AVG ANTI VIRUS PLUS FIREWALL 9 - REV 90.31, 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall User Manual

A V G 9 Anti V irus plus Firewall © 20 10 C opyri ght A VG T ec hnol ogies CZ , s.r.o. A ll rights res erved. 1
Document revision 90.31 (15. 11. 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 Anti Virus plus Firewall
User Manual
A V G 9 Anti V irus plus Firewall © 20 10 C opyri ght A VG T ec hnol ogies CZ , s.r.o. A ll rights res erved. 2
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 Installation Options
........................................................................................................................ 10
4. AVG Download Manager
.......................................................................................................... 10
4.1 Language Selection
.......................................................................................................... 11
4.2 Connectivity Check
.......................................................................................................... 12
4.3 Proxy Settings
.......................................................................................................... 13
4.4 Downloading Installation Files
........................................................................................................................ 14
5. AVG Installation Process
.......................................................................................................... 14
5.1 Installation Launch
.......................................................................................................... 15
5.2 License Agreement
.......................................................................................................... 15
5.3 Checking System Status
.......................................................................................................... 16
5.4 Select Installation Type
.......................................................................................................... 16
5.5 Activate your AVG License
.......................................................................................................... 17
5.6 Custom Installation - Destination Folder
.......................................................................................................... 18
5.7 Custom Installation - Component Selection
.......................................................................................................... 19
5.8 AVG Security Toolbar
.......................................................................................................... 20
5.9 Close down open applic ations
.......................................................................................................... 21
5.10 Installing AVG
.......................................................................................................... 21
5.11 Schedule regular scans and updates
.......................................................................................................... 22
5.12 Computer usage selection
.......................................................................................................... 23
5.13 Your computer Internet connection
.......................................................................................................... 24
5.14 AVG protection configuration is complete
........................................................................................................................ 25
6. After Installation
.......................................................................................................... 25
6.1 Scan optimization
.......................................................................................................... 25
6.2 Product Registration
.......................................................................................................... 25
6.3 Access to User Interface
.......................................................................................................... 26
6.4 Scanning of the whole computer
.......................................................................................................... 26
6.5 Eicar Test
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.......................................................................................................... 27
6.6 AVG Default Configuration
........................................................................................................................ 28
7. AVG User Interface
.......................................................................................................... 29
7.1 System Menu
.......................................................................................................... 29
7.1.1 File
.......................................................................................................... 29
7.1.2 Components
.......................................................................................................... 29
7.1.3 History
.......................................................................................................... 29
7.1.4 Tools
.......................................................................................................... 29
7.1.5 Help
.......................................................................................................... 31
7.2 Security Status Info
.......................................................................................................... 32
7.3 Quick Links
.......................................................................................................... 33
7.4 Components Overview
.......................................................................................................... 34
7.5 Statistics
.......................................................................................................... 34
7.6 System Tray Icon
........................................................................................................................ 36
8. AVG Components
.......................................................................................................... 36
8.1 Anti-Virus
.......................................................................................................... 36
8.1.1 Anti-Virus Principles
.......................................................................................................... 36
8.1.2 Anti-Virus Interface
.......................................................................................................... 37
8.2 Anti-Spyware
.......................................................................................................... 37
8.2.1 Anti-Spyware Principles
.......................................................................................................... 37
8.2.2 Anti-Spyware Interface
.......................................................................................................... 39
8.3 Anti-Rootkit
.......................................................................................................... 39
8.4 Remote Administration
.......................................................................................................... 40
8.5 Firewall
.......................................................................................................... 40
8.5.1 Firewall Principles
.......................................................................................................... 40
8.5.2 Firewall Profiles
.......................................................................................................... 40
8.5.3 Firewall Interface
.......................................................................................................... 44
8.6 E-mail Scanner
.......................................................................................................... 44
8.6.1 E-mail Scanner Principles
.......................................................................................................... 44
8.6.2 E-mail Scanner Interface
.......................................................................................................... 44
8.6.3 E-mail Scanner Detection
.......................................................................................................... 48
8.7 License
.......................................................................................................... 49
8.8 Link Scanner
.......................................................................................................... 49
8.8.1 Link Sc anner Principles
.......................................................................................................... 49
8.8.2 Link Sc anner Interface
.......................................................................................................... 49
8.8.3 AVG Search-Shield
.......................................................................................................... 49
8.8.4 AVG Active Surf-Shield
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.......................................................................................................... 52
8.9 Online Shield
.......................................................................................................... 52
8.9.1 Online Shield Principles
.......................................................................................................... 52
8.9.2 Online Shield Interface
.......................................................................................................... 52
8.9.3 Online Shield Detection
.......................................................................................................... 58
8.10 Resident Shield
.......................................................................................................... 58
8.10.1 Resident Shield Principles
.......................................................................................................... 58
8.10.2 Resident Shield Interface
.......................................................................................................... 58
8.10.3 Resident Shield Detection
.......................................................................................................... 62
8.11 Update Manager
.......................................................................................................... 62
8.11.1 Update Manager Principles
.......................................................................................................... 62
8.11.2 Update Manager Interface
........................................................................................................................ 65
9. AVG Security Toolbar
.......................................................................................................... 65
9.1 AVG Security Toolbar Interface
.......................................................................................................... 65
9.1.1 AVG logo button
.......................................................................................................... 65
9.1.2 AVG Sec ure Search powered search box
.......................................................................................................... 65
9.1.3 Page Status
.......................................................................................................... 65
9.1.4 AVG News
.......................................................................................................... 65
9.1.5 News
.......................................................................................................... 65
9.1.6 AVG Info
.......................................................................................................... 65
9.1.7 Delete history
.......................................................................................................... 65
9.1.8 E-mail Notifier
.......................................................................................................... 65
9.1.9 Weather Info
.......................................................................................................... 65
9.1.10 Facebook
.......................................................................................................... 65
9.1.11 VeriSign Identity Protection
.......................................................................................................... 76
9.2 AVG Security Toolbar Options
.......................................................................................................... 76
9.2.1 Tab General
.......................................................................................................... 76
