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A V G 9 Free © 20 10 C opyri ght A VG T ec hnologies CZ , s.r.o. A ll rights res erved. 1
Document revision 90.13 (19.3.2010)
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. C reated 1991.
This product uses code from C-SaCzech library, C opyright (c) 1996-2001 Jaromir Dolecek
(dolecek@ics.muni.cz).
This product uses compression library zlib, C opyright (c) 1995-2002 Jean-loup Gailly and Mark Adler.
This product uses compression library libbzip2, C opyright (c) 1996-2002 Julian R. Seward.
AVG 9 Free
User Manual
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Contents
........................................................................................................................ 7
1. Introduction
........................................................................................................................ 8
2. AVG Installation Requirements
.......................................................................................................... 8
2.1 Operation Systems Supported
.......................................................................................................... 8
2.2 Minimum & Recommended HW Requirements
........................................................................................................................ 9
3. AVG Download Manager
.......................................................................................................... 9
3.1 Language Selection
.......................................................................................................... 10
3.2 Connectivity Check
.......................................................................................................... 11
3.3 Proxy Settings
.......................................................................................................... 12
3.4 Downloading Installation Files
.......................................................................................................... 12
3.5 Begin Your AVG Installation
........................................................................................................................ 14
4. AVG Installation Process
.......................................................................................................... 14
4.1 Installation Options
.......................................................................................................... 14
4.2 Installation Launch
.......................................................................................................... 15
4.3 License Agreement
.......................................................................................................... 15
4.4 Checking System Status
.......................................................................................................... 16
4.5 Select Installation Type
.......................................................................................................... 16
4.6 Activate your AVG License
.......................................................................................................... 17
4.7 Custom Installation - Destination Folder
.......................................................................................................... 18
4.8 Custom Installation - Component Selection
.......................................................................................................... 19
4.9 AVG Security Toolbar
.......................................................................................................... 20
4.10 Close down open applications
.......................................................................................................... 20
4.11 Installing AVG
.......................................................................................................... 21
4.12 Schedule regular scans and updates
.......................................................................................................... 22
4.13 AVG protection configuration is complete
........................................................................................................................ 23
5. After Installation
.......................................................................................................... 23
5.1 Scan optimization
.......................................................................................................... 23
5.2 Product Registration
.......................................................................................................... 23
5.3 Access to User Interface
.......................................................................................................... 24
5.4 Scanning of the whole computer
.......................................................................................................... 24
5.5 Eicar Test
.......................................................................................................... 25
5.6 AVG Default Configuration
........................................................................................................................ 26
6. AVG User Interface
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.......................................................................................................... 27
6.1 System Menu
.......................................................................................................... 27
6.1.1 File
.......................................................................................................... 27
6.1.2 Components
.......................................................................................................... 27
6.1.3 History
.......................................................................................................... 27
6.1.4 Tools
.......................................................................................................... 27
6.1.5 Help
.......................................................................................................... 29
6.2 Security Status Info
.......................................................................................................... 30
6.3 Quick Links
.......................................................................................................... 30
6.4 Components Overview
.......................................................................................................... 31
6.5 Statistics
.......................................................................................................... 32
6.6 System Tray Icon
........................................................................................................................ 34
7. AVG Components
.......................................................................................................... 34
7.1 Anti-Virus
.......................................................................................................... 34
7.1.1 Anti-Virus Principles
.......................................................................................................... 34
7.1.2 Anti-Virus Interface
.......................................................................................................... 35
7.2 Anti-Spyware
.......................................................................................................... 35
7.2.1 Anti-Spyware Principles
.......................................................................................................... 35
7.2.2 Anti-Spyware Interface
.......................................................................................................... 37
7.3 E-mail Scanner
.......................................................................................................... 37
7.3.1 E-mail Scanner Principles
.......................................................................................................... 37
7.3.2 E-mail Scanner Interface
.......................................................................................................... 37
7.3.3 E-mail Scanner Detection
.......................................................................................................... 41
7.4 License
.......................................................................................................... 42
7.5 Link Scanner
.......................................................................................................... 42
7.5.1 Link Sc anner Principles
.......................................................................................................... 42
7.5.2 Link Sc anner Interface
.......................................................................................................... 42
7.5.3 AVG Search-Shield
.......................................................................................................... 42
7.5.4 AVG Active Surf-Shield
.......................................................................................................... 45
7.6 Resident Shield
.......................................................................................................... 45
7.6.1 Resident Shield Principles
.......................................................................................................... 45
7.6.2 Resident Shield Interface
.......................................................................................................... 45
7.6.3 Resident Shield Detection
.......................................................................................................... 49
7.7 Update Manager
.......................................................................................................... 49
7.7.1 Update Manager Principles
.......................................................................................................... 49
7.7.2 Update Manager Interface
........................................................................................................................ 52
8. AVG Security Toolbar
.......................................................................................................... 52
8.1 AVG Security Toolbar Interface
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.......................................................................................................... 52
8.1.1 AVG logo button
.......................................................................................................... 52
8.1.2 Yahoo! powered search box
.......................................................................................................... 52
8.1.3 Total Protection
.......................................................................................................... 52
8.1.4 Page Status
.......................................................................................................... 52
8.1.5 AVG News
.......................................................................................................... 52
8.1.6 News
.......................................................................................................... 52
8.1.7 AVG Info
.......................................................................................................... 52
8.1.8 Get More
.......................................................................................................... 52
8.1.9 E-mail Notifier
.......................................................................................................... 52
8.1.10 Weather Info
.......................................................................................................... 52
8.1.11 Facebook
.......................................................................................................... 52
8.1.12 VeriSign Identity Protection
.......................................................................................................... 62
8.2 AVG Security Toolbar Options
.......................................................................................................... 62
8.2.1 Tab General
.......................................................................................................... 62
8.2.2 Tab Useful Buttons
.......................................................................................................... 62
8.2.3 Tab Security
.......................................................................................................... 62
8.2.4 Tab VIP
.......................................................................................................... 62
8.2.5 Tab Advanced Options
........................................................................................................................ 68
9. AVG Advanced Settings
.......................................................................................................... 68
9.1 Appearance
.......................................................................................................... 70
9.2 Sounds
.......................................................................................................... 71
9.3 Ignore Faulty Conditions
.......................................................................................................... 72
9.4 Virus Vault
.......................................................................................................... 73
9.5 PUP Exceptions
.......................................................................................................... 75
9.6 Link Scanner
.......................................................................................................... 76
9.7 Scans
.......................................................................................................... 76
9.7.1 Scan Whole Computer
.......................................................................................................... 76
9.7.2 Shell Extension Scan
.......................................................................................................... 76
9.7.3 Scan Specific Files or Folders
.......................................................................................................... 76
9.7.4 Removable Device Sc an
.......................................................................................................... 81
9.8 Schedules
.......................................................................................................... 81
9.8.1 Scheduled Scan
.......................................................................................................... 81
9.8.2 Virus Database Update Schedule
.......................................................................................................... 81
9.8.3 Program Update Sc hedule
.......................................................................................................... 90
9.9 E-mail Scanner
.......................................................................................................... 90
9.9.1 Certification
.......................................................................................................... 90
9.9.2 Mail Filtering
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.......................................................................................................... 90
9.9.3 Logs and Results
.......................................................................................................... 90
9.9.4 Servers
.......................................................................................................... 98
9.10 Resident Shield
.......................................................................................................... 98
9.10.1 Advanced Settings
.......................................................................................................... 98
9.10.2 Directory Exludes
.......................................................................................................... 98
9.10.3 Excluded Files
.......................................................................................................... 102
9.11 Cache Server
.......................................................................................................... 103
9.12 Update
.......................................................................................................... 103
9.12.1 Proxy
.......................................................................................................... 103
9.12.2 Dial-up
.......................................................................................................... 103
9.12.3 URL
.......................................................................................................... 103
9.12.4 Manage
........................................................................................................................ 110
10. AVG Scanning
.......................................................................................................... 110
10.1 Scanning Interface
.......................................................................................................... 111
10.2 Predefined Scans
.......................................................................................................... 111
10.2.1 Scan Whole Computer
.......................................................................................................... 111
10.2.2 Scan Specific Files or Folders
.......................................................................................................... 118
10.3 Scanning in Windows Explorer
.......................................................................................................... 118
10.4 Command Line Scanning
.......................................................................................................... 118
10.4.1 CMD Scan Parameters
.......................................................................................................... 121
10.5 Scan Scheduling
.......................................................................................................... 121
10.5.1 Schedule Settings
.......................................................................................................... 121
10.5.2 How to Scan
.......................................................................................................... 121
10.5.3 What to Scan
.......................................................................................................... 129
10.6 Scan Results Overview
.......................................................................................................... 130
10.7 Scan Results Details
.......................................................................................................... 130
10.7.1 Results Overview Tab
.......................................................................................................... 130
10.7.2 Infections Tab
.......................................................................................................... 130
10.7.3 Spyware Tab
.......................................................................................................... 130
10.7.4 Warnings Tab
.......................................................................................................... 130
10.7.5 Information Tab
.......................................................................................................... 137
10.8 Virus Vault
........................................................................................................................ 139
11. AVG Updates
.......................................................................................................... 139
11.1 Update Levels
.......................................................................................................... 139
11.2 Update Types
.......................................................................................................... 139
11.3 Update Process
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........................................................................................................................ 141
12. Event History
........................................................................................................................ 142
13. FAQ and Technical Support
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1. Introduction
This user manual offers a general overview of the tasks and detection technologies
provided by AVG 9 Free. We will briefly talk about the program installation, initial
startup, configuration and use.
