AVG Anti-Virus 2013 User Manual

AVG AntiVirus 2013

User Manual

Document revision 2013.16 (15.6.2013)

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, Copyright (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, Copyright (c) 1996-2002 Julian R. Seward.

Contents

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1. Introduction

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2. AVG Installation Requirements

2.1 Operation Systems Supported

2.2 Minimum & Recommended HW Requirements

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3. AVG Installation Process

3.1 Welcome: Language Selection

3.2 Welcome: License Agreement

3.3 Activate your license

3.4 Select type of installation

3.5 Custom options

3.6 Install AVG Security Toolbar

3.7 Install progress

3.8 Installation was successful

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4. After Installation

4.1 Product registration

4.2 Access to user interface

4.3 Scanning of the whole computer

4.4 Eicar test

4.5 AVG default configuration

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5. AVG User Interface

5.1 Upper Line Navigation

5.2 Security Status Info

5.3 Components Overview

5.4 My Apps

5.5 Scan / Update Quick Links

5.6 System Tray Icon

5.7 AVG Gadget

5.8 AVG Advisor

5.9 AVG Accelerator

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6. AVG Components

6.1 Computer

6.2 Web Browsing

6.3 Identity

6.4 Emails

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6.5 Quick Tune

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7. AVG Security Toolbar

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8. AVG Do Not Track

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8.1 AVG Do Not Track interface

8.2 Information on tracking processes

8.3 Blocking tracking processes

8.4 AVG Do Not Track settings

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9. AVG Advanced Settings

9.1 Appearance

9.2 Sounds

9.3 Temporarily disable AVG protection

9.4 Computer Protection

9.5 Email Scanner

9.6 Web Browsing Protection

9.7 Identity Protection

9.8 Scans

9.9 Schedules

9.10 Update

9.11 Exceptions

9.12 Virus Vault

9.13 AVG Self Protection

9.14 Privacy Preferences

9.15 Ignore error status

9.16 Advisor - Known Networks

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10. AVG Scanning

10.1 Predefined Scans

10.2 Scanning in Windows Explorer

10.3 Command Line Scanning

10.4 Scan Scheduling

10.5 Scan Results

10.6 Scan results details

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11. Virus Vault

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12. History

12.1 Scan results

12.2 Resident Shield detection

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12.3 Email Protection detection

12.4 Online Shield findings

12.5 Event history log

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13. AVG Updates

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13.1 Update launch

13.2 Update levels

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14. FAQ and Technical Support

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1. Introduction

This user manual provides comprehensive user documentation for AVG AntiVirus 2013. AVG AntiVirus 2013 offers real-time protection against today’s most sophisticated threats. You can chat,

download and exchange files with confidence; play games and watch videos without worry or interruption; download, share files and send messages safely; enjoy your life on social networks, or surf and search with of a real-time protection.

2. AVG Installation Requirements

2.1. Operation Systems Supported

AVG AntiVirus 2013 is intended to protect workstations with the following operating systems:

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) Windows 8 (x86 and x64, all editions) Windows 10 (x86 and x64, all editions)

(and possibly higher service packs for specific operating systems)

Note: The Identity component is not supported on Windows XP x64. On this operating system you can install AVG AntiVirus 2013 but only without the IDP component.

2.2. Minimum & Recommended HW Requirements

Minimum hardware requirements for AVG AntiVirus 2013:

Intel Pentium CPU 1.5 GHz or faster 512 MB (Windows XP) / 1024 MB (Windows Vista, Windows 7) of RAM memory

1.3 GB of free hard drive space (for installation purposes)

Recommended hardware requirements for AVG AntiVirus 2013:

Intel Pentium CPU 1.8 GHz or faster 512 MB (Windows XP) / 1024 MB (Windows Vista, Windows 7) of RAM memory

1.6 GB of free hard drive space (for installation purposes)

3. AVG Installation Process

To install AVG AntiVirus 2013 on your computer, you need to get the latest installation file. To make sure you are installing the up-to-date version of AVG AntiVirus 2013, it is recommended that you download the installation file from the AVG website (http://www.avg.com/). The Support / Downloads section provides a structured overview of the installation files for each AVG edition.

If you are not sure which files you need to download and install, you may want to use the Select product service at the bottom of the web page. After you answer three simple questions, this service defines the exact files you need. Press the Continue button to get redirected to a complete list of download files customized for your personal needs.