9.2.2 Tab Useful Buttons
.......................................................................................................... 76
9.2.3 Tab Security
.......................................................................................................... 76
9.2.4 Tab VIP
.......................................................................................................... 76
9.2.5 Tab Advanced Options
........................................................................................................................ 82
10. AVG Advanced Settings
.......................................................................................................... 82
10.1 Appearance
.......................................................................................................... 84
10.2 Sounds
.......................................................................................................... 86
10.3 Ignore Faulty Conditions
.......................................................................................................... 87
10.4 Virus Vault
.......................................................................................................... 88
10.5 PUP Exceptions
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.......................................................................................................... 90
10.6 Online Shield
.......................................................................................................... 90
10.6.1 Web Protection
.......................................................................................................... 90
10.6.2 Instant Messaging
.......................................................................................................... 94
10.7 Link Scanner
.......................................................................................................... 95
10.8 Scans
.......................................................................................................... 95
10.8.1 Scan Whole Computer
.......................................................................................................... 95
10.8.2 Shell Extension Scan
.......................................................................................................... 95
10.8.3 Scan Specific Files or Folders
.......................................................................................................... 95
10.8.4 Removable Device Scan
.......................................................................................................... 100
10.9 Schedules
.......................................................................................................... 100
10.9.1 Scheduled Sc an
.......................................................................................................... 100
10.9.2 Virus Database Update Schedule
.......................................................................................................... 100
10.9.3 Program Update Schedule
.......................................................................................................... 110
10.10 E-mail Scanner
.......................................................................................................... 110
10.10.1 Certification
.......................................................................................................... 110
10.10.2 Mail Filtering
.......................................................................................................... 110
10.10.3 Logs and Results
.......................................................................................................... 110
10.10.4 Servers
.......................................................................................................... 119
10.11 Resident Shield
.......................................................................................................... 119
10.11.1 Advanced Settings
.......................................................................................................... 119
10.11.2 Directory Exludes
.......................................................................................................... 119
10.11.3 Excluded Files
.......................................................................................................... 124
10.12 Cache Server
.......................................................................................................... 125
10.13 Anti-Rootkit
.......................................................................................................... 126
10.14 Update
.......................................................................................................... 126
10.14.1 Proxy
.......................................................................................................... 126
10.14.2 Dial-up
.......................................................................................................... 126
10.14.3 URL
.......................................................................................................... 126
10.14.4 Manage
........................................................................................................................ 133
11. Firewall Settings
.......................................................................................................... 133
11.1 General
.......................................................................................................... 134
11.2 Security
.......................................................................................................... 135
11.3 Areas and Adapters Profiles
.......................................................................................................... 136
11.4 Logs
.......................................................................................................... 137
11.5 Profiles
.......................................................................................................... 137
11.5.1 Profile Information
.......................................................................................................... 137
11.5.2 Defined Networks
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.......................................................................................................... 137
11.5.3 Applications
.......................................................................................................... 137
11.5.4 System Services
........................................................................................................................ 148
12. AVG Scanning
.......................................................................................................... 148
12.1 Scanning Interface
.......................................................................................................... 149
12.2 Predefined Scans
.......................................................................................................... 149
12.2.1 Scan Whole Computer
.......................................................................................................... 149
12.2.2 Scan Specific Files or Folders
.......................................................................................................... 149
12.2.3 Anti-Rootkit Sc an
.......................................................................................................... 157
12.3 Scanning in Windows Explorer
.......................................................................................................... 158
12.4 Command Line Scanning
.......................................................................................................... 158
12.4.1 CMD Scan Parameters
.......................................................................................................... 160
12.5 Scan Scheduling
.......................................................................................................... 160
12.5.1 Schedule Settings
.......................................................................................................... 160
12.5.2 How to Scan
.......................................................................................................... 160
12.5.3 What to Scan
.......................................................................................................... 169
12.6 Scan Results Overview
.......................................................................................................... 170
12.7 Scan Results Details
.......................................................................................................... 170
12.7.1 Results Overview Tab
.......................................................................................................... 170
12.7.2 Infections Tab
.......................................................................................................... 170
12.7.3 Spyware Tab
.......................................................................................................... 170
12.7.4 Warnings Tab
.......................................................................................................... 170
12.7.5 Rootkits Tab
.......................................................................................................... 170
12.7.6 Information Tab
.......................................................................................................... 178
12.8 Virus Vault
........................................................................................................................ 180
13. AVG Updates
.......................................................................................................... 180
13.1 Update Levels
.......................................................................................................... 180
13.2 Update Types
.......................................................................................................... 180
13.3 Update Process
........................................................................................................................ 182
14. Event History
........................................................................................................................ 183
15. FAQ and Technical Support
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1. Introduction
This user manual provides comprehensive doc umentation for AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall.
Congratulations on your purchase of AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall!
AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall is one of a range of award winning AVG products
designed to provide you with peace of mind and total security for your PC. As with all AVG products AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall has been c ompletely re-designed, from the ground up, to deliver AVG’s renowned and accredited security protection in a new, more user friendly and efficient way.
Your new AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall product has a streamlined interfac e combined with more aggressive and faster scanning. More security features have been automated for your convenience, and new ‘intelligent’ user options have been included so that you can fit our security features to your way of life. No more compromising usability over security!
AVG has been designed and developed to protec t your computing and networking activity. Enjoy the experience of full protection from AVG.
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2. AVG Installation Requirements
2.1. Operation Systems Supported
AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall is intended to protect workstations with the following operating systems:
· Windows 2000 Professional SP4 + Update Rollup 1
· Windows XP Home Edition SP2
· Windows XP Professional SP2
· Windows XP Professional x64 Edition SP1
· Windows Vista (x86 and x64, all editions)
· 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 Anti Virus plus Firewall:
· Intel Pentium CPU 1,5 GHz
· 512 MB of RAM memory
· 390 MB of free hard drive space (for installation purposes)
Recommended hardware requirements for AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall:
· Intel Pentium CPU 1,8 GHz
· 512 MB of RAM memory
· 510 MB of free hard drive space (for installation purposes)
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3. AVG Installation Options
AVG can be installed either from the installation file available on your installation CD, or you can download the latest installation file from AVG website (http://www.avg.com/).