AVG 9 Free is provided free-of-charge, and its functionality is limited. While using
AVG 9 Free you might discover you would like to have access to further and extended
functionality of AVG as provided within the AVG 8 products. Then, please visit AVG
website (http://www.avg.com/) for information on AVG 9 purchase options.
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2. AVG Installation Requirements
2.1. Operation Systems Supported
AVG 9 Free is intended to protect workstations with the following operating systems:
· Windows 2000 Professional SP4 + Update Rollup 1
· Windows XP Home Edition SP2
· Windows XP Professional SP2
· Windows XP Professional x64 Edition SP1
· Windows Vista (x86 and x64, all editions)
· Windows 7 (x86 and x64, all editions)
(and possibly higher service packs for specific operating systems)
2.2. Minimum & Recommended HW Requirements
Minimum hardware requirements for AVG 9 Free:
· Intel Pentium CPU 1,5 GHz
· 512 MB of RAM memory
· 450 MB of free hard drive space (for installation purposes)
Recommended hardware requirements for AVG 9 Free:
· Intel Pentium CPU 1,8 GHz
· 512 MB of RAM memory
· 550 MB of free hard drive space (for installation purposes)
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3. AVG Download Manager
AVG Download Manager is a simple tool that helps you select the proper installation
file for AVG 9 Free. Based on your input data, the manager will select the specific
product and license type, and language. Finally, AVG Download Manager will go on
to download and launch the appropriate installation process.
Warning: Please note that AVG Download Manager is not suitable for downloading of
network and SBS editions and only the following operating systems are supported:
Windows 2000 (SP4 + SRP roll-up), Windows XP (SP2 and higher), Windows Vista (all
editions), and Windows 7 (x86 and x64, all editions).
AVG Download Manager is available for download at AVG website (http://www.avg.
com/). Following please find a brief description of each single step you need to take
within the AVG Download Manager:
3.1. Language Selection
In this first step of AVG Download Manager select the installation language from the
roll-down menu. Note, that your language selection applies only to the installation
process; after the installation you will be able to change the language directly from
program settings. Then press the Next button to continue.
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3.2. Connectivity Check
In the next step called Connectivity check, AVG Download Manager will attempt to
establish an Internet connection so that updates can be located.
You will not be allowed to advance the download process until the AVG Download
Manager is able to complete the c onnectivity test.
· If the test shows no connectivity, you will be informed about this status by
the following dialog - then make sure you are really connected to Internet, and
click the Retry button to c ontinue:
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· If you are using a Proxy connection to the Internet, click the Proxy button to
specify your Proxy Settings.
· If the check has been successful, AVG Download Manager will go on
automatically and you will get redirected directly to the Downloading
installation files dialog.
3.3. Proxy Settings
If AVG Download Manager was not able to identify your Proxy settings you have to
specify them manually. Please fill in the following data:
· Server - enter a valid proxy server name or IP address
· Port - provide the respective port number
· Use proxy authentication - if your proxy server requires authentication, tick
this c heck box.
· Select authentication - from the drop-down menu select the authentication
type. We strongly recommend that you keep to the default value (the proxy
server will then automatically convey its requirements to you). However, if
you are a skilled user, you can also choose Basic (required by some servers)
or NTLM (required by all ISA Servers) option. Then, enter a valid Username
and Password (optionally).
Confirm your settings by pressing the Apply button to follow to the next step of AVG
Download Manager.
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3.4. Downloading Installation Files
Now, you have provided all information needed for the AVG Download Manager to
start the installation package download. Once the files are downloaded, you will get
automatically redirected to the final AVG Download Manager dialog.
3.5. Begin Your AVG Installation
Before the AVG installation process is launched, you have the possibility to decide
whether you want to have installed the free program version with limited security
options and with no technical support available, or whether you prefer to try the full
version of AVG Internet Security that provides you with a comprehensive protection.
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During the thirty days of the trial period this edition is available to you free of charge,
and you c an always switc h to the AVG Free once the trial period expires.
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4. AVG Installation Process
4.1. Installation Options
To download the installation file of AVG 9 Free visit the AVG Free website (http://
free.avg.com/) and follow the AVG 9 Free download link.
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:
4.2. Installation Launch
The installation process starts with the Welcome to the AVG Setup Program
window. In here you select the language used for the installation process, and the
default language of AVG user interfac e. In the lower part of the dialog window find
the Choose your setup language item, and select the desired language from the
drop down menu. Then press the Next button to confirm and continue to the next
dialog.
Attention: Here, you are selecting the language for the installation process. The
language you select will be installed as the default language for AVG user interface,
together with English that is installed automatically. If you want to have installed
other additional languages for the user interface, please define them within the setup
dialog named Custom Installation - Component Selection.
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4.3. License Agreement
The License Agreement dialog provides the full wording of the AVG lic ense
agreement. Please read it carefully and confirm that you have read, understood and
accept the agreement by marking the I have read license agreement c heck box and
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.
4.4. Checking System Status
Having confirmed the license agreement, you will be redirected to the Checking
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System Status dialog. This dialog does not require any intervention; your system is
being chec ked before the AVG installation can start. Please wait until the process has
finished, then continue automatically to the following dialog.
4.5. Select Installation Type
The Select Installation Type dialog offers the choice of two installation options:
standard and custom installation.
For most users, it is highly recommended to keep to the standard installation that
installs AVG in fully automatic mode with settings predefined by the program vendor.
This configuration provides maximum security combined with the optimal use of
resources. In the future, if the need arises to change the configuration, you will
always have the possibility to do so directly in the AVG application.
Custom installation should only be used by experienced users who have a valid
reason to install AVG with non-standard settings. E.g. to fit specific system
requirements.
4.6. Activate your AVG License
In the Activate your AVG License dialog you have to fill in your registration data. In
this free version you only have to type in your name (User Name field). The License
Number text field is already filled in.
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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 AVG Security Toolbar dialog. If custom installation was
selected you will continue with the Destination Folder dialog.
4.7. Custom Installation - Destination Folder
The Destination Folder dialog allows you to specify the location where AVG 9 Free
should be installed. By default, AVG will be installed to the program files folder located
on the system drive (usually C:). In case the folder does not exist yet, you will be
asked in a new dialog to confirm you agree AVG creates this folder now.
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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.
4.8. Custom Installation - Component Selection
The Component Selection dialog displays an overview of all AVG 9 Free c omponents
that can be installed. If the default settings do not suit you, you can remove/add
specific components.
· Link Scanner - The LinkScanner component provides protection against
websites, that are designed to install malware into your computer via the web
browser or its plugins.
· Language selection - Within the list of components to be installed, you c an
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 plug-ins - Click the E-mail Scanner item to expand and
decide on what plug-in is to be installed to guarantee your electronic mail
security. By default, the setup detects what is your currently installed e-mail
client and installs the respective plug-in. This is true for Plugin for Microsoft
Outlook, and Plugin for The Bat! In case none of these two e-mail clients is
installed on your computer, setup will assign Personal E-mail Scanner to be
installed, and this option covers all other e- mail c lients (e.g. MS Exchange,
Qualcomm Eudora, etc.). Optionally, you can mark the specific plug-ins for MS
Outlook, and The Bat! to be installed as well.
· Plug-in for Microsoft Office 2000/XP/2003/2007 - Checking this item
installs a special plug-in for enhanced protec tion of files used by Microsoft
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Office applications (this applies only to aforementioned versions).
Continue by pressing the Next button.
4.9. AVG Security Toolbar
In the AVG Security Toolbar dialog, decide whether you want to install the AVG
Security Toolbar (verification of search results of the supported Internet search
engines). If you do not change the default settings, this component will be installed
automatically into your Internet browser (currently supported browsers are Microsoft
Internet Explorer v. 6.0 or higher, and Mozilla Firefox v. 3.0 or higher) a to provide
you with comprehensive online protection while surfing the Internet.