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 simple and easy to understand dialogs. Each dialog briefly describes what do at each step of the installation process. We offer a detailed explanation of each dialog window below:

3.1. Welcome: Language Selection

The installation process starts with the Welcome to AVG Installer dialog:

In this dialog you can select the language used for the installation process. Click the combo box to roll down the language menu. Select the desired language, and the installation process will proceed further in the language of your choice.

Attention: At the moment you are only selecting the language of the installation process. The AVG AntiVirus 2013 application will be installed in the selected language, and in English which is always installed automatically. However, it is possible to have more languages installed and to work with AVG AntiVirus 2013 in any of these. You will be invited to confirm your full selection of alternative languages in one of following setup dialogs named Custom Options.

3.2. Welcome: License Agreement

The Welcome to AVG Installer dialog provides then the full wording of the AVG license agreement:

Please read the entire text carefully. To confirm that you have read, understood, and accept the agreement press the Accept button. If you do not agree with the license agreement press the Decline button, and the installation process will be terminated immediately.

AVG Privacy Policy

Besides the license agreement, this setup dialog also offers you the option to learn more about AVG Fair Processing Notice, AVG Personalization, and AVG Privacy Policy (all mentioned functions are displayed in

the dialog in the form of an active hyperlink that takes you to the dedicated website where you can find detailed information). Click the respective link to get redirected to AVG website (http://www.avg.com/) where

you can find the full wording of these statements.

Control buttons

From the first setup dialog, there are only two control buttons available:

Printable version - Click the button to display the full wording of the AVG license agreement in a web interface, and well arranged for printing.

Decline - Click to refuse the license agreement. The setup process will quit immediately. AVG AntiVirus 2013 will not be installed!

Back - Click to return one step back to the previous setup dialog. Accept - Click to confirm you have read, understood, and accepted the license agreement. The

installation will continue, and you will go on one step further to the following setup dialog.

3.3. Activate your license

In the Activate Your License dialog you are invited to enter your license number into the provided text field:

Where to find the license number

The sales number can be found on the CD packaging in your AVG AntiVirus 2013 box. The license number will be in the confirmation email that you received after purchasing your AVG AntiVirus 2013 online. You must type in the number exactly as shown. If the digital form of the license number is available (in the email), it is recommended that you use the copy and paste method to insert it.

How to use the Copy & Paste method

Using the Copy & Paste method to enter your AVG AntiVirus 2013 license number into the program ensures that the number is correctly entered. Please follow these steps:

Open the email containing your license number. Click the left mouse button at the beginning of the license number, hold and drag the mouse to the

end of the number, and then release the button. The number should now be highlighted. Press and hold Ctrl,and then press C. This copies the number. Point and click the position where you would like to paste the copied number. Press and hold Ctrl,and then press V. This pastes the number to the location you selected.

Control buttons

As in most setup dialogs, there are three control buttons available:

Cancel - click to exit the setup process immediately; AVG AntiVirus 2013 will not be installed! Back - click to go one step back to the previous setup dialog. Next - click to continue the installation and go one step further.

3.4. Select type of installation

The Select type of installation dialog offers the choice of two installation options: Express and Custom Install:

Express installation

For most users, it is highly recommended that you keep the standard Express installation. This way you install AVG AntiVirus 2013 in fully automatic mode with settings predefined by the program vendor, including the AVG Gadget, the AVG Security Toolbar, and having configured the AVG Secure Search as the default search provider. 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 option of doing so directly in the AVG AntiVirus 2013 application.

Press the Next button to proceed to the following dialog of the installation process.

Custom installation

Custom Install should only be used by experienced users who have a valid reason to install AVG AntiVirus 2013 with non-standard settings; e.g. to fit specific system requirements. If you decide for this option, a new

section called Destination Folder appears in the dialog. Here, you are supposed to specify the location where AVG AntiVirus 2013 should be installed. By default, AVG AntiVirus 2013 will be installed to the program files folder located on drive C:, as stated in the text field in the dialog. If you want to change this location, use the Browse button to display the drive structure, and select the respective folder. To revert to the

default destination pre-set by the software vendor use the Default button. Then, press the Next button to proceed to the Custom Options dialog.