Before you start installing AVG, we strongly recommend that you visit AVG website (http://www.avg.com/) to check for a new installation file. This way you can be sure to install the latest available version of AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall.
We recommend you to try out our new AVG Download Manager tool that will help you set up the installation file in your required language!
During the installation process you will be asked for your license/sales number. Please make sure you have it available before starting the installation. The sales number can be found on the CD packaging. If you purchased your copy of AVG on-line, your license number will have been delivered to you via e-mail.
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4. AVG Download Manager
AVG Download Manager is a simple tool that helps you select the proper installation file for the trial version of your AVG product. Based on your input data, the manager will select the spec ific product, license type, desired components, 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, Windows Vista, and Windows 7.
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:
4.1. Language Selection
In this first step of AVG Download Manager select the installation language from the roll-down menu. Note, that your language selection applies only to the installation process; after the installation you will be able to change the language directly from program settings. Then press the Next button to continue.
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4.2. 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.
4.3. Proxy Settings
If AVG Download Manager was not able to identify your Proxy settings you have to
A V G 9 Anti V irus plus Firewall © 20 10 C opyri ght A VG T ec hnol ogies CZ , s.r.o. A ll rights res erved. 13
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.
4.4. Downloading Installation Files
Now, you have provided all information needed for the AVG Download Manager to start the installation package download, and launch the installation process. Further, advance to the AVG Installation Process.
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5. AVG Installation Process
To install AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall on your computer, you need to get the latest installation file. You c an use the installation file from the CD that is a part of your box edition but this file might be out-of-date. Therefore we recommended getting the latest installation file online. You can download the file from AVG website (http://
www.avg.com/), the Support Center / Download section. Or, you can make use of
our new AVG Download Manager tool that helps you create and download the installation package you need, and launch the installation process.
The installation is a sequence of dialog windows with a brief description of what do at each step. In the following, we offer an explanation for each dialog window:
5.1. Installation Launch
The installation process starts with the Welcome to the AVG Setup Program window. In here you select the language used for the installation process, 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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5.2. 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.
5.3. Checking System Status
Having confirmed the license agreement, you will be redirected to the Checking System Status dialog. This dialog does not require any intervention; your system is
being chec ked before the AVG installation can start. Please wait until the process has finished, then continue automatically to the following dialog.
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5.4. Select Installation Type
The Select Installation Type dialog offers the choice of two installation options: standard and custom installation.
For most users, it is highly recommended to keep to the standard installation that installs AVG in fully automatic mode with settings predefined by the program vendor. This configuration provides maximum security combined with the optimal use of resources. In the future, if the need arises to change the configuration, you will always have the possibility to do so directly in the AVG application.
Custom installation should only be used by experienced users who have a valid reason to install AVG with non-standard settings. E.g. to fit specific system requirements.
5.5. Activate your AVG License
In the Activate your AVG License dialog you have to fill in your registration data. Type in your name (User Name field) and the name of your organization (Company Name field).
Then enter your license/sales number into the License Number text field. The sales number can be found on the CD packaging in your AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall box. The license number will be in the confirmation email that you received after purchasing your AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall on-line. You must type in the number exactly as shown. If the digital form of the license number is available (in the email), it is recommended to use the c opy and paste method to insert it.
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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.
5.6. Custom Installation - Destination Folder
The Destination Folder dialog allows you to specify the location where AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall should be installed. By default, AVG will be installed to the
program files folder located on drive 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.
5.7. Custom Installation - Component Selection
The Component Selection dialog displays an overview of all AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall components that can be installed. If the default settings do not suit you, you
can remove/add spec ific components.
However, you can only select from components that are included in your purchased AVG edition. Only those components will be offered to be installed within the Component Selection dialog!
· Language selection - within the list of components to be installed, you can
define which languages should be installed and further available for AVG user interface. By default, English is installed always, and all other available languages can be installed optionally. Unpack the Additional installed languages item and then select the desired languages from the respec tive menu.
· E-mail Scanner plug-ins - click the E-mail Scanner item to open and dec ide
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 clients (e.g. Qualcomm Eudora, etc.). Optionally, you can mark the specific plug-ins for MS Outlook, and The Bat! to
A V G 9 Anti V irus plus Firewall © 20 10 C opyri ght A VG T ec hnol ogies CZ , s.r.o. A ll rights res erved. 19
be installed as well.
Continue by pressing the Next button.
5.8. AVG Security Toolbar
In the AVG Security Toolbar dialog, decide whether you want to install the AVG
Security Toolbar. If you do not change the default settings, this component will be
installed automatically into your Internet browser (currently supported browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer v. 6.0 or higher, and Mozilla Firefox v. 3.0 or higher) and
to provide you with comprehensive online protection while surfing the Internet.
Also, you have the option to decide whether you want to c hose AVG Secure Search as your default search provider. If so, please mark the respec tive check box.
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5.9. 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.
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5.10. Installing AVG
The Installing AVG dialog shows the progress of the installation process, and does not require any intervention:
After the installation process is finished, the virus database and program will be updated automatically. Then, you will be redirected to the next dialog.
5.11. Schedule regular scans and updates
In the Schedule regular scans and updates dialog set up the interval for new update files accessibility chec k-up, and define time when the scheduled scan should be
A V G 9 Anti V irus plus Firewall © 20 10 C opyri ght A VG T ec hnol ogies CZ , s.r.o. A ll rights res erved. 22
launched. It is recommended to keep the default values. Press the Next button to continue.
5.12. Computer usage selection
In this dialog, the Firewall Configuration Wizard asks what type of computer you use. For instance, your notebook, that connects to the Internet from many different locations (airports, hotel rooms, etc .) requires security rules that are stricter than those of a computer in a domain (company network, etc.). Based on the selected computer usage type the Firewall default rules will be defined with a different security level.