Also, you have the option to decide whether you want to c hose Yahoo! as your
default search provider. If so, please mark the respec tive c heck box.
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4.10. Close down open applications
The Close down open applications dialog appears during the installation process only
in case there are some other clashing programs running on your computer at the
moment. Then, the list of programs that need to be closed in order to sucessfuly finish
the installation process will be provided. Press the Next button to confirm you agree
to close down the respective applications, and to continue to the next step.
4.11. Installing AVG
The Installing AVG dialog shows the progress of the installation process, and does
not require any intervention:
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After the installation process is finished, and virus database updated, you will be
redirected to the next dialog automatically.
4.12. Schedule regular scans and updates
In the AVG Task Schedule dialog define time when the scheduled scan should be
launched. It is recommended to keep the default values.
As for the updates, with AVG 9 Free you c annot specify how often you want to check
for new updates. AVG 9 Free updates once a day, by default. If this configuration
does not suit you and you consider buying the full version of AVG, then please visit
the AVG website (http://www.avg.com/) for information on AVG 9 purchase options.
Press the Next button to continue.
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4.13. AVG protection configuration is complete
Now your AVG 9 Free has been configured.
In this dialog you decide whether you want to keep activated the option of
anonymous reporting of exploits and bad sites to AVG virus lab. If so, please mark the
I agree to provide anonymous information about detected threats to improve
my security option.
Further, you have the possibility to register to the discussion forum for AVG 9 Free
users accessible at http://forums.avg.com, which is the main source of information
regarding AVG 9 Free. Unfortunately, standard technical support is only provided for
paid AVG products. If you consider buying the full version of AVG, then please visit the
AVG website (http://www.avg.com/) for information on AVG 9 purchase options.
Finally, press the Finish button. Your computer restart may be required so that you
can start working with AVG.
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5. After Installation
5.1. Scan optimization
The sc anning optimization functionality searches the Windows and Program files
folders where it detec ts appropriate files (at the moment those are the *.exe, *.dll
and *.sys files) and saves the information on these files. With the next access these
files will not be scanned again and this reduce the scanning time significantly.
Once the installation process is over you will invited via a new dialog window to
optimize scanning:
We recommend to use this option and run the scanning optimization process by
pressing the Optimize scanning now button.
5.2. Product Registration
AVG 9 Free does not necessarily require registration. However, it is recommended to
register so that you can use the discussion forum of AVG 9 Free, or rather in case
you want to ask a question or react to one. For reading only the forum is accessible
without registration.
To register, fill in the online registration form on the Register tab of the discussion
forum. Then you will receive the activation code via email sent to the provided e-mail
address, and you c an log in to the forum.
5.3. Access to User Interface
The AVG Free 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/Programs/AVG Free 9.0/AVG Free User Interface
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5.4. Scanning of the whole computer
There is a potential risk that a computer virus has been transmitted to your computer
prior to AVG 9 Free 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 c onsult the
chapter AVG Scanning.
5.5. Eicar Test
To confirm that AVG 9 Free has been installed c orrectly 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 reac t to it as if it were a virus (
though they typically report it with an obvious name, such as "EICAR-AV-Test"). You
can download the EICAR virus from the EICAR website at www.eicar.com, and you will
also find all necessary EICAR test information there.
Try to download the eicar.com file, and save it on your local disk. AVG 9 Free will
react by displaying a warning notice just as you try to save the test file to your local
disk (for instance with Internet Explorer), or as you try to open the downloaded file (
for instance with Mozilla Firefox). The displayed notic e will be in the form of Resident
Shield warning - the warning proves your AVG 9 Free is installed properly:
If AVG 9 Free fails to identify the EICAR test file as a virus, you should check the
program configuration again!
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5.6. AVG Default Configuration
The default configuration (i.e. how the application is set up right after installation) of
AVG 9 Free 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 Free components settings is accessible directly from the
specific component user interface. If you feel you need to change the AVG 9 Free
configuration to better suit your your needs, go to AVG Advanced Settings: select
the system menu item Tools/Advanced settings and edit the AVG 9 Free
configuration in the newly opened AVG Advanced Settings dialog.
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6. AVG User Interface
AVG 9 Free 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 sec tion of the window) offer an overview of
all installed AVG c omponents - details >>
· Statistics (left bottom section of the window) provide you with all statistical
data regarding the programs operation - details >>
· System Tray Icon (bottom right corner of the monitor, on the system tray)
indic ates the AVG current status - details >>
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6.1. 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 9 Free main window. Use the
system menu to access specific AVG components, feature, and services.
The system menu is divided into five main sections:
6.1.1. File
· Exit - closes the AVG 9 Free's user interface. However, the AVG will continue
running in the background and your computer will still be protected!
6.1.2. Components
The Components item of the system menu includes links to all installed AVG
components, opening their default dialog page in the user interfac e:
· System overview - switch to the default user interface dialog with the
overview of all installed c omponents 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
· E-mail Scanner - opens the default page of the E-mail Scanner component
· Identity Protection - AVG Identity Protection is an anti-malware product
that is foc used on preventing identity thieves from stealing your passwords,
bank account details, credit card numbers and other personal digital valuables
from all kinds of malicious software (malware) that target your PC. It makes
sure that all programs running on your PC are operating correctly. AVG
Identity Protection spots and blocks suspicious behavior on a continuous
basis and protects your computer from all new malware. Unfortunately, AVG
Identity Protection is not implemented in your free version of AVG. However,
you may follow this link to open the AVG website (http://www.avg.com/) on
the respective page offering you purchase of the professional AVG product, or
at least the AVG Identity Protection component.
· License - opens the default page of the License component
· Link Scanner - opens the default page of the Link Scanner component
· Resident Shield - opens the default page of the Resident Shield component
· Update Manager - opens the default page of the Update Manager
component
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6.1.3. 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.
· 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 9 Free actions.
6.1.4. Tools
· Scan computer - switches to the AVG scanning interface and launches a scan
of the whole c omputer
· Scan selected folder - switches to the AVG scanning interface and allows you
to define within the tree structure of your computer which files and folders
should be scanned
· Scan file - allows you to run an on-demand test over a single file selected from
the tree structure of your disk
· Update - automatically launches the update process of AVG 9 Free
· 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 acc ess
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 9 Free configuration. Generally, it is recommended to keep
the default settings of the application as defined by the software vendor.
6.1.5. Help
· Contents - opens the AVG help files
· Get Help Online - opens the AVG website (http://www.avg.com/) at the
customer support center page
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· Your AVG Web - opens the AVG website (http://www.avg.com/)
· About Viruses and Threats - opens the online Virus Encyclopedia where you
can look up detailed information on the identified virus
· Buy now - opens the AVG website (http://www.avg.com/) at the online store
where you can purchase a c opy of AVG.
· Register AVG Anti-Virus Free - opens AVG Free website (http://free.avg.
com/) at the registration page where you can register to get the full access
to a new web-based discussion forum where you can receive technical
support.
· Premium Support - opens you browser and takes you to AVG Support Center
page, where you can select your product type to view all support options
available for you.
· About AVG - opens the Information dialog with five tabs providing data on
program name, program and virus database version, system info, license
agreement, and contact information of AVG Technologies CZ.
6.2. Security Status Info
The Security Status Info section is located in the upper part of the AVG main
window. Within this sec tion you will always find information on the current security
status of your AVG 9 Free. Please see an overview of icons possibly depicted in this
section, and their meaning:
The green icon indicates that your AVG 9 Free is fully functional. Your
computer is c ompletely 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 9 Free 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 dec ided to ignore a
component's error status (the "Ignore component state" option is available from
the context menu opened by a right-c lick over the respective component's ic on
in the component overview of the AVG main window). You may need to use this
option in a specific situation but it is stric tly recommended to switch off the "
Ignore component state" option as soon as possible.
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The red icon indicates that AVG 9 Free 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.
It is strongly recommended that you pay attention to Security Status Info and in
case the report indicates any problem, go ahead and try to solve it
immediately. Otherwise your computer is at risk!
Note: AVG status information can also be obtained at any moment from the system
tray icon.
6.3. 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 switc h from any c urrently opened AVG interfac e to
the default one with an overview of all installed components - see c hapter
Components Overview >>
· Computer scanner - use this link to open the AVG scanning interface where
you can run tests directly, sc hedule scans, or edit their parameters - see
chapter AVG Tests >>
· Update now - this link open the updating interfac e, 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.
