s response time on the other hand
9.3. AVG for SPPS Configuration - SharePoint 2003
In the SharePoint Portal Server Central Administration interface you can easily configure the performance parameters and actions of the AVG 8.5 for SharePoint
Portal Server scanner. Choose the Antivirus Actions Configuration option in the Security Configuration section:
The following window will then be displayed:
60
You can configure various AVG 8.5 for SharePoint Portal Server anti-virus scanning actions and performance features here:
Scan documents on upload – enable/disable the scanning of documents
being uploaded
Scan documents on download – enable/disable the scanning of documents
being downloaded
Allow users to download infected documents – allow/disallow users to
download infected documents
Clean infected documents – enable/disable automatic erasing of infected
documents
Time limit of scanning – the maximum number of seconds the virus
scanning process will run after single launch (decrease the value when the server’s response seems to be slow when scanning the documents)
Use max. X sub-processes when scanning documents – the X specifies
the number of virus scanning threads that can run simultaneously; increasing the number may speed up the scanning due to the higher level of parallelism,
61
but it can increase the server’s response time on the other hand
9.4. AVG for SPPS Edition Diagnostics
The diagnostics messages of AVG 8.5 for SharePoint Portal Server can be viewed after choosing the Diagnostics Settings Configuration in the SharePoint Central Administration’s Component Configuration section:
All diagnostics information related to AVG 8.5 for SharePoint Portal Server performance are stored in the *_AVG4SPS.LOG file. The contents of this file can be viewed after choosing it in the Display diagnostics protocols section of the Diagnostics Settings Configuration window:
62
Press the View log button to view the log file of AVG 8.5 for SharePoint Portal Server.
63
10. AVG Advanced Settings
The advanced configuration dialog of AVG 8.5 File Server 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.
WARNING: Items Web Shield, LinkScanner, E-mail Scanner and Remote
Administration are not a part of standard AVG File Server installation, so they
won't be available to you (and therefore won't be displayed in the tree-arranged navigation), unless you have previously selected them in the
Custom Installation - Component Selection dialog of the Installation Process!
64
10.1. 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
65
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 8.5/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:
o
Display tray notifications about update - decide whether information regarding AVG update process launch, progress, and finalization should be displayed;
o
Display tray notifications about scanning - decide whether information upon automatic launch of the scheduled scan, its progress and results should be displayed;
o
Display Resident Shield related tray notifications - decide whether information regarding file saving, copying, and opening processes should be displayed or suppressed;
o
Display components state change notifications - decide whether
66
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.
o
o
Display E-mail Scanner related tray notifications - decide whether information upon scanning of all incoming and outgoing e-mail messages should be displayed.
10.2. Ignore Faulty Conditions
In the Ignore faulty components conditions dialog you can tick those components that you do not want to get informed about:
67
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 icons switches to grey color with a red 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.
68
10.3. 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)
69
10.4. 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 can edit, delete, or add new exception.
Control buttons
70
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:
o
File - type the full path to the file that you want to mark as an exception
o
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.
o
File Info - displays any additional information available about the file (
license/version information etc.)
o
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
71
10.5. 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.
72
10.5.1. 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:
o
Check archives - scan the content of archives possibly included in the www page to be displayed .
o
Report 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.
73
o
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).
o
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.
o
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.
o
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.
74
10.5.2. 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 and MSN - 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 ).
75
10.6. 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 or MSN having checked ahead the content of sites returned by the search engine. The browsers supported are Internet Explorer and Firefox.
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
76
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. 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
77
10.7.1. 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.
78
Report Potentially Unwanted Programs and Spyware threats - 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 Tracking 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.
o
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.
79
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:
10.7.2. 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:
80
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.
10.7.3. 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:
81
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.
82
10.7.4. 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.
83
10.8. Schedules
In the Schedules section you can edit the default settings of:
Whole computer scan schedule
Virus database update schedule
Program update schedule
10.8.1. Scheduled Scan
Parameters of the scheduled scan can be edited (or a new schedule set up) on three tabs:
84
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 (whether it should be run on computer startup, in low power mode or while a full-screen application ­for example a computer game - is running).
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:
85
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
86
to decide what to do with the detected infection. The recommended action is to remove the infected file to the Virus Vault.
Report Potentially Unwanted Programs and Spyware threats - (
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 Tracking 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
87
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).
88
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.
89
10.8.2. 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
90
update launch after a certain period of time (Run every ...) or by defining an exact date and time (Run at specific time interval ...).
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).
10.8.3. Program Update Schedule
91
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.
Next, give a name to the program 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
program 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 computer startup).
Advanced schedule options - this section allows you to define under which
conditions the program 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).
92
10.9. E-mail Scanner
The E-mail Scanner dialog is divided into three sections:
E-mail scanning - in this section select whether you want to scan the
incoming/outgoing e-mail messages and whether all e-mails should be certified or only e-mails with attachments (e-mail virus-free certification is not supported in HTML/RTF format). Additionally you can choose if you want AVG to modify the subject for messages that contain potential viruses. Tick the Modify subject of virus infected messages checkbox and change the text respectively (default value is ***VIRUS***).
Scanning properties - specify whether the heuristic analysis method should
be used during scanning (Use heuristic), whether you want to check for the presence of potentially unwanted programs (Scan Potentially Unwanted Programs), and whether archives should be scanned too (Scan inside
93
archives).
E-mail attachments reporting - specify whether you wish to be notified via
e-mail about password protected archives, password protected documents, macro containing files and/or files with hidden extension detected as an attachment of the scanned e-mail message. If such a message is identified during scanning, define whether the detected infectious object should be moved to the Virus Vault.