You have two alternative options to select from:
· A desktop computer - having selected this option, you will be redirected to
the next dialog named Your c omputer internet c onnection
· A portable computer - with this option, you will go direc tly to the final step
of the installation process, AVG protection configuration is complete dialog
Confirm your selection by pressing the Next button and proceed to the next dialog.
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5.13. Your computer Internet connection
This dialog only appear if in the past step (Computer usage selection dialog) you have selected the option of a desktop computer:
In this dialog, the Firewall Configuration Wizard asks how your computer is connected to the Internet. Based on the selected c onnection type the Firewall default rules will be defined with a different security level.
You have three alternative options to select from:
· Directly via modem
· Directly via wired or wireless router
· Your computer is a part of a corporate network
Select the connection type that best describes your computer connection to the Internet.
Confirm your selection by pressing the Next button and proceed to the next dialog.
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5.14. AVG protection configuration is complete
Now your AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall has been configured.
In this dialog you decide whether you want to activate 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.
Finally, press the Finish button. Your computer restart may be required so that you can start working with AVG.
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6. After Installation
6.1. 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 it will no be nec essary to scan these files automatic ally. The respective assigned files will only be sc anned if AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall detects the files checksum change. If there is no c hange to the file checksum, there is no need to scan the file again. This approach reduces the 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.
6.2. Product Registration
Having finished the AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall installation, please register you product online on AVG website (http://www.avg.com/), Registration page (follow the
instruction provided directly in the page). After the registration you will be able to gain full access to your AVG User account, the AVG Update newsletter, and other services provided exclusively for registered users.
6.3. Access to User Interface
The AVG User Interface is accessible in several ways:
· double-click the AVG icon on the system tray
· double-click the AVG icon on the desktop
· from the menu Start/Programs/AVG 9.0/AVG User Interface
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· from AVG Security Toolbar via option Launch AVG
6.4. Scanning of the whole computer
There is a potential risk that a computer virus has been transmitted to your computer prior to AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall installation. For this reason you should run a
Scan of the whole computer to make sure there are no infections on your PC.
For instructions on running a Scan of the whole computer please c onsult the chapter AVG Scanning.
6.5. Eicar Test
To confirm that AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall has been installed correctly you can perform the EICAR test.
The EICAR test is a standard and absolutely safe method used to test antivirus system functioning. It is safe to pass around, because it is not an actual virus, and does not include any fragments of viral code. Most products 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. Immediately after you confirm downloading of the test file, the Online Shield will react to it with a warning. This notice demonstrates that AVG is correctly installed on your computer.
From the http://www.eicar.com website you can also download the compressed version of the EICAR 'virus' (e.g. in the form of eicar_com.zip). Online Shield allows you to download this file and save it on your local disk but then the Resident Shield detects the 'virus' as you try to unpack it. If AVG fails to identify the EICAR test file
as a virus, you should check the program configuration again!
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6.6. AVG Default Configuration
The default configuration (i.e. how the application is set up right after installation) of AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall is set up by the software vendor so that all components and functions are tuned up to achieve optimum performance.
Unless you have a real reason to do so, do not change the AVG configuration! Changes to settings should only be performed by an experienced user.
Some minor editing of AVG components settings is accessible directly from the specific component user interfac e. If you feel you need to change the AVG configuration to better suit your your needs, go to AVG Advanced Settings: select the system menu item Tools/Advanced settings and edit the AVG configuration in the newly opened
AVG Advanced Settings dialog.
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7. AVG User Interface
AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall open with the main window:
The main window is divided into several sections:
· System Menu (top system line in the window) is the standard navigation that
allows you to access all AVG components, services, and features - details >>
· Security Status Info (upper section of the window) provides you with
information on the current status of your AVG program - details >>
· Quick Links (left section of the window) allow you to quickly access the most
important and most frequently used AVG tasks - details >>
· Components Overview (central 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)
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indic ates the AVG current status - details >>
7.1. System Menu
The System menu is the standard navigation used in all Windows applications. It is located horizontally in the very top part of the AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall main window. Use the system menu to acc ess specific AVG components, feature, and services.
The system menu is divided into five main sections:
7.1.1. File
· Exit - closes the AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall's user interfac e. However,
the AVG application will continue running in the background and your computer will still be protected!
7.1.2. Components
The Components item of the system menu includes links to all installed AVG components, opening their default dialog page in the user 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-Rootkit - opens the default page of the Anti-Rootkit component
· Anti-Spyware - opens the default page of the Anti-Spyware component
· Firewall - opens the default page of the Firewall component
· Link Scanner - opens the default page of the Link Scanner component
· E-mail Scanner - opens the default page of the E-mail Scanner component
· License - opens the default page of the License component
· Online Shield - opens the default page of the Online Shield 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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7.1.3. History
· Scan results - switches to the AVG testing interface, specifically to the Scan
Results Overview dialog
· Resident Shield Detection - open a dialog with an overview of threats
detected by Resident Shield
· E-mail Scanner Detection - open a dialog with an overview of mail messages
attachments detected as dangerous by the E-mail Scanner component
· Online Shield findings - open a dialog with an overview of threats detected
by Online Shield
· Virus Vault - opens the interface of the quarantine space (Virus Vault) to
where AVG removes all detected infections that cannot be healed automatically for some reason. Inside this quarantine the infected files are isolated and your computer's security is guaranteed, and at the same time the infected files are stored for possible future repair.
· Event History Log - opens the history log interface with an overview of all
logged AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall actions.
· Firewall - opens the Firewall settings interface on the Logs tab with a
detailed overview of all Firewall actions
7.1.4. 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 Anti Virus plus
Firewall
· Update from directory - runs the update process from the update files
located in a specified folder on your local disk. However, this option is only recommended as an emergency, e.g. in situations where there is no connection to the Internet (for example, your computer is infected and disconnected
from the Internet; your computer is connected to a network with no 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
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can edit the AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall configuration. Generally, it is recommended to keep the default settings of the application as defined by the software vendor.