6.4. Components Overview
The Components Overview section is located in the central part of the AVG User
Interface. The sec tion is divided into two parts:
· Overview of all installed components consisting of a panel with the
component's ic on and the information of whether the respective component is
active or inactive
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· Description of a selected component
Within the AVG 9 Free the Components Overview section contains information on
the following components:
· Anti-Virus ensures that your computer is protec ted from viruses trying to
enter your computer - details >>
· Anti-Spyware scans your applications in the background as you run them -
details >>
· Link Scanner chec ks the search results displayed in your internet browser -
details >>
· E-mail Scanner checks all incoming and outgoing mail for viruses - details >>
· Identity Protection - AVG Identity Protection is an anti-malware product that is
focused on preventing identity thieves from stealing your passwords, bank account
details, credit c ard numbers and other personal digital valuables from all kinds of
malicious software (malware) that target your PC. It makes sure that all programs
running on your PC are operating correctly. AVG Identity Protection spots and
blocks suspicious behavior on a continuous basis and protec ts your computer from all
new malware. Unfortunately, AVG Identity Protection is not implemented in your free
version of AVG. However, you may follow this link to open the AVG website (http://
www.avg.com/) on the respective page offering you purchase of the professional
AVG product, or at least the AVG Identity Protection component.
· License provides full wording of the AVG License Agreement - 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 c omponent's icon to highlight it within the components overview. At
the same time, the c omponent's basic functionality description appears in the bottom
part of the user interfac e. Double-click the icon to open the components own
interface with a list of basic statistic al data.
Right-click you mouse over a component's icon to expand a c ontext menu: besides
opening the c omponent's graphic interface you can also select to Ignore component
state. Select this option to express you are aware of the component's error state but
for some reason you wish to keep your AVG so.
6.5. 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
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· 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 9.0.xx, where 9.0 is the product line version, and xx stands for
the number of the build)
· License type - informs that you are using Free AVG license
6.6. System Tray Icon
System Tray Icon (on your Windows taskbar) indicates the current status of your
AVG 9 Free. 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. Alternatively, AVG system tray icon can be displayed in full color
with an exclamation mark meaning AVG is in error state but you are fully aware of
this situation and you have deliberately decided to Ignore the component state.
This icon depiction generally 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 ac cess the AVG main
window at any time - double click on the icon. By right-click on the System Tray Icon
you open a brief context menu with the following options:
· Open AVG User Interface - clic k to open the AVG User Interfac e
· Scans - click to open the context menu of predefined scans (Scan Whole
Computer, Scan Specific Files or Folders) and select the required scan, it will
be launched immediately
· Update now - launches an immediate update
· Help - opens the help file on the start page
The System tray icon further informs on c urrent AVG activities and possible status
changes in the program (e.g. automatic launch of a scheduled scan or update, a
component's status change, error status occurrence, ...) via a pop-up window
opened from the AVG system tray icon:
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During the scan running, you can use the System Tray Icon quic k links :
· Scan Whole Computer (alternatively name of the currently launched sc an) -
allows you to Set priority of the currently running scan (see scan priority),
Pause, or Stop scan
· Set priority for all scans - this options allows you to set up the general level
of the scan priority to be used for all scans launched in the future
· Pause all scans
· Stop all scans
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7. AVG Components
7.1. Anti-Virus
7.1.1. 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 ac tion 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, AntiVirus c ombines several technologies to ensure that your computer is protec ted 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.
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7.1.2. Anti-Virus Interface
The Anti-Virus component's interface provides some basic information on the
component's functionality, information on the component's c urrent status (Anti-Virus
component is active.), and a brief overview of Anti-Virus statistics:
· Infection definitions - number provides the count of viruses defined in the
up-to-date version of the virus database
· Database release- 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 c hange 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.
7.2. Anti-Spyware
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7.2.1. 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 applic ations 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 9 Free 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 sc anning feature. It also
detects sleeping and non-active malware, i.e. malware that has been downloaded but
not yet activated.
7.2.2. Anti-Spyware Interface
The Anti-Spyware component's interface provides a brief overview on the
component's functionality, information on the component's c urrent status (Anti-
Spyware component is active.), and some Anti-Spyware statistics:
· Spyware definitions - number provides the count of spyware samples defined
in the latest spyware database version
· Database release - specifies when and at what time the spyware database
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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 c hange 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.
7.3. E-mail Scanner
One of the most common sourc es of viruses and trojans is via e-mail. Phishing and
spam make e-mail an even greater source of risks. Free e- mail ac counts 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.
7.3.1. E-mail Scanner Principles
The E-mail Scanner component scans incoming/outgoing e-mails automatically. You
can use it with e-mail clients that do not have their own plug-in in AVG (e.g. Outlook
Express, Mozilla, Incredimail, etc .).
During AVG installation there are automatic servers created for e-mail control: one for
checking incoming e-mails and the second one for checking outgoing e-mails. Using
these two servers e-mails are automatically checked on ports 110 and 25 (standard
ports for sending/rec eiving e-mails).
E-mail Scanner works as an interface between e-mail client and e-mail servers on the
Internet.
· Incoming mail: While receiving a message from the server, the E-mail
Scanner component tests it for viruses, removes infected attachments, and
adds certification. When detected, viruses are quarantined in Virus Vault
immediately. Then the message is passed to the e-mail client.
· Outgoing mail: Message is sent from e-mail client to E-mail Scanner; it tests
the message and its attachments for viruses and then sends the message to
the SMTP server (scanning of outgoing e-mails is disabled by default, and c an
be set up manually).
Note: AVG E-mail Scanner is not intended for server platforms!
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7.3.2. 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 c urrent status (E-mail Scanner is active.
), and the following statistics:
· Total e-mails scanned - how many e-mail messages were sc anned 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 protec tion
plug-in referring to your default installed e-mail client
Basic component configuration
In the bottom part of the dialog you can find the section named E-mail Scanner
settings where you can edit some elementary features of the component's
functionality:
· Scan incoming messages - check the item to specify that all e-mails deliver
ed 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.
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· 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 c onfiguration of the E-mail Scanner component is ac cessible 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 c hange 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 interfac e 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)
7.3.3. E-mail Scanner Detection
In the E-mail Scanner detection dialog (accessible via system menu option History /
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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
· Detection time - date and time the suspicious object was detected
· 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).
Control buttons
The control buttons available within the E-mail Scanner detection interface are as
follows:
· Refresh list - updates the list of detected threats
· Back - switches you back to the previous displayed dialog
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7.4. License
In the Licence component interfac e you will find a brief text describing the
component's functionality, information on its c urrent status (License component is
active.), and the following information:
· License number - provides the exact form of your license number.
· License type - spec ifies the product type installed.
· Number of seats - how many workstations on which you are entitled to install
your AVG 9 Free - Free products are intended for non-commercial and home
use only, and are valid for one license only.
Control buttons
· Buy now - opens the AVG website (http://www.avg.com/) at the online store
where you can purchase the full version of a selected AVG product.
· Register - opens AVG Free website (http://free.avg.com/) at the registration page
where you can register to get the full ac cess to a new web-based discussion forum
where you can receive technical support.
· Back - press this button to return to the default AVG user interface (c omponents
overview).
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7.5. Link Scanner
7.5.1. Link Scanner Principles
The LinkScanner component provides protection against websites, that are designed
to install malware into your computer via the web browser or its plugins. The
LinkScanner technology consists of two features, AVG Search-Shield and AVG
Active Surf-Shield:
· AVG Search Shield contains list of websites (URL addresses) which are known
to be dangerous. When searching Google, Yahoo!, WebHledani, Yandex, Baidu,
Bing, AOL, AltaVista, EarthLink, Ask, Seznam, eBay, Twitter, Digg, or SlashDot,
all results of the search are checked according to this list and a verdic t icon is
shown (for Yahoo! search results only "exploited website" verdict icons are
shown). Also if you type some address directly into your browser, click a link
on any website or e.g. in your e-mail, it is checked automatic ally and blocked if
necessary.
· AVG Active Surf-Shield scans the contents of the websites you are visiting,
regardless of the websites address. Even if some website is not detected by
AVG Search Shield (e.g. when a new malicious website is created, or when a
previously clean website now contains some malware), it will be detected and
blocked by AVG Active Surf-Shield once you try to visit it.
Note: AVG Link Scanner is not intended for server platforms!
7.5.2. Link Scanner Interface
The LinkScanner component consists of two parts that you can switch on/off in the
LinkScanner component interfac e:
The LinkScanner component interface provides a brief description of the component's
functionality and information on its current status (LinkScanner component is active.).
Further, you can find the information on the latest LinkScanner database version
number (LinkScanner Version).