Control buttons

As within most setup dialogs, there are three control buttons available:

3.5. Custom options

The Custom Options dialog allows you to set up detailed parameters for the installation:

The Component Selection section provides an overview of all AVG AntiVirus 2013 components that can be installed. If the default settings do not suit you, you can remove/add specific components. However, you can

only select from components that are included in your purchased AVG edition! Highlight any item in the Component Selection list, and a brief description of the respective component will be displayed on the right

side of this section. For detailed information on each component's functionality please consult the

Components Overview chapter of this documentation. To revert to the default configuration pre-set by the

software vendor use the Default button.

Control buttons

As in most setup dialogs, there are three control buttons available:

Cancel - click to exit the setup process immediately; AVG AntiVirus 2013 will not be installed!

Back - click to go one step back to the previous setup dialog. Next - click to continue the installation and go one step further.

3.6. Install AVG Security Toolbar

In the Install AVG Security Toolbar dialog, decide whether you want to install the AVG Security Toolbar. If you do not change the default settings, this component will be installed automatically into your Internet browser (currently supported browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6.0 or higher, and Mozilla Firefox version 3.0 or higher) and to provide you with comprehensive online protection while surfing the Internet. At the moment, the supported Internet browsers are Internet Explorer (version 6.0 and higher), and/or Mozilla Firefox (version 3.0 and higher). No other browsers are supported (in case you are using some alternative Internet

browser, e.g Avant Browser, you may encounter unexpected behavior).

In the dialog you have the options to decide on the following configuration:

I accept the terms of the AVG End User License Agreement & Privacy Policy - this option needs to be confirm in order for the installation to continue!

I accept AVG Secure Search as my default search provider - check to confirm you want to use the AVG Secure Search engine that closely cooperates with the Link Scanner Surf Shield for your maximum security online.

I accept AVG Secure Search as my homepage and new tab page.

3.7. Install progress

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

After the installation process is finished, you will be automatically redirected to the next dialog.

Control buttons

There are two control buttons available in this dialog:

Minimize - The installation process may take several minutes. Click the button to minimize the dialog window into an icon visible on the system bar. The dialog appears again once the installation is completed.

Cancel - This button should only be used if you want to stop the current installation process. Please mind that in such a case your AVG AntiVirus 2013 will not be installed!

3.8. Installation was successful

The Installation was successful dialog confirms that your AVG AntiVirus 2013 has been fully installed and configured:

Product Improvement Program and Privacy Policy

Here you can decide whether you want to participate in the Product Improvement Program (for details see the chapter AVG Advanced Settings / Product Improvement Program) that collects anonymous information on

detected threats in order to increase the overall Internet security level. All data are treated as confidential and in compliance with AVG Privacy Policy; click the Privacy Policy link to get redirected to AVG website (http:// www.avg.com/) where you can find the the full wording of AVG Privacy Policy. If you agree, please keep the option checked (the option is confirmed, by default).

To finalize the installation process press the Finish button.

4. After Installation

4.1. Product registration

Having finished the AVG AntiVirus 2013 installation, please register you product online on the AVG website (http://www.avg.com/). After the registration you will be able to gain full access to your AVG user account, the AVG Update newsletter, and other services provided exclusively for registered users. The easiest way to register is directly from the AVG AntiVirus 2013 user interface. Please select the upper line navigation /

Options / Register now item. You will be redirected to the Registration page on the AVG website (http://

www.avg.com/). Please follow the instruction provided on the page.

4.2. Access to user interface

The AVG main dialog is accessible in several ways:

double-click the AVG system tray icon double-click the AVG icon on the desktop from the menu Start / All Programs / AVG / AVG 2013

4.3. Scanning of the whole computer

There is a potential risk that a computer virus has been transmitted to your computer prior to AVG AntiVirus 2013 installation. For this reason you should run a Scan of the whole computer to make sure there are no

infections on your PC. The first scan might take quite some time (about an hour) but it is recommended that you launch it to make sure your computer has not been compromised by a threat. For instructions on running a Scan of the whole computer consult the chapter AVG Scanning.

4.4. Eicar test

To confirm that AVG AntiVirus 2013 has been installed correctly you can perform the EICAR test. The EICAR test is a standard and absolutely safe method used to test antivirus system operation. It is safe to

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

Try to download the eicar.com file, and save it on your local disk. Immediately after you confirm downloading of the test file, your AVG AntiVirus 2013 will react to it with a warning. This notice demonstrates that AVG is correctly installed on your computer.

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

4.5. AVG default configuration

The default configuration (i.e. how the application is set up right after installation) of AVG AntiVirus 2013 is set 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. If you want to change the AVG configuration to better

suit your needs, go to AVG Advanced Settings: select the main menu item Options/Advanced settings, and edit the AVG configuration in the newly opened AVG Advanced Settings dialog.