· Firewall settings - open a standalone dialog for advanced configuration of
the Firewall component
7.1.5. Help
· Contents - opens the AVG help files
· Get Help Online - opens AVG website (http://www.avg.com/) at the
customer support center page
· Your AVG Web - opens 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
· Reactivate - opens the Activate AVG dialog with the data you have entered
in the Personalize AVG dialog of the installation process. Within this dialog you can enter your license number to either replace the sales number (the
number you have installed AVG with), or to replace the old license number (e. g. when upgrading to a new AVG product).
· Register now - connects to the registration page of AVG website (http://
www.avg.com/). Please fill in your registration data; only customers who
register their AVG product can receive free technical support.
Note: If using the trial version of AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall, the latter two items appear as Buy now and Activate, alowing you to buy the full version of the program right away. For AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall installed with a sales number, the items display as Register and Activate. For more information please consult the License section of this documentation.
· 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.
7.2. 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 Anti Virus plus Firewall. Please see an overview of icons possibly depicted in this section, and their meaning:
The green icon indicates that your AVG is fully functional. Your computer is
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completely protected, up to date and all installed components are working properly.
The orange icon warns that one or more components are incorrectly configured and you should pay attention to their properties/settings. There is no critical problem in AVG and you have probably decided to switch some component off for some reason. You are still protected by AVG. However, please pay attention to the problem component's settings! Its name will be provided in the Security Status Info section.
This icon also appears if for some reason you have 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.
The red icon indicates that AVG is in critical status! One or more components does not work properly and AVG cannot protect your computer. Please pay immediate attention to fixing the reported problem. If you are not able to fix the error yourself, contac t the AVG technical support team.
It is strongly recommended that you pay attention to Security Status Info and in case the report indicates any problem, go ahead and try to solve it immediately. Otherwise your computer is at risk!
Note: AVG status information can also be obtained at any moment from the system
tray icon.
7.3. Quick Links
Quick links (in the left section of the AVG User Interface) allow you to immediately access the most important and most frequently used AVG features:
· Overview - use this link to switc h from any c urrently opened AVG interfac e to
the default one with an overview of all installed components - see c hapter
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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 Scanning >>
· 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. Moreover, the running process is further graphically depicted.
7.4. 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
· Description of a selected component
Within the AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall 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 ensures that your computer is protected from spyware and
adware - details >>
· Firewall controls how your computer exchanges data with other computers on
the Internet or local network - details >>
· Link Scanner chec ks the search results displayed in your internet browser -
details >>
· Anti-Rootkit detects programs and technologies trying to camouflage malware
- details >>
· E-mail Scanner checks all incoming and outgoing mail for viruses - details >>
· License displays the license number, type and expiration date - details >>
· Online Shield scans all data being downloaded by a web browser - details >>
· Resident Shield runs in the background and scans files as they are copied,
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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 and you do not want to be warned by the system tray icon.
7.5. Statistics
The Statistics section is located in the left bottom part of the AVG User Interface. It offers a list of information regarding the program's operation:
· Last scan - provides the date when the last scan was performed
· Last update - provides the date when the last update was launched
· Virus DB - informs you about the currently installed version of the virus
database
· AVG version - informs you about the AVG version installed (the number is in
the form of 9.0.xxx, where 9.0 is the product line version, and xxx stands for the number of the build)
· License expires - provides the date of your AVG license expiration
7.6. System Tray Icon
System Tray Icon (on your Windows taskbar) indicates the current status of your
AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall. It is visible at all times on your system tray, no matter whether your AVG main window is opened or closed.
If in full color , the System Tray Icon indicates that all AVG components are active and fully functional. Also, AVG system tray icon can be displayed in full color if AVG is in error state but you are fully aware of this situation and you have deliberately decided to Ignore the component state.
An icon with an exc lamation mark indicates a problem (inactive component, error status, etc.). Double-click the System Tray Icon to open the main window and edit a component.
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The system tray icon further informs on current AVG activities and possible status changes in the program (e.g. automatic launch of a scheduled scan or update, Firewall profile switch, a component's status change, error status occurrence, ...) via a pop-up window opened from the AVG system tray icon:
The System Tray Icon can also be used as a quick link to 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, Anti-Rootkit scan) and select the
required scan, it will be launched immediately
· Firewall - click to open the context menu of Firewall settings options where
you can edit the major parameters:Firewall status (Firewall enabled/Firewall disabled/Emergency mode), gaming mode switchingand Firewall profiles
· Update now - launches an immediate update
· Help - opens the help file on the start page
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8. AVG Components
8.1. Anti-Virus
8.1.1. Anti-Virus Principles
The antivirus software's scanning engine scans all files and file activity (opening/ closing files, etc.) for known viruses. Any detected virus will be blocked from taking any 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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8.1.2. Anti-Virus Interface
The Anti-Virus component's interface provides some basic information on the component's functionality, information on the component's 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
· Latest database update - specifies when and at what time the virus
database was last updated
· Database version - defines the number of the currently installed 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).
8.2. Anti-Spyware
8.2.1. Anti-Spyware Principles
Spyware is usually defined as a type of malware, i.e. software, that gathers information from a user's computer without the user's knowledge or consent. Some spyware applic ations may also be installed on purpose and often contain advertisements, window pop-ups or different types of unpleasant software.
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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 Anti Virus plus Firewall up-to-date with the latest database and program updates. For this reason, AVG allows you to fully sc an your computer for malware/spyware using the scanning feature. It also detects sleeping and non-active malware, i.e. malware that has been downloaded but not yet activated.
8.2.2. Anti-Spyware Interface
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
· Latest database update - specifies when and at what time the spyware
database was updated
· Database version - defines the number of the latest spyware database
version; and this number increases with every virus base update
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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).