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In the bottom part of the dialog you can edit several options:
· Enable AVG Search-Shield - (on by default): advisory notifying icons on
searches performed in Google, Yahoo!, WebHledani, Yandex, Baidu, Bing, AOL,
AltaVista, EarthLink, Ask, Seznam, eBay, Twitter, Digg, or SlashDot having
checked ahead the content of sites returned by the searc h engine.
· Enable AVG Active Surf-Shield - (on by default): active (real-time)
protection against exploitive sites as they are accessed. Known malicious site
connections and their exploitive c ontent is blocked as they are accessed by
the user via a web browser (or any other application that uses HTTP).
· Enable reporting of detected threats to AVG - mark this item to allow back
reporting of exploits and bad sites found by users either via AVG Active Surf-
Shield or AVG Search-Shield to feed the database c ollecting information on
malicious activity on the web.
7.5.3. AVG Search-Shield
When searc hing Internet with the AVG Search-Shield on, all search results returned
from the most popular search engines (Google, Yahoo!, WebHledani, Yandex, Baidu,
Bing, AOL, AltaVista, EarthLink, Ask, Seznam, eBay, Twitter, Digg, or SlashDot) are
evaluated for dangerous or suspicious links. By checking these links and marking the
bad links, the AVG Link Scanner 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:
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The linked page is safe (with Yahoo! search engine within AVG Link Sc anner
this icon will not be displayed!).
The linked page does not contain threats but is somewhat suspicious (
questionable in origin or motive, therefore not recommended for e-shopping
etc.).
The linked page can be either safe itself, but containing further links to
positively dangerous pages; or suspicious in code, though not directly employing
any threats at the moment.
The linked page contains active threats! For your own safety, you will not be
allowed to visit this page.
The linked page is not accessible, and so could not be scanned.
Hovering over an individual rating icon will display details about the particular link in
question. Information include additional details of the threat (if any), the IP address of
the link and when the page was sc anned by AVG:
VeriSign Seal
Besides the above listed AVG Search Shield verdict icons, you can also see the
VeriSign icon in your browser. However, this icon display refers only to pages
websites that participate in the Verisign Seal project. In such a case, the VeriSign
icon will be displayed next to any link in the search results list, or next to the
sponsored links. For instance, if the website is considered safe, you will see the
VeriSign icon next to the green AVG Search Shield icon. If the site is considered
potentially dangerous, you will be informed via the AVG verdic t icon only.
The VeriSign icons are supported in the following browsers: Altavista, AOL, Ask,
Baidu, Bing, Earthlink, Google, Seznam, Webhledani, Yandex, and Yahoo!
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7.5.4. 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 Link Scanner will not allow your
browser to display it.
If you do encounter a malicious web site, within your web browser the AVG Link
Scanner will warn you with a screen similar to:
Entering such web site is highly risky and it cannot be recommended!
7.6. Resident Shield
7.6.1. Resident Shield Principles
The Resident Shield component gives your computer continuous protection. It scans
every single file that is being opened, saved, or c opied, and guards the system areas
of the computer. When 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. Normally, you do not even notice the process, as it runs "in the background",
and you only get notified when threats are found; at the same time, Resident Shield
blocks ac tivation of the threat and removes it. Resident Shield is being loaded in the
memory of your computer during system startup.
Warning: Resident Shield is loaded in the memory of your computer during
startup, and it is vital that you keep it switched on at all times!
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7.6.2. 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 interfac e offers some elementary component settings options, too.
The statistics is as follows:
· Resident Shield has been running for - provides the time since the latest
component's launch
· Threats detected and blocked - number of detec ted infections that were
prevented from being run/opened (if needed, this value can be reset; e.g. for
statistic purposes - Reset value)
Resident Shield settings
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 c omponents, is available via the
File/Advanced settings item of the system menu).
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The Resident Shield 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 impac t on the security level, and it only reflects your preferences.
In both c ases, you can still select whether you want to Scan for Tracking Cookies.
In specific cases you c an 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 c hange 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 / Files
Excludes dialog where you can define folders that should be left out from the
Resident Shield scanning
· Save changes - press this button to save and apply any changes made in this
dialog
· Cancel - press this button to return to the default AVG user interface
(components overview)
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7.6.3. 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 detec ted, 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
· Go to file - this option redirects you to the exact location of the suspicious
object (opens new Windows Explorer window)
· Ignore - we strictly recommend NOT TO use this option unless you have a
very good reason to do so!
The entire overview of threats detected by Resident Shield can be found in the
Resident Shield detection dialog accessible via system menu option History /
Resident Shield detection:
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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
· Detection time - date and time the object was detected
· 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).
7.7. Update Manager
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7.7.1. Update Manager Principles
No security software can guarantee true protec tion 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 attac ks 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!
7.7.2. Update Manager Interface
The Update Manager's interface displays information about the component's
functionality and its current status (Update manager is active.), and provides the
relevant statistic al 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
· Next scheduled update - spec ifies when and at what time the database is
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scheduled to be updated again
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 switc hed 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 a specific time, when the update should be launched. By
default, the update is set for 17:00 every day. 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 c hange 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 interfac e are as follows:
· Update now - launches an immediate update on demand
· Save changes - press this button to save and apply any changes made in this
dialog
· Cancel - press this button to return to the default AVG user interface
(components overview)
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8. AVG Security Toolbar
AVG Security Toolbar is a new tool which works together with the AVG Link Scanner
component and chec ks search results of the supported Internet search engines (
Google, Yahoo!, WebHledani, Yandex, Baidu, Bing, AOL, AltaVista, EarthLink, Ask,
Seznam, eBay, Twitter, Digg, or SlashDot). AVG Security Toolbar can be used to
control AVG Link Scanner functions and to adjust its behavior.
If you select to install the toolbar during the installation of AVG 9 Free, it will be
added into your web browser automatically. In case you are using some alternative
Internet browser (e.g Avant Browser) you can meet unexpected behavior.
8.1. AVG Security Toolbar Interface
The AVG Security Toolbar is designed to work with MS Internet Explorer (version
6.0 or greater) and Mozilla Firefox (version 3.0 or greater). Once you have decided
you want to install AVG Security Toolbar (during the AVG installation process you
were asked to decide whether or not you wish to install the c omponent), the
component will be located in your web browser just under the address bar:
The AVG Security Toolbar consists of the following:
8.1.1. AVG logo button
This button provides access to general toolbar items. Click the logo button to get
redirected to AVG website. Clicking the pointer next to the AVG icon will open the
following:
· Toolbar Info - link to the AVG Security Toolbar home page with detailed
information on the toolbar's protection
· Launch AVG 9.0 - opens the AVG 9 Free user interfac e
· Options - opens a configuration dialog where you can adjust your AVG
Security Toolbar settings to suit your needs - see the following chapter AVG
Security Toolbar Options
· Delete History - allows you to Delete c omplete history of AVG Security
Toolbar, or to delete search history, delete browser history, delete download
history and delete c ookies.
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· Update - checks for new updates for your AVG Security Toolbar
· Help - provides options to open the help file, contact AVG technical support,
send your product related feedback, or view the details of the current version
of the toolbar
8.1.2. Yahoo! powered search box
Yahoo! powered search box is easy and safe way to search the web using Yahoo!
search. Enter a word or phrase into the search box press Search to start the search
on the Yahoo! server directly, no matter what page is c urrently displayed. The search
box also lists your search history. Searches done through the search box are analyzed
using the AVG Search-Shield protec tion.
8.1.3. Total Protection
This button opens the Security tab in the Toolbar Options dialog, allowing you to
assign AVG Security Toolbar functionality you want to use.
8.1.4. Page Status
Directly in the toolbar, this button displays the evaluation of the currently displayed
web page base on criteria of the AVG Active Surf-Shield component:
· The linked page is safe (with Yahoo! search engine within AVG Security
Toolbar this icon will not be displayed!).
· Page is somewhat suspicious.
· Page containing links to positively dangerous pages.
· The linked page contains active threats! For your own safety, you will not
be allowed to visit this page.
· The page is not accessible, and so could not be scanned.
Click the button to open an information panel with detailed data on the specific web
page.