5. AVG User Interface

AVG AntiVirus 2013 opens with the main window:

The main window is divided into several sections:

Upper line navigation consists of four active links lined up in the upper section of the main window (Like AVG, Reports, Support, Options). Details >>

Security Status Info provides basic information on the current status of your AVG AntiVirus 2013.

Details >>

Installed components overview can be found in a horizontal strip of blocks in the central section of the main window. The components are displayed as light green blocks labeled by the respective component icon, and provided with the information on the component status. Details >>

My Apps are graphically depicted in the lower central strip of the main window and offer you an overview of applications complementary to AVG AntiVirus 2013 that are either already installed on your computer, or recommended for installation. Details >>

Scan / Update quick links are placed in the lower line of blocks in the main window. These buttons allow an immediate access to the most important and most frequently used AVG functions. Details

Outside the main window of AVG AntiVirus 2013, there are two more control elements that you might use to access the application:

System tray icon is located in the bottom right-hand corner of the monitor (on the system tray), and indicates the current status of AVG AntiVirus 2013. Details >>

AVG gadget is accessible from the Windows sidebar (supported in OS Windows Vista/7/8 only),

allows quick access to scanning and updating within AVG AntiVirus 2013. Details >>

5.1. Upper Line Navigation

The Upper line navigation consists of several active links lined up in the upper section of the main window. The navigation includes the following buttons:

5.1.1. Like AVG

Single click the link to get connected to the AVG Facebook community and to share the latest AVG information, news, tips and tricks for your maximum internet security.

5.1.2. Reports

Opens a new Reports dialog with an overview of all relevant reports on previously launched scans and update processes. If the scan or update is currently running, a rotating circle will be displayed next to the Reports text in the upper navigation of the main user interface. Click this circle to get to the dialog depicting the progress of the running process:

5.1.3. Support

Opens a new dialog structured into four tabs where you can find all relevant information about AVG AntiVirus 2013:

License and Support - The tab provides information on the product name, the license number, and the expiration date. In the bottom section of the dialog you can also find a clearly arranged overview of all available contacts to customer support. The following active links and buttons are available in the tab:

o (Re)Activate - Click to open the new AVG Activate Software dialog. Fill in your license

number into the respective field to either replace your sales number (that you use during the

AVG AntiVirus 2013 installation), or to change your current license number for another (e.g. when upgrading to a higher AVG product).

o Copy to clipboard - Use this link to copy the license number, and paste it where needed. This

way you can be sure the license number is entered correctly.

o Renew now - We recommend that you purchase your AVG AntiVirus 2013 license renewal in

good time, at least one month prior to your current license expiration. You will be noticed of the approaching expiration date. Click this link to get redirected to AVG website (http:// www.avg.com/) where you find detailed information on your license status, the expiration date, and the renewal/upgrade offer.

Product - The tab provides an overview of the AVG AntiVirus 2013 most important technical data referring to product information, installed components, installed email protection, and system information:

Program - On this tab you can find information on the program file version, and on the third parties

code used in the product:

License Agreement - The tab offers the full wording of the license agreement between you and AVG Technologies:

5.1.4. Options

The maintenance of AVG AntiVirus 2013 is accessible via the Options item. Click the arrow to open the roll- down menu:

Scan computer launches a scan of the whole computer. Scan selected folder... - Switches to the AVG scanning interface and allows you to define within the

tree structure of your computer which files and folders should be scanned.

Scan file... - Allows you to run an on-demand test on a single specific file. Click this option to open a new window with the tree structure of your disk. Select the desired file, and confirm the scan launch.

Update - Automatically launches the update process for AVG AntiVirus 2013.

Update from directory... - Runs the update process from the update files located in a specified folder

on your local disk. However, this option is only recommended as an emergency, e.g. in situations where there is no connection to the Internet (for example, your computer is infected and disconnected from the Internet; your computer is connected to a network with no access to the Internet, etc.). In the newly opened window select the folder where you have previously placed the update file, and launch the update process.

Virus Vault - Opens the interface to 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, your computer's security is guaranteed, and at the same time the infected files are stored for possible future repair.