8.3. Anti-Rootkit
A rootkit is a program designed to take fundamental control of a computer system, without authorization by the system's owners and legitimate managers. Ac cess to the hardware is rarely required as a rootkit is intended to seize c ontrol of the operating system running on the hardware. Typically, rootkits act to obscure their presence on the system through subversion or evasion of standard operating system security mec hanisms. Often, they are also Trojans as well, thus fooling users into believing they are safe to run on their systems. Techniques used to accomplish this can include concealing running processes from monitoring programs, or hiding files or system data from the operating system.
8.4. Remote Administration
The Remote Administration component only displays in the user interfac e of AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall in case you have installed the network edition of your
product (see component License). In the Remote Administration dialog you can find the information on whether the component is active and connected to server. All settings of the Remote Administration component is to be done within the Advanced Settings / Remote Administration.
For detailed description of the c omponent's options and functionality within the AVG Remote Administration system please refer to the specific documentation dedicated to this topic exc lusivety. This documentation is available for download at AVG website (
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www.avg.com), in the Support center / Download / Documentation section.
Control buttons
· Back - press this button to return to the default AVG user interface (
components overview).
8.5. Firewall
Firewall is a system that enforces an ac cess control policy between two or more networks by blocking/permitting traffic. Firewall contains a set of rules that protec t the internal network from attacks originating outside (typically from the Internet) and controls all communication on every single network port. The communication is evaluated according to the defined rules, and then either allowed or forbidden. If Firewall recognizes any intrusion attempts, it “blocks” the attempt and does not allow the intruder access to the c omputer.
Firewall is configured to allow or deny internal/external communication (both ways, in or out) through defined ports, and for defined software applications. For example, the firewall could be configured to only permit web data to flow in and out using Microsoft Explorer. Any attempt to transmit web data by any other browser would be blocked.
Firewall protects your personally-identifiable information from being sent from your computer without your permission. It c ontrols how your computer exchanges data with other computers on the Internet or local network. Within an organization, the firewall also protects the single computer from attacks initiated by internal users on other computers in the network.
Recommendation: Generally it is not recommended to use more than one firewall on an individual computer. The security of the computer is not enhanced if you install more firewalls. It is more probable that some conflicts between these two applications will occur. Therefore we recommend that you use only one firewall on your computer and deactivate all others, thus eliminating the risk of possible conflict and any problems related to this.
8.5.1. Firewall Principles
In AVG, the Firewall component controls all traffic on every network port of your computer. Based on the defined rules, the Firewall evaluates applications that are either running on your computer (and want to connect to the Internet/local network), or applications that approach your computer from outside trying to connect to your PC. For eac h of these applications the Firewall then either allows or forbids the communication on the network ports. By default, if the application is unknown (i.e. has no defined Firewall rules), the Firewall will ask you if you wish to allow or block the communication attempt.
Note: AVG Firewall is not intended for server platforms!
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What AVG Firewall can do:
· Allow or block communication attempts of known applications automatically, or
ask you for confirmation
· Use complete profiles with predefined rules, acc ording to your needs
· Switc h profiles automatically when connecting to various networks, or using
various network adapters
8.5.2. Firewall Profiles
The Firewall allows you to define specific security rules based on whether your computer is located in a domain, or it is a standalone computer, or even a notebook. Each of these options requires a different level of protection, and the levels are covered by the respective profiles. In short, a Firewall profile is a specific configuration of Firewall component, and you c an use a number of such predefined configurations.
Available profiles
· Allow all - a Firewall system profile that has been pre-set by the
manufacturer and is always present. When this profile is activated, all network communication is allowed and no safety polic y rules are applied, as if the
Firewall protection was switched off (i.e. all applications are allowed but
packets are still being checked - to c ompletely disable any filtering you need to disable Firewall). This system profile cannot be duplic ated, deleted, and its
settings cannot be modified.
· Block all - a Firewall system profile that has been pre-set by the
manufacturer and is always present. When this profile is activated, all network communication is blocked, and the computer is neither accessible from outer networks, nor can communicate outside. This system profile cannot be duplicated, deleted, and its settings cannot be modified.
· Custom profiles:
o
Directly connected to the Internet – suitable for common desktop home computers c onnected directly to the Internet or notebooks connecting to the Internet outside the safe c ompany network. Select this option if you connecting from home, or you are in a small company network with no c entral control. Also, select this option when traveling and connecting with your notebook from various unknown and possibly dangerous places (internet café, hotel room etc.). More restrictive rules will be created, as it is assumed that these computers have no additional protection and therefore require the maximum protec tion.
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o
Computer in domain – suitable for computers in a local network, e.g. school or corporate network. It is assumed that the network is protected by some additional measures so that the security level can be lower than for a standalone computer.
o
Small home or office network – suitable for computers in a small network, e.g. at home or in a small business, typically only several computers connected together, without a "central" administrator.
Profile switching
The profile switc hing feature allows the Firewall to switch automatic ally to the defined profile when using a certain network adapter, or when connected to a certain type of network. If no profile has been assigned to a network area yet, then upon next connection to that area, the Firewall will display a dialog asking you to assign a profile.
You can assign profiles to all local network interfaces or areas and specify further settings in the Areas and Adapters Profiles dialog, where you can also disable the feature if you do not wish to use it (then, for any kind of connection, the default profile will be used).
Typically, users who have a notebook and use various types of connection will find this feature useful. If you have a desktop computer, and only ever use one type of connection (e.g. cable connection to the Internet), you do not have to bother with profile switching as most likely you will never use it.
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8.5.3. Firewall Interface
The Firewall's interfac e provides some basic information on the component's functionality, and a brief overview of Firewall statistics:
· Firewall has been enabled for - time elapsed since Firewall was last launched
· Blocked packets - number of blocked packets from the entire amount of
packets checked
· Overall packets - number of all packets c hecked during the Firewall run
Basic component configuration
· Select Firewall profile - from the roll-down menu select one of the defined
profiles - two profiles are available at all times (the default profiles named Allow all and Block all), other profiles were added manually by profile editing in the Profiles dialog in Firewall Settings.