8.1.5. AVG News
Directly from within the AVG Security Toolbar, this button opens an overview of the
latest Headline news related to AVG, both news from the press and company press
release:
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In the right upper corner you can see two red control buttons:
· - the button opens the editing dialog where you can specify parameters of
the AVG News button displayed within the AVG Security Toolbar:
o
Button name - you have the option to change the button name as it will
be displayed within AVG Security Toolbar
o
Show messages - change the desired number of messages that are to
be displayed at a time
o
RSS design - select between Advanced/Basic mode of the current
display of the news overview (by default, the Advanced mode is selected
- see picture above)
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o
Hide read messages - mark this item to confirm that each read
message should not be displayed any longer, so that new messages c an
be supplied
o
Button shows - in this field you can select the respective news
categories that you want to have displayed in your news overview
within AVG Security Toolbar
· - click this button to c lose the currently opened news overview
8.1.6. News
Similarly, directly from within the AVG Security Toolbar, this button opens an
overview of the latest news from selected media divided into several sections:
In the right upper corner you can see two red control buttons:
· - the button opens the editing dialog where you can specify parameters of
the News button displayed within the AVG Security Toolbar:
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· - click this button to c lose the currently opened news overview
8.1.7. AVG Info
The button provides links to important security information related to AVG 9 Free:
· Toolbar Info - link to the AVG Security Toolbar home page with detailed
information on the toolbar's protection
· AVG News - opens the web page providing the latest AVG related press
release
· Current Threat Level - opens the virus lab web page with a graphical display
of the current threat level on the web
· Virus Encyclopedia - opens the Virus Encyclopedia page where you can
search the specific viruses by name and get detailed information on each one
· Upgrade My AVG 9 Free - opens the webpage offering the option of upgrade
to the full professional version of AVG products
8.1.8. Get More
Get More button opens a webpage where you can learn about many benefits of AVG
paid product and easily purchase one of them.
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8.1.9. E-mail Notifier
The E-mail Notifier button allows you to activate the option of being informed about
newly arrived e-mail messages directly in the AVG Security Toolbar interface. The
button opedns the following editing dialog where you c an define parameters of your email account and the e-mail display rules. Please follow the instructions in the dialog:
8.1.10. Weather Info
The Weather button displays the information on the current temperature (updated
every 3-6 hours) in your selected destination directly within the AVG Security
Toolbar interface. Click the button to open a new info panel with detailed weather
overview:
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Following find the editing options:
· Change location - click the Change location text to display a new dialog
called Search for your location. Fill in the name of your desired location into
the text field, and c onfirm by clicking the Search button. Next, within the list
of all locations of the same name select the destination you are looking for.
Finally, the info panel will be displayed again providing the weather information
for the selected location.
· Fahrenheit / Celsius converter - in the upper right-hand corner of the info
panel you can chose between the Fahrenheit and Celsius scales. Based on
your selection, the temperature information will be further provided in the
selected scale.
· Full Forecast - if interested in full and detailed forecast, use the Full Forecast link
to get to the specialized weather website at http://weather.yahoo.com/
8.1.11. Facebook
The Facebook button allows you connect to the Facebook social network from the
AVG Security Toolbar directly. Click the button, and the login invitation appears;click
again to open the Facebook login dialog. In the dialog provide your access data, that
means your e-mail address and password, and press the Connect button. If you do
not have a Facebook account yet, you can create one directly using the Sign up for
Facebook link:
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Further, go to the following Facebook dialog where you will be invited to allow the
AVG Social Extension application. This application functionality is essential for the
toolbar - Facebook connection, therefore it is recommended to allow its functioning.
Press the Allow Status Updates button to confirm:
The Facebook connection has been activated. The Facebook button within AVG
Security Toolbaru now offers the standard Fac ebook menu options:
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8.1.12. VeriSign Identity Protection
On the right side of AVG Security Toolbar you can see the VeriSign button referring
to VeriSign Identity Protec tion:
VeriSign Identity Protection principles
VeriSign Identity Protection (VIP) helps protect your accounts and your identity by
requiring a unique security c ode, in addition to your user name and password, to
access your online accounts. VIP is based on so called two-factor authentication
which combines something you know (such as your username and password) with
something unique that only you can generate instantaneously before logging to a site
(a security code in this case) to verify an identity or to verify a transaction.
Recommended: For detailed information on VeriSign Identity Protec tion please
consult the VeriSign website.
VeriSign Identity Protection member websites
The VeriSign button is displayed either in green color (for all recognized VIP
member website), or in gray color (for all non-VIP member sites or VIP
member sites that the Toolbar does not recognize). This basically means that the
VeriSign Identity Protection can only be activated on websites that are members of
the VIP programme (VIP member sites, VIP network). A VIP member site is a website
maintained by a company that offers an additional layer of protection to their users
with VeriSign Identity Protection.
For overview of currently registered websites please visit https://vipmobile.verisign.
com/wheretouse.v.
How it works?
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When you visit a website that is a VIP member, VeriSign Identity Protection within
AVG Security Toolbar will recognize the site, and inform you about this fac t by
displaying the following info panel:
Within this website, you can apply the VeriSign Identity Protection, and use the
AVG Security Toolbar VeriSign button to view your VIP credential. VIP credential is
a unique identifier consisting of 12 alphanumeric characters. This identification is to be
used while you register at any VIP member site where you have an online account.
Your VIP credential is unique to each installation of the AVG Security Toolbar and so
if you have multiple toolbars installed on different computers you will need to register
each toolbar to the member sites you would like to use.
To gain your VIP credential, clic k Next to continue to the following dialog:
After you register your VIP credential at the VIP member site, the next time you enter
the site, your VIP credential ID will be recognized automatically - the following dialog
will pop-up displaying your registered VIP credential, and a specific security code. For
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your protection, the sec urity code is valid within a limited timeframe. A new security
code is dynamically generated by the VIP c redential every 30 seconds:
To succ essfully login to the VIP member site, you will be required to input your login
name, password and the security code generated by AVG Security Toolbar.
8.2. AVG Security Toolbar Options
All AVG Security Toolbar parameters configuration is accessible directly within the
AVG Security Toolbar panel. The editing interface opens via the AVG / Options toolbar
menu item in a new dialog called Toolbar Options divided into four sections:
8.2.1. Tab General
On this tab you c an specify toolbar control buttons that should be displayed or hidden
within the AVG Security Toolbar panel. Mark any option in case you want to have
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displayed the respective button. Further find described the functionality of each of the
toolbar buttons:
· Page Status Button - the button offers the possibility of having displayed the
information on the currently opened page security status within AVG Security
Toolbar
· AVG News Button - the button opens a web page providing the latest AVG
related press release
· News Button - the button provides a structured overview of current news
from the daily press
· AVG Info Button - the button offers information on AVG toolbar, on current
threats and the internet threat level, opens the virus encyclopedia, and
provides more AVG products related news
· Delete History Button - this button allows you to Delete c omplete history, or
Delete search history, Delete browser history, Delete download history, or
Delete cookies directly from the AVG Security Toolbar panel.
· E-mail Notifier Button - the button allows you to have displayed your newly
arrived e-mail messages within the AVG Security Toolbar interface
8.2.2. Tab Useful Buttons
The Useful Buttons tab allows you to select applications from a list and have their
icon displayed in the toolbar interface. The icon then serves as a quick link enabling to
launch the respective application immediately.
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8.2.3. Tab Security
The Security tab is divided into two sections, AVG Browser Security and Ratings,
where you can mark specific check-boxes to assign AVG Security Toolbar
functionality you want to use:
· AVG Browser Security - check this item to activate or switch-off the AVG
Search-Shield and/or AVG Active Surf-Shield service
· Ratings - select graphical symbols used for search results ratings by the AVG
Search-Shield component that you want to use:
o
page is safe
o
page is somewhat suspicious
o
page containing links to positively dangerous pages
o
page contains active threats
o
page is not accessible, and so could not be scanned
Mark the respective option to confirm you want to be informed about this
specific threat level. However, display of the red mark assigned to pages
containing active and dangerous threats cannot be switched-off. Again, it is
recommended to keep the default configuration set by the program vendor
unless you have a real reason to change it.
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8.2.4. Tab VIP
This tab allows you to set the VeriSign Identity Protection parameters. First decide
whether the following options should be allowed:
· Enable VIP for secure authentication - mark this option to activate the
VeriSign protection.
· Always display the VeriSign button on the toolbar - this option is only
activated in case you marked the previous Enable VIP for secure
authentication option. If checked, the VeriSign logo appears on the AVG
Security Toolbar. Other wise, the logo will be hidden.
Next, these two control buttons are available:
· Restore Messaging - when navigating to a registered member VIP website
you will be automatically informed about this fact by the following info panel:
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In the bottom sec tion of the panel you can see and activate the Don't remind
me again in this Web site option - if marked, the next time you enter the
specific website, the info panel will not be displayed again. However, if in the
future you dec ide to change this settings, and you will want to restore displaying
the member site info for all VIP websites, press the Restore Messaging button
to get back to the default settings for all registered domains.