History - Offers further specific submenu options:

o Scan results - Opens a dialog providing an overview of scanning results.

o Resident Shield detection - Opens a dialog with an overview of threats detected by Resident

Shield.

o Identity Protection detection - Opens a dialog with an overview of threats detected by Identity

component.

o Email Protection detection - Opens a dialog with an overview of mail messages attachments

detected as dangerous by the Email Protection component.

o Online Shield findings - Opens a dialog with an overview of threats detected by Online Shield.

o Event history log - Opens the history log interface with an overview of all logged AVG AntiVirus

2013 actions.

Advanced settings... - Opens the AVG advanced settings dialog where you can edit the AVG

AntiVirus 2013 configuration. Generally, it is recommended that you keep the default settings of the

application as defined by the software vendor.

Help contents - Opens the AVG help files. Get support - Opens the AVG website (http://www.avg.com/) at the customer support center page. 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. (Re)Activate - Opens the Activate AVG dialog with the data you have provided during the installation

process. Within this dialog you can enter your license number to either replace the sales number (you

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

www.avg.com/). Please fill in your registration data; only customers who register their AVG product can receive free technical support. If using the trial version of AVG AntiVirus 2013, the latter two items appear as Buy now and Activate, allowing you to buy the full version of the program right away. For AVG AntiVirus 2013 installed with a sales number, the items display as Register and

Activate. About AVG - Opens a new dialog with four tabs providing data on your purchased license and

accessible support, product and program information, and the full wording of the license agreement.

5.2. Security Status Info

The Security Status Info section is located in the upper part of the AVG AntiVirus 2013 main window. Within this section you will always find information on the current security status of your AVG AntiVirus 2013. Please see an overview of icons possibly depicted in this section, and their meaning:

- the green icon indicates that your AVG AntiVirus 2013 is fully functional. Your computer is

completely protected, up-to-date, and all installed components are working properly.

- the yellow icon warns that one or more components are incorrectly configured and you should check their properties/settings. There is no critical problem in AVG AntiVirus 2013 and you have probably decided to switch a component off for some reason. You are still protected!. However, please pay attention to the problem component's settings! The incorrectly configured component will be displayed with a warning orange strip in the main user interface.

The yellow icon also appears if for some reason you have decided to ignore a component's error status. The Ignore error status option is accessible in the Advanced settings / Ignore error status branch. There you have the option to state you are aware of the component's error state but for some reason you wish to keep your AVG AntiVirus 2013 so and you do not want to be warned about it. You may need to use this option in a specific situation but it is strictly recommended that you switch the Ignore error status option off as soon as possible!

Alternatively, the yellow icon will also be displayed if your AVG AntiVirus 2013 requires a computer restart (Restart needed). Please pay attention to this warning and restart your PC.

- the orange icon indicates that AVG AntiVirus 2013 is in a critical status! One or more components do not work properly and AVG AntiVirus 2013 cannot protect your computer. Please pay immediate attention to fixing the reported problem! If you are not able to fix the error yourself, contact the AVG technical support team.

In case AVG AntiVirus 2013 is not set to the optimum performance, a new button named Click to fix (alternatively Click to fix it all if the problem involves more than one component) appears next to the security status information. Press the button to launch an automatic process of checking and configuring the program. This is an easy way to set AVG AntiVirus 2013 to the optimum performance and reach the maximum security level!

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

Note: AVG AntiVirus 2013 status information can also be obtained at any time from the system tray icon.

5.3. Components Overview

Installed components overview can be found in a horizontal strip of blocks in the central section of the main

window. The components are displayed as light green blocks labeled by the respective component icon. Each

block provides information on the current status of protection. If the component is configured correctly and fully functional, the information is stated in green letters. If the component is stopped, its functionality is limited, or the component is in error state, you will be notified by a warning text displayed in an orange text field. It is

strictly recommended that you pay attention to the respective component's settings!

Move the mouse over the component to display a short text at the bottom of the main window. The text provides an elementary introduction to the component's functionality. Also, it informs on the component's current status, and specifies which of the component's services is not configured correctly.

Installed components' list

Within the AVG AntiVirus 2013 the Components Overview section contains information on the following components:

Computer - This components covers two services: AntiVirus Shield detects viruses, spyware, worms, trojans, unwanted executable files, or libraries within your system, and protects you from malicious adware, and Anti-Rootkit scans for dangerous rootkits hidden inside applications, drivers, or libraries. Details >>

Web Browsing - Protects you from web-based attacks while you search and surf the Internet. Details

Identity - The component runs the Identity Shield service that is constantly protecting your digital assets from new and unknown threats on the Internet. Details >>

Emails - Checks your incoming email messages for SPAM, and blocks viruses, phishing attacks, or other threats. Details >>

Actions accessible

Move mouse over any component's icon to highlight it within the components overview. At the same time, the component's basic functionality description appears in the bottom part of the user

interface.