10.9.1. Certification
In the Certification dialog you can specify exactly what text the certification note should contain, and in what language. This should be specified separately for Incoming mail and Outgoing mail.
94
10.9.2. Mail Filtering
The Attachment filter dialog allows you to set up parameters for e-mail messages attachment scanning. By default, the Remove attachments option is switched off. If you decide to activate it, all e-mail message attachments detected as infectious or potentially dangerous will be removed automatically. If you want to define specific types of attachments that should be removed, select the respective option:
Remove all executable files - all *.exe files will be deleted
Remove all documents - all *.doc files will be deleted
Remove files with these extensions - will remove all files with the defined
extensions
95
10.9.3. Logs and Results
The dialog opened via the Logs and Results navigation item allows you to specify parameters for e-mail scanning results maintenance. The dialog is divided into several sections:
Logs Maintenance - define whether you want to log e-mail scanning
information daily, weekly, monthly, ... ; and also specify the maximum size of the log file (in MB)
Log level threshold - the medium level is set up by default - you can select
a lower level (logging elementary connection information) or higher level ( logging of all traffic)
Folder used to store log files - define where the log file should be located
96
10.9.4. Servers
In the Servers section you can edit parameters of the E-mail Scanner component servers, or set up a new server fusing the Add new server button.
In this dialog (opened via Servers / POP3) you can set up a new E-mail Scanner server using the POP3 protocol for incoming mail:
POP3 Server Name - type in the name of the server or keep the AutoPOP3
default name
Type of login - defines the method for determining the mail server used for
incoming mail:
o
Automatic - Login will be carried out automatically, according to your
97
e-mail client settings.
o
USER/COMPUTER - the simplest and the most frequently used method for determining the destination mail server is the proxy method. To use this method, specify the name or address (or also the port) as part of the login user name for the given mail server, separating them with the / character. For example, for the account user1 on the server pop.acme.com and the port 8200 you would use user1/pop.acme.com:8200 for the login name.
o
Fixed host - In this case, the program will always use the server specified here. Please specify the address or name of your mail server. The login name remains unchanged. For a name, you may use a domain name (for example, pop.acme.com) as well as an IP address (for example, 123.45.67.89). If the mail server uses a non-standard port, you can specify this port after the server name by using a colon as the delimiter (for example, pop.acme.com:8200). The standard port for POP3 communication is 110.
Additional settings - specifies more detailed parameters:
o
Local port - specifies the port on which the communication from your mail application should be expected. You must then specify in your mail application this port as the port for POP3 communication.
o
Use APOP when available - this option provides more secure mail server login. This makes sure that the E-mail Scanner uses an alternative method of forwarding the user account password for login, sending the password to the server not in an open, but in an encrypted format using a variable chain received from the server. Naturally, this feature is available only when the destination mail server supports it.
o
Connection - in the drop-down menu, you can specify which kind of connection to use (regular/SSL/SSL default). If you choose SSL connection, the data sent is encrypted without the risk of being traced or monitored by a third party. This feature is also only available when the destination mail server supports it.
E-mail client POP3 server activation - provides brief information on the
configuration settings required to correctly configure your e-mail client (so that the E-mail Scanner will check all incoming mail). This is a summary based on the corresponding parameters specified in this dialog and other related dialogs.
98
In this dialog (opened via Servers / SMTP) you can set up a new E-mail Scanner server using the SMTP protocol for outgoing mail:
SMTP Server Name - type in the name of the server or keep the AutoSMTP
default name
Relay Host - defines the method for determining the mail server used for
outgoing mail:
o
Automatic - login will be carried out automatically, according to your e-mail client settings
o
Fixed host - in this case, the program will always use the server specified here. Please specify the address or name of your mail server. You may use a domain name (for example, smtp.acme.com) as well as
99
an IP address (for example, 123.45.67.89) for a name. If the mail server uses a non-standard port, you can type this port behind the server name using a colon as the delimiter (for example, smtp.acme.com:8200). The standard port for SMTP communication is 25.
Additional settings - specifies more detailed parameters:
o
Local port - specifies the port on which the communication from your mail application should be expected. You must then specify in your mail application this port as the port for SMTP communication.
o
Queue processing - determines the behavior of the E-mail Scanner when processing the requirements for sending mail messages:
Automatic - the outgoing mail is immediately delivered (sent) to the target mail server
Manual - the message is inserted into the queue of outgoing messages and sent later
o
Connection - in this drop-down menu, you can specify which kind of connection to use (regular/SSL/SSL default). If you choose SSL connection, the data sent is encrypted without the risk of being traced or monitored by a third party. This feature is available only when the destination mail server supports it.
Administrative server - shows the number of the port of the server that will
be used for the reverse delivery of administration reports. These messages are generated, for example, when the target mail server rejects the outgoing message or when this mail server is not available.
E-mail client SMTP server settings - provides information on how to
configure the client mail application so that outgoing mail messages are checked using the currently modified server for checking the outgoing mail. This is a summary based on the corresponding parameters specified in this dialog and other related dialogs.
100
10.10. Resident Shield
The Resident Shield component performs live protection of files and folders against viruses, spyware and other malware.
In the Resident Shield Settings dialog you can activate or deactivate the Resident
Shield protection completely by checking/unchecking the Enable Resident Shield
item (this option is switched on by default). In addition you can select which
Resident Shield features should be activated:
Scan for Tracking Cookies - this parameter 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)
Report Potentially Unwanted Programs and Spyware threats - (
Loading...