· Reset - use this button in case the time synchronization on client and server
fails (for instance, when switching to daylight saving time, etc.); then you can
press the button to re-activate and synchronize the VIP protection.
8.2.5. Tab Advanced Options
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On the Advanced Options tab first select what search engine you want to use as
default. You have the choice of Yahoo!, Baidu, WebHledani, and Yandex. Having
changed the default search engine, please restart your internet browser for the
change to take effect.
Further, you can activate or switch-off further specific AVG Security Toolbar
settings:
· Set and keep Yahoo! as the search provider for Address bar - if marked,
this option allows you to type a search keyword directly into the address bar
into your Internet browser and the Yahoo! service will be used automatically to
search for relevant websites.
· Show Yahoo! search box on new tabs in the browser - this option is
marked by default, and having opened any new tab in your internet browser,
the page with a direct Yahoo! search will be displayed.
· Let AVG Link Scanner make suggestion on browser navigation errors
(404/DNS) - if when searching the web you run into a non-existing page, or
a page that cannot be displayed (404 error), you will be automatically
redirected to a web page that allows you to select from an overview of
alternative topic -related pages.
· Set and keep Yahoo! as the search provider for your browser - Yahoo! is
the default search engine for web search within AVG Security Toolbar, and
activating this option it can also become your web browser default search
engine.
· Re-display the AVG Security Toolbar when hidden (weekly) - this option is
active by default and when your AVG Security Toolbar gets hidden
accidentally, it will re-display it again within one week term.
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9. AVG Advanced Settings
The advanced c onfiguration dialog of AVG 9 Free 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.
9.1. Appearance
The first item of the navigation tree, Appearance, refers to the general settings of
the AVG user interface and a few elementary options of the application's behavior:
Language selection
In the Language selection section you can chose your desired language from the
drop-down menu; the language will then be used for the entire AVG user interface.
The drop-down menu only offers those languages you have previously selected to be
installed during the installation process (see chapter Custom Installation - Component
Selection). However, to finish switching the application to another language you have
to restart the user interface; follow these steps:
· Select the desired language of the application and confirm your selection by
pressing the Apply button (right-hand bottom corner)
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· Press the OK button confirm
· New dialog window pops-up informing you the language change of AVG user
interface requires the application restart:
Balloon tray notifications
Within this section you c an 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/unchec king the following options:
· Display system tray notifications - check/uncheck this item to turn off/on
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 components state change notification - decide whether
information regarding component's activity/inactivity or its possible
problem should be displayed. When reporting a c omponent'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
Display Resident Shield related tray notifications - decide whether
information regarding file saving, copying, and opening processes should
be displayed or suppressed;
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 E-mail Scanner related tray notifications - decide whether
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information upon sc anning of all incoming and outgoing e-mail messages
should be displayed.
Gaming mode
This AVG function is designed for full-screen applications that need to communicate
over Internet and possible AVG ask dialogs would affect the application (minimize it or
corrupt its graphics). To avoid this situation, keep the check box for the Enable
gaming mode when a full-screen application is executed option marked (default
setting).
9.2. Sounds
Within the Sounds dialog you can spec ify whether you want to be informed about
specific AVG actions by a sound notification. If so, check the Enable sound events
option (off by default) to activate the list of AVG actions:
Then, select the respective event from the list and browse (Browse) your disk for an
appropriate sound you want to assign to this event. To listen to the selected sound,
highlight the event in the list and push the Play button. Use the Delete button to
remove the sound assigned to a specific event.
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Note: Only *.wav sounds are supported!
9.3. Ignore Faulty Conditions
In the Ignore faulty components conditions dialog you can tick those components
that you do not want to get informed about:
By default, no component is selected in this list. It means that if any c omponent get
to an error status, you will be informed about it immediately via:
· system tray icon - while all parts of AVG are working properly, the icon is
displayed in four colors; however, if an error occurs, the icon appears with a
yellow exclamation mark,
· text description of the existing problem in the Security Status Info section of
the AVG main window
There might be a situation that for some reason you need to switch a c omponent 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 automatic ally 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
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displayed with the exclamation mark, 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 c omponents
directly from the components overview in the AVG main window.
9.4. 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)
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9.5. PUP Exceptions
AVG 9 Free is able to analyze and detec t executable applic ations 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 c an
edit the list, delete existing items, or add new exceptions. The following information
can be found in the list for every single exception:
· File - provides the name of the respective application
· File Path - shows the way to the application's location
· 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.
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Control buttons
· Edit - opens an editing dialog (identical with the dialog for a new exception
definition, see below) of an already defined exception where you can c hange
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 c hosen 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
unchec ked
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9.6. Link Scanner
The LinkScanner settings dialog allows you to switch on/off the elementary features
of the LinkScanner:
· Enable AVG Search-Shield - (on by default): advisory notifying icons on
searches performed in Google, Yahoo!, WebHledani, Yandex, Baidu, Bing, AOL,
AltaVista, EarthLink, Ask, Seznam, eBay, Twitter, Digg, or SlashDot having
checked ahead the content of sites returned by the searc h engine.
· Enable AVG Active Surf-Shield - (on by default): active (real-time)
protection against exploitive sites as they are accessed. Known malicious site
connections and their exploitive c ontent is blocked as they are accessed by
the user via a web browser (or any other application that uses HTTP).
· Enable reporting of detected threats to AVG - (on by default): mark this
item to allow bac k reporting of exploits and bad sites found by users either via
AVG Active Surf-Shield or AVG Search-Shield to feed the database collecting
information on malicious activity on the web.
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9.7. 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 devic es attached
to your computer
9.7.1. 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
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The Scan settings section offers a list of scanning parameters that c an be optionally
switc hed on/off:
· Automatically heal/remove infection - (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, the infected object will be moved
to the Virus Vault, or deleted.
· Report Potentially Unwanted Programs and Spyware threats - (on by
default): chec k to activate the Anti-Spyware engine, and scan for spyware
as well as for viruses. Spyware represents a questionable malware category:
even though it usually represents a security risk, some of these programs can
be installed intentionally. We recommend to keep this feature activated as it
increases your computer security.
· Report enhanced set of Potentially Unwanted Programs - (off by default):
mark to detec t extended package of spyware: programs that are perfec tly ok
and harmless when acquired from the manufacturer directly, but can be
misused for malicious purposes later. This is an additional measure that
increases your computer security even more, however it can possibly block
legal programs, and is therefore switched off by default.
· 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 c heck the system areas of
your computer.
Further you should decide whether you want to have scanned
· All file types with the possibility of defining exceptions from scanning by
providing a list of comma separated file extensions that should not be scanned;
or
· Selected file types - you can specify that you want to scan only files that
are possibly infectable (files that cannot get infected will not be scanned, for
instance some plain text files, or some other non-executable files), including
media files (video, audio files - 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). Again, you can spec ify by
extensions which files are those that should always be scanned.
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· Optionally, you can decide you want to Scan files without extension - this
option is on by default, and it is recommended that you keep it so unless you
have a real reason to change it. Files with no extension are rather suspicious
and should be scanned at all times.
Scan process priority
Within the Scan process priority section you can further spec ify 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 c omputer is switched on but nobody is currently working on it). On the
other hand, you can dec rease system resources usage by extending the scanning
duration.
Set additional scan reports ...
Click the Set additional scan reports ... link to open a standalone dialog window
called Scan reports where you can tick several items to define what scan findings
should be reported:
9.7.2. Shell Extension Scan
Similar to the previous Scan whole computer item, this item named Shell extension
scan also offers several options for editing the sc an 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:
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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 switc hed on.
Note: For a description of specific parameters please consult the chapter AVG
Advanced Settings / Scans / Scan Whole Computer.
Compared to Scan whole computer dialog, the Shell extension scan dialog also
includes the section named Other settings related to AVG User Interface, where
you can spec ify whether you want the scan progress and scan results to be
accessible from the AVG user interface. Also, you can define that the scan result
should only be displayed in case an infec tion is detected during scanning.
9.7.3. 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:
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All parameters set up in this c onfiguration dialog apply only to the areas selected for
scanning with the Scan of specific files or folders!
Note: For a description of specific parameters please consult the chapter AVG
Advanced Settings / Scans / Scan Whole Computer.
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9.7.4. 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 devic es for potential threats since these are a
major source of infec tion. 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.
9.8. Schedules
In the Schedules section you can edit the default settings of:
· Scheduled scan
· Virus database update schedule
· Program update schedule
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9.8.1. Scheduled Scan
Parameters of the sc heduled scan can be edited on three tabs:
On the Schedule settings tab you can first check/uncheck the Enable this task item
to simply deactivate the sc heduled test temporarily, and switch it on again as the
need arises.