· Enable gaming mode - Check this option to ensure that when running full-
screen applic ations (games, PowerPoint presentations etc.), the Firewall will not display dialogs asking you whether you want to allow or block communication for unknown applications. In case an unknown application tries to communicate over the network at that time, the Firewall will allow or block the attempt automatically according to settings in the current profile. With the gaming mode on, all scheduled tasks (scans, updates) are postponed till the application is closed.
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· Firewall status:
o
Firewall enabled - select this option to allow c ommunication to those applications that are assigned as 'allowed' in the set of rules defined
within selected Firewall profile
o
Firewall disabled - this option switches Firewall off completely, all
network traffic is allowed but not checked!
o
Emergency mode (block all internet traffic) - select this option to block all traffic on every single network port; Firewall is still running but all network traffic is stopped
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 Firewall configuration, select the system menu item
Tools/Firewall settings and edit the Firewall configuration in the newly opened
Firewall Settings dialog.
Control buttons
· Configuration wizard - press the button to switch to the respec tive dialog (
used within installation proc ess) called Computer Usage Selection where you can specify the Firewall component c onfiguration
· 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 interfac e (
components overview)
8.6. 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.
8.6.1. E-mail Scanner Principles
Personal E-mail Scanner scans incoming/outgoing e-mails automatic ally. You can use it with e-mail clients that do not have their own plug-in in AVG (but can be also used
to scan e-mail messages for e-mail clients that AVG supports with a specific plug-in, i. e. Mic rosoft Outlook, and The Bat). Primarily, it is to be used with e-mail applications
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like Outlook Express, Mozilla, Incredimail, etc.
During AVG installation AVG 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/receiving 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!
8.6.2. 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:
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· 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.
· Display notification icon while E-mail is being scanned - check the item to
confirm you want to be informed via notification dialog displayed over the AVG icon on the system tray during the scanning of your mail via E-mail Scanner component. By default, this item is on, and it is recommended not to change this setting!
The advanced c onfiguration of the E-mail Scanner component is ac cessible via the Tools/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
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· Cancel - press this button to return to the default AVG user interface
(components overview)
8.6.3. E-mail Scanner Detection
In the E-mail Scanner detection dialog (accessible via system menu option History / E-mail Scanner detection) you will be able to see a list of all findings detected by the
E-mail Scanner component. For each detected object the following information is
provided:
· Infection- description (possibly even name) of the detected object
· Object - object location
· Result - action performed with the detected object
· 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
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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 previously displayed dialog
8.7. 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 shortened form of your license number (for
security reasons the last four symbols are missing). When entering your
license number, you have to be absolutely precise and type it exactly as shown. Therefore we strongly recommend to always use "copy & paste" method for any manipulation with the license number.
· License type - spec ifies the product type installed.
· License expires - this date determines the period of validity of your license. If
you want to go on using AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall after this date you have to renew your license. The license renewal can be performed online on
AVG website.
· Number of seats - how many workstations on which you are entitled to install
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your AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall.
Control buttons
· Register - connects to the registration page of AVG website (http://www.
avg.com/). Please fill in your registration data; only customers who register
their AVG product can receive free technic al support.
· Re-activate - opens the Activate AVG dialog with the data you have entered
in the Personalize AVG dialog of the installation process. Within this dialog you can enter your license number to either replace the sales number (the
number you have installed AVG with), or to replace the old license number (e. g. when upgrading to a new AVG product).
Note: If using the trial version of AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall, the buttons appear as Buy now and Activate, alowing you to buy the full version of the program right away. For AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall installed with a sales number, the buttons display as Register and Activate.
· Back - press this button to return to the default AVG user interface
(components overview).
8.8. Link Scanner
8.8.1. 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 with 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 verdict icon is shown (for Yahoo! searc h results only "exploited website" verdic t icons are shown).
· 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!
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8.8.2. 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).
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 with 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 search engine.
· Enable AVG Active Surf-Shield - (on by default): active (real-time)
protection against exploitive sites as they are accessed. Known malicious site connections and their exploitive 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 Safe Surf or Safe Search to feed the database collecting information on malicious activity on the web.
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8.8.3. 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, and 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:
The linked page is safe (with Yahoo! search engine 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
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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 search engines: Altavista, AOL, Ask, Baidu, Bing, Earthlink, Google, Seznam, Webhledani, Yandex, and Yahoo!
8.8.4. 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!
8.9. Online Shield
8.9.1. Online Shield Principles
Online Shield is a type of a real time resident protection; it scans the c ontent 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
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contained in a page and stops its downloading immediately so that it never gets to your computer.
Note: AVG Online Shield is not intended for server platforms!
8.9.2. Online Shield Interface
The Online Shield component's interface describes the behavior of this type of protection. Further you can find information on the component's current status (Online Shield is active and fully functional.). In the bottom part of the dialog you will then find the elementary editing options of this component's functionality.
Basic component configuration
First of all, you have the option to immediately switch on/off the Online Shield by checking the Enable Online Shield item. This option is enabled by default, and the Online Shield component is active. However, if you do not have a good reason to change this settings, we recommend to keep the component active. If the item is checked, and the Online Shield is running, more configuration options are available and editable on two tabs:
· Web - you can edit the component's configuration regarding the scan of the
website content. The editing interfac e allows you to configure the following elementary options:
o
Online Shield - this option confirms that the Online Shield should
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perform sc anning of the www pages content. Provided this option is on ( by default), you can further switch on/off these items:
Ø Check archives - scan the content of archives possibly included in
the www page to be displayed
Ø Report Potentially Unwanted Programs and Spyware threats - (
on by default): check 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 c an be installed intentionally. We recommend to keep this feature ac tivated as it increases your computer security.
Ø Report enhanced set of Potentially Unwanted Programs - mark to
detect extended package of spyware: programs that are perfectly 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.
Ø Use heuristic analysis - scan the content of the page to be
displayed using the heuristic analysis method, i.e. simulation and evaluation of the scanned object's instructions in a virtual computer environment. Therefore, it can even detect malicious code not yet described in the virus database (see Anti-Virus Principles).