Single-click component's icon to open the component's own interface with the information on the component's current status, and access to its configuration and statistical data.

5.4. My Apps

In the My Apps area (the line of green blocks under the components set) you can find an overview of additional AVG applications that are either already installed on your computer, or recommended for installation. The blocks are displayed conditionally, and may represent any of the following applications:

Mobile protection is an application that protects your cell phone from viruses and malware. It also provides you with the ability of tracking your smart phone remotely if you should become separated from it.

LiveKive is dedicated to online data backup on secured servers. LiveKive automatically backs up all your files, photos, and music to one safe place, allowing you to share them with family and friends and access them from any web-enabled device, including iPhones and Android devices.

Family Safety helps you protect your children from inappropriate websites, media content, and online searches, and provides you with reports regarding their online activity. AVG Family Safety uses keystroke technology to monitor your child's activities in chat-rooms and on social networking sites. If it spots words, phrases or language that are known to be used to victimize children online, it will notify you immediately via SMS or email. The application allows you to set the appropriate level of protection for each of your children, and monitor them separately via unique logins.

PC Tuneup application is an advanced tool for detailed system analysis and correction, as to how the speed and overall performance of your computer might be improved.

MulitMi brings all your email and social accounts together to one safe place, making it easier to get in touch with your family and friends, to browse the Internet, share photos, videos and files. MultiMi contains the LinkScanner service that protects you from the increasing number of threats on the web by analyzing the web pages behind all the links on any web page you’re viewing and making sure they’re safe.

AVG Toolbar is available directly in your Internet browser and guards your maximum security while browsing the Internet.

For detailed information on any of the My Apps applications click the respective block. You will get redirected to the dedicated AVG webpage, where you can also download the component immediately.

5.5. Scan / Update Quick Links

Quick links are located in the lower line of buttons in the AVG AntiVirus 2013 user interface. These links allow you to immediately access the most important and most frequently used features of the application, i.e. scanning and update. The quick links are accessible from all dialogs of the user interface:

Scan now - The button is graphically divided into two sections. Follow the Scan now link to launch the Whole Computer Scan immediately, and watch its progress and results in the automatically opened Reports window. The Options button opens the Scan Options dialog where you can manage

scheduled scans and edit parameters of the Whole Computer Scan / Scan of Specific Files or Folders. (For details see chapter AVG Scanning)

Update now - Press the button to launch the product update immediately. You will be informed about the update results in the slide dialog over the AVG system tray icon. (For details see chapter AVG

Updates)

5.6. System Tray Icon

The AVG System Tray Icon (on your Windows taskbar, right-hand bottom corner of your monitor) indicates the current status of your AVG AntiVirus 2013. It is visible at all times in your system tray, no matter whether the user interface of your AVG AntiVirus 2013 is opened or closed:

AVG System Tray Icon display

In full color with no added elements the icon indicates that all AVG AntiVirus 2013 components are active and fully functional. However, the icon can also be displayed this way in a situation when one of the components is not fully functional but the user has decided to ignore the component state.

(Having confirmed the ignore for component state option you express, you are aware of the

component's error state but for some reason you wish to keep it so, and you do not want to be

warned about the situation.)

The icon with an exclamation mark indicates that a component (or even more components) is in

error state. Always pay attention to such a warning and try to remove the configuration issue for a

component that is not set up properly. In order to be able to perform the changes in the component's configuration, double-click the system tray icon to open the application user interface. For detailed information on which components is in error state please consult the security status info section.

The system tray icon can further be displayed in full color with a flashing and rotating beam of light. This graphic version signalizes a currently launched update process.

The alternative display of a full color icon with an arrow means that one of the AVG AntiVirus

2013 scans is running now.

AVG System Tray Icon information

The AVG System Tray Icon also informs about current activities within your AVG AntiVirus 2013, and on 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 system tray icon.