Next, in the text field called Name there is the name assigned to this very schedule
by the program vendor (it is not possible to change this name).
In this dialog you can further define the following parameters of the sc an:
Schedule running
Here, you can spec ify 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 interval ...),
or possibly by defining an event that the scan launch should be assoc iated with (
Action based on computer startup).
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Advanced schedule options
This section allows you to define under which conditions the scan should/should not
be launched if the computer is in low power mode or switched off completely.
Once the scheduled scan is launched in the time you have specified, you will be
informed on this fact via a pop-up window opened over the AVG system tray icon:
A new AVG system tray icon then appears (in full color with a white arrow - see
picture above) informing a scheduled scan is running. Right-click on the running scan
AVG icon to open a context menu where you can decide to pause or even stop the
running scan, and also change the priority of the currently running scan:
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On the How to scan tab you will find a list of scanning parameters that c an be
optionally switc hed on/off. By default, most parameters are switc hed 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 - (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, the infected object will be moved to the Virus
Vault, or deleted.
· Report Potentially Unwanted Programs and Spyware threats - (on by
default): chec k to activate the Anti-Spyware engine, and scan for spyware
as well as for viruses. Spyware represents a questionable malware category:
even though it usually represents a security risk, some of these programs can
be installed intentionally. We recommend to keep this feature activated as it
increases your computer security.
· Report enhanced set of Potentially Unwanted Programs - (off by default): mark
to detec t extended package of spyware: programs that are perfec tly ok and
harmless when acquired from the manufacturer directly, but can be misused for
malicious purposes later. This is an additional measure that increases your computer
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security even more, however it can possibly block legal programs, and is therefore
switc hed off by default.
· Scan for Tracking Cookies - (switched on, by default): this parameter of the Anti-
Spyware component defines that cookies should be detec ted 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 chec k all files even if they are stored inside an archive, e.g. ZIP,
RAR, ...
· Use Heuristics - (switc hed 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 detec tion during scanning;
· Scan system environment - (switched on, by default): scanning will also check
the system areas of your computer;
Further you should decide whether you want to have scanned
· All file types with the possibility of defining exceptions from scanning by
providing a list of comma separated file extensions that should not be scanned;
or
· Selected file types - you can specify that you want to scan only files that
are possibly infectable (files that cannot get infected will not be scanned, for
instance some plain text files, or some other non-executable files), including
media files (video, audio files - 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). Again, you can spec ify by
extensions which files are those that should always be scanned.
· Optionally, you can decide you want to Scan files without extension - this
option is on by default, and it is recommended that you keep it so unless you
have a real reason to change it. Files with no extension are rather suspicious
and should be scanned at all times.
Scan process priority
Within the Scan process priority section you can further spec ify 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 sc anning 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 c omputer is switched on but nobody is currently working on it). On the
other hand, you can dec rease the system resources usage by extending the scanning
duration.
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Click the Set additional scan reports ... link to open a standalone dialog window
called Scan reports where you can tick several items to define what scan findings
should be reported:
Click the Additional scan settings ... to open a new Computer shutdown options
dialog where you can decide whether the computer should be shut down automatically
once the running scanning process is over. Having confirmed this option (Shutdown
computer upon scan completion), a new option activates that allows the computer
to shut down even if it is currently locked (Force shutdown if computer is locked).
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On the What to scan tab you can define whether you want to schedule scanning of
the whole computer or sc anning of spec ific 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.
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9.8.2. Virus Database Update Schedule
On the Schedule settings tab you can first check/uncheck the Enable this task item
to simply deactivate the sc heduled 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:
Next, in the text field called Name there is the name assigned to this very schedule
by the program vendor (it is not possible to change this name).
Schedule running
In this sec tion, specify the time intervals for the newly scheduled virus database
update launch. The timing can only be done by defining an exact date and time (Run
at specific time interval ...).
Advanced schedule options
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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 switc hed off
completely.
Other update settings
Finally, c heck the Run the update again after the Internet connection is available
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.
9.8.3. Program Update Schedule
On the Schedule settings tab you can first check/uncheck the Enable this task item
to simply deactivate the sc heduled program update temporarily, and switch it on again
as the need arises.
Next, in the text field called Name there is the name assigned to this very schedule
by the program vendor (it is not possible to change this name).
Schedule running
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Here, specify the time intervals for the newly scheduled program update launch. The
timing can only be done 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 program update should/
should not be launched if the computer is in low power mode or switched off
completely.
Other update settings
Check the Run the update again after the Internet connection is available 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.
9.9. E-mail Scanner
The E-mail Scanner dialog is divided into three sec tions:
· E-mail scanning - in this section select whether you want to scan the
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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 - spec ify whether the heuristic analysis method should
be used during scanning (Use heuristic), whether you want to c heck for the
presence of potentially unwanted programs (Report Potentially Unwanted
Programs and Spyware Threats, Report enhanced set of Potentially
Unwanted Programs), and whether archives should be scanned too (Scan
inside archives).
· E-mail attachments reporting - specify whether you wish to be notified via
e-mail about password protected archives, password protected documents,
mac ro 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.
9.9.1. Certification
In the Certification dialog you can specify exactly what text the certification note
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should contain, and in what language. This should be specified separately for
Incoming mail and Outgoing mail.
9.9.2. 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 dec ide to activate it, all e-mail message attachments detec ted 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, *.xls, ... files will be deleted
· Remove files with these comma separated extensions - will remove all
files with the defined extensions
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9.9.3. 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 c an select a
lower level (logging elementary c onnection information) or higher level (logging
of all traffic)
· Folder used to store log files - define where the log file should be located
9.9.4. Servers
In the Servers section you can edit parameters of the E-mail Scanner component
servers, or set up a new server using the Add new server button (alternatively, you
can right-c lick the Servers item in the tree-arranged navigation on the left and
select New server in the triggered context menu).
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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, acc ording to your email 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.
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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 spec ify 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 ac count 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 settings - 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.
· E-mail client POP3 server activation - c heck/uncheck this item to activate
or deactivate the specified POP3 server
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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, ac cording to your email 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 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:
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o
Local port - specifies the port on which the communication from your
mail application should be expected. You must then spec ify 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:
Ø Automatic - the outgoing mail is immediately delivered (sent) to the
target mail server
Ø 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 applic ation 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.
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9.10. Resident Shield
The Resident Shield component performs live protec tion of files and folders against
viruses, spyware and other malware.
In the Resident Shield Settings dialog you c an ac tivate or deactivate the Resident
Shield protec tion completely by checking/unchec king the Enable Resident Shield
item (this option is switched on by default). In addition you can select whic h
Resident Shield features should be ac tivated:
· Scan for Tracking cookies - (on by default):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 - (on by
default): chec k to activate the Anti-Spyware engine, and scan for spyware
as well as for viruses. Spyware represents a questionable malware category:
even though it usually represents a security risk, some of these programs can
be installed intentionally. We recommend to keep this feature activated as it
increases your computer security.
· Report enhanced set of Potentially Unwanted Programs - (off by default):
mark to detec t extended package of spyware: programs that are perfec tly ok
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and harmless when acquired from the manufacturer directly, but can be
misused for malicious purposes later. This is an additional measure that
increases your computer security even more, however it can possibly block
legal programs, and is therefore switched off by default.
· Scan files on close - (on by default): on-close scanning ensures that AVG
scans active objects (e.g. applications, doc uments …) when they are being
opened, and also when they are being closed; this feature helps you protect
your computer against some types of sophisticated virus.
· Scan boot sector of removable media - (on by default)
· Use Heuristics - (on by default): heuristic analysis will be used for detection (
dynamic emulation of the scanned object’s instructions in a virtual computer
environment)
· Auto-heal - (on by default): any detected infection will be healed
automatically if there is a cure available
9.10.1. Advanced Settings
In the Files scanned by the Resident Shield dialog it is possible to configure which
files will be scanned (by specific extensions):
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Decide whether you want all files to be scanned or just infectable files - if so, you can
further spec ify a list of extensions defining files that should be exc luded from scanning,
and also a list of file extensions defining files that must be scanned under all
circumstances.
9.10.2. Directory Exludes
The Resident Shield - Directory Excludes dialog offers the possibility of defining
folders that should be exc luded from the Resident Shield scanning.
If this is not essential, we strongly recommend not excluding any directories!
The dialog provides the following control buttons:
· Add path – specify directories to be excluded from the scanning by selecting
them one by one from the local disk navigation tree
· Add list – allows you to enter a whole list of directories to be excluded from
the Resident Shield scanning
· Edit path – allows you to edit the specified path to a selected folder
· Edit list – allows you to edit the list of folders
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