Actions accessible from AVG System Tray Icon

AVG System Tray Icon can also be used as a quick link to access the user interface of AVG AntiVirus 2013; just double-click the icon. By right-click the icon you open a brief context menu with the following options:

Open AVG User Interface - click to open the user interface of AVG AntiVirus 2013. Temporarily disable AVG protection - the option allows you to switch off the entire protection

secured by your AVG AntiVirus 2013 at once. Please remember that you should not use this option unless it is absolutely necessary! In most cases, it is not necessary to disable AVG AntiVirus 2013 before installing new software or drivers, not even if the installer or software wizard suggests that

running programs and applications be shut down first to make sure there are no unwanted interruptions during the installation process. If you do have to temporarily disable AVG AntiVirus 2013, you should re-enable it as soon as you're done. If you are connected to the Internet or a network during the time your antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks..

Scan - click to open the context menu for predefined scans (Whole Computer scan, and Scan

Specific Files or Folders) and select the required scan; it will be launched immediately.

Running scans ... - this item is displayed only if a scan is currently running on your computer. For this scan you can then set its priority, alternatively stop or pause the running scan. The following actions are also accessible: Set priority for all scans, Pause all scans or Stop all scans.

Run Quick Tune - click to launch the Quick Tune component. My Account - Opens the MyAccount homepage where you can manage your subscription products,

purchase additional protection, download installation files, check your past orders and invoices, and manage your personal information.

Update now - launches an immediate update. Help - opens the help file on the start page.

5.7. AVG Gadget

The AVG gadget is displayed on the Windows desktop (Windows Sidebar). This application is only supported in the operating systems Windows Vista, and Windows 7/8. The AVG gadget offers immediate access to the most important AVG AntiVirus 2013 function, i.e. scanning and updating:

AVG gadget controls

If needed, the AVG gadget allows you to launch a scan or an update immediately; also provides a quick link connecting you to the major social networks, and offers quick searching:

Scan now - click the Scan now link to start the whole computer scan directly. You can watch the progress of the scanning in the alternative user interface of the gadget. A brief statistical overview provides information on the number of scanned objects, threats detected, and threats healed. During the scan you can always pause or stop the scanning process. For detailed data related to the scan results please consult the standard Scan results overview dialog that can be opened directly from the gadget via the Show details option (the respective scan results will be listed under Sidebar gadget scan).

Update now - click the Update now link to launch the AVG AntiVirus 2013 update directly from within the gadget:

Twitter link - opens a new AVG gadget interface providing an overview of the latest AVG feeds posted to Twitter. Follow the View all the AVG Twitter feeds link to open your Internet browser in a new window, and you will be redirected directly to the Twitter website, specifically to the page devoted to AVG news.

Facebook link - opens your Internet browser to the Facebook website, specifically on the AVG community page.

Quick Tune link - opens the Quick Tune component ready for immediate analysis of your

computer. Search box - type in a keyword and get the search results immediately in a newly opened window

with your default web browser.

5.8. AVG Advisor

AVG Advisor has been designed to detect problems that might be slowing your computer down, or putting it at risk, and to recommend an action to solve the situation. If you see a sudden computer slowdown (Internet browsing, overall performance), it is not usually obvious what exactly the culprit is, and subsequently, how to solve the problem. That is where AVG Advisor comes in: It will display a notification in the system tray informing you what the problem might be, and suggesting how to fix it. AVG Advisor keeps monitoring all running processes within your PC for possible issues, and offering tips on how to avoid the problem.

AVG Advisor is visible in the form of a sliding pop-up over the system tray:

Specifically, AVG Advisor monitors the following:

The state of any currently opened web browser. Web browsers may overload the memory,

especially if multiple tabs or windows have been opened for some time, and consume too much of system resources, i.e. slowing down your computer. In such situation, restarting the web browser usually helps.

Running Peer-To-Peer connections. After using the P2P protocol for sharing files, the connection can sometimes remain active, using up certain amount of your bandwidth. As a result, you can see web browsing slowdown.

Unknown network with a familiar name. This usually only applies to users who connect to various networks, typically with portable computers: If a new, unknown network has the same name as a well-known, frequently used network (e.g. Home or MyWifi), confusion can occur, and you can accidentally connect to a completely unknown and potentially unsafe network. AVG Advisor can prevent this by warning you that the known name actually represents a new network. Of course, if you decide that the unknown network is safe, you can save it to an AVG Advisor list of known networks so that it is not reported again in the future.

In each of these situation, AVG Advisor warns you of the possible problem that might occur, and it provides the name and icon of the conflicting process, or application. Also, AVG Advisor suggests what steps should be taken to avoid the possible problem.

Supported web browsers

The feature works with the following web browsers: Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari.

5.9. AVG Accelerator

AVG Accelerator allows smoother online video playback and makes additional downloads easier. When the video-acceleration process is in progress, you will be notified via the system tray pop-up window.

6. AVG Components

6.1. Computer

The Computer component covers two main security services: AntiVirus and Anti-Rootkit:

AntiVirus consists of a scanning engine that guards all files, the system areas of the computer, and

removable media (flash disk etc.) and scans for known viruses. Any detected virus will be blocked from taking any action, and will then be cleaned or quarantined in the Virus Vault. You do not even notice the process, as this so called resident protection runs "in the background". AntiVirus also uses heuristic scanning, where files are scanned for typical virus characteristics. This means that the AntiVirus can detect a new, unknown virus, if the new virus contains some typical characteristics of existing viruses. AVG AntiVirus 2013 is also able to analyze and detect executable applications or DLL libraries that could be potentially unwanted within the system (various kinds of spyware, adware etc.). Furthermore, AntiVirus scans your system registry for suspicious entries, temporary Internet files, and allows you to treat all potentially harmful items in the same way as any other infection.

Anti-Rootkit is a specialized tool detecting and effectively removing dangerous rootkits, i.e. programs and technologies that can camouflage the presence of malicious software on your computer. A rootkit is designed to take fundamental control of a computer system, without authorization by the system's owners and legitimate managers. Anti-Rootkit is able to detect rootkits based on a predefined set of rules. If Anti-Rootkit finds a rootkit, it does not necessarily mean the rootkit is infected. Sometimes, rootkits are used as drivers or they are a part of correct applications.

Dialog controls

To switch between both sections of the dialog, you can simply click anywhere in the respective service panel. The panel then gets highlighted in a lighter shade of blue. In both sections of the dialog you can find the following controls. Their functionality is the same whether they belong to one security service or another (AntiVirus or Anti-Rootkit):

Enabled / Disabled - The button may remind you of a traffic light, both in appearance and in

functionality. Single click to switch between two positions. The green color stands for Enabled, which means that the AntiVirus security service is active and fully functional. The red color represents the Disabled status, i.e. the service is deactivated. If you do not have a good reason to deactivate the service, we strictly recommend that you keep the default settings for all security configuration. The default settings guarantees the optimum performance of the application, and your maximum security. If for some reason you wish to deactivate the service, you will be warned about the possible risk immediately by the red Warning sign and the information that you are not fully protected at the moment. Please mind, that you should activate the service again as soon as possible!

Settings - Click the button to get redirected to advanced settings interface. Precisely, the

respective dialog opens and you will be able to configure the selected service, i.e. AntiVirus or Anti-

Rootkit. In the advanced settings interface you can edit all configuration of each security service within

AVG AntiVirus 2013 but any configuration can be recommended to experienced users only!

Statistics - Click the button to get redirected to the dedicated page on the AVG website (http://

www.avg.com/). On this page you can find a detailed statistical overview of all AVG AntiVirus 2013 activities performed on your computer within a specified period of time and in total.

Details - Click the button, and a brief description of the highlighted service appears in the bottom

part of th dialog.

- Use the green arrow in the upper left section of the dialog to get back to the main user interface

with the components' overview.

In the Anti-Rootkit section, you will also find a specific Scan for rootkits button that you can use to launch the independent rootkit scan directly (however, the rootkit scan is an implicit part of the Scan of the whole

computer).

6.2. Web Browsing

The Web browsing protection consists of two services: LinkScanner Surf-Shield and Online Shield:

LinkScanner Surf-Shield protects you from the increasing number of ‘here today, gone tomorrow’

threats on the web. These threats can be hidden on any type of website, from governments to big, well-known brands to small businesses, and they rarely stick around on those sites for more than 24 hours. LinkScanner protects you by analyzing the web pages behind all the links on any web page you’re viewing and making sure they’re safe at the only time that matters – when you’re about to click that link. LinkScanner Surf-Shield is not intended for server platforms protection!

Online Shield is a type of a real time resident protection; it scans the content of visited web pages (and possible files included in them) even before these are displayed in your web browser or downloaded to your computer. Online Shield detects that the page you are about to visit includes some dangerous javascript, and prevents the page from being displayed. Also, it recognizes malware contained in a page and stops its downloading immediately so that it never gets to your computer. This powerful protection will block malicious content of any web page 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. Online Shield is not intended for server platforms

protection!

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