Ø Maximum file size to be scanned - if included files are present in
the displayed page you can also scan their content even before these are downloaded to your computer. However, scanning of large files takes quite some time and the web page download might be slowed significantly. You can use the slide bar to specify the maximum size of a file that is still to be sc anned with Online Shield. Even if the downloaded file is bigger than specified, and therefore will not be scanned with Online Shield, you are still protected: in case the file is infected, the Resident Shield will detect it immediately.
· Instant Messaging - allows you to edit the components settings referring to
instant messaging (e.g. ICQ, MSN Messenger, Yahoo ...) scanning.
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o
Instant Messaging protec tion - check this item if you wish that the Online Shield verifies the on-line communication is virus free. Provided this option is on, you can further specify which instant messaging application you want to control - currently AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall supports the ICQ, MSN, and Yahoo applications.
Please note: The software vendor has set up all AVG components to give optimum performance. Unless you have a real reason to do so, do not 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 Online Shield interface are as follows:
· Save changes - press this button to save and apply any changes made in this
dialog
· Cancel - press this button to return to the default AVG user interface (
components overview)
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8.9.3. Online Shield Detection
Online Shield scans the c ontent of visited web pages and possible files included in them even before these are displayed in your web browser or downloaded to your computer. If a threat is detected, you will be warned immediately with the following dialog:
Within this warning dialog you will find data on the file that was detected and assigned as infected (File name), the name of the recognized infection (Threat name), and a link to the Virus encyclopedia where you can find detailed information on the detected infection (if known). The dialog provides the following buttons:
· Show/Hide details - click the Show details button to open a new section in
the bottom part of the dialog; here you can find information on the process running while the infection was detected, and the process' identification. The Hide details button ten closes the newly opened section of the dialog.
· Close - click the button to close the warning dialog.
The suspect web page will not be opened, and the threat detection will be logged in the list of Online Shield findings - this overview of detected threats is accessible via system menu History / Online Shield findings.
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For each detected object the following information is provided:
· Infection- description (possibly even name) of the detected object
· Object - object source (web page)
· Result - action performed with the detected object
· Detection time - date and time the threat was detected and blocked
· 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 Online Shield. The Back button switches you back to the default AVG user
interface (components overview).
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8.10. Resident Shield
8.10.1. 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!
8.10.2. 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
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prevented from being run/opened (if needed, this value can be reset; e.g. for statistic purposes - Reset value)
Basic component configuration
In the bottom part of the dialog window you will find the section called Resident Shield settings where you can edit some basic settings of the component's
functionality (detailed configuration, as with all other c omponents, is available via the Tools/Advanced settings item of the system menu).
The Resident Shield is active option allows you to easily switc h 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 can switc h 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 Excludes dialog
where you can define folders and files 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
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(components overview)
8.10.3. 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:
Within this warning dialog you will find data on the file that was detected and assigned as infected (File name), the name of the recognized infection (Threat name), and a link to the Virus encyclopedia where you can find detailed information on the detected infection (if known). The dialog provides the following buttons:
· Show/Hide details - click the Show details button to open a new section in
the bottom part of the dialog; here you can find information on the process running while the infection was detected, and the process' identification. The Hide details button ten closes the newly opened section of the dialog.
Further, you have to decide what action should be taken now:
· Remove threat as Power User - check the box if you suppose that you
might not have sufficient rights to remove the threat as a c ommon user. Power Users have extensive acc ess rights, and if the threat is located in a c ertain system folder, you might need to use this chec kbox to successfully remove it.
· Heal - this button only appears if the detected infection can be healed. Then,
it removes it from the file, and restores the file to the original state. If the file itself is a virus, use this function to delete it (i.e. removed to the Virus Vault)
· 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
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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!
· Show/Hide details - this button with alternative option gives a name and full
path to the file, name of the detected infection, and details about the process (running application) during which the threat was detected
The entire overview of all threats detec ted by Resident Shield can be found in the
Resident Shield detection dialog accessible from system menu option History /
Resident Shield detection:
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
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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).
8.11. Update Manager
8.11.1. 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!
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8.11.2. 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 currently installed 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
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 when the update should be launched:
o
Periodically - define the time interval
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o
At a specific time - define the exact day time the update should be launched
By default, the update is set for every 4 hours. It is highly recommended to keep this setting unless you have a true reason to change it!
Please note: The software vendor has set up all AVG components to give optimum performance. Unless you have a real reason to do so, do not 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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9. AVG Security Toolbar
AVG Security Toolbar is a new tool which works together with the AVG LinkScanner component. AVG Security Toolbar can be used to control AVG LinkScanner functions and to adjust its behavior.
If you select to install the toolbar during the installation of AVG 9 Anti Virus plus
Firewall, it will be added into your web browser (Internet Explorer and/or Mozilla Firefox) automatic ally.
Note: In case you are using some alternative Internet browser (e.g Avant Browser) you can meet unexpected behavior.
9.1. AVG Security Toolbar Interface
The AVG Security Toolbar is designed to work with MS Internet Explorer (version
6.0 or higher) and Mozilla Firefox (version 3.0 or higher). 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:
9.1.1. 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 Anti Virus plus Firewall user interface
· 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 within AVG Security Toolbar delete complete
history, or separately to delete search history, delete browser history, delete download history and delete cookies.
· Update - checks for new updates for your AVG Security Toolbar
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· 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
9.1.2. AVG Secure Search powered search box
AVG Secure Search powered search box is easy and safe way to search the web using AVG Secure Search search. Enter a word or phrase into the search box press the Search button, or the Enter key, to start the searc h on the AVG Secure Searc h server directly, no matter what page is currently displayed. The search box also lists your search history. Searches done through the search box are analyzed using the
AVG Search-Shield protection.
Alternatively, within the search field you can switc h to Wikipedia, or some other specific search service - see picture:
9.1.3. 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
· 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.
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9.1.4. 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:
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:
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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)
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
9.1.5. 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
9.1.6. AVG Info
The button provides links to important security information related to AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall:
· Toolbar Info - link to the AVG Security Toolbar home page with detailed
information on the toolbar's protection
· About Threats - opens the AVG website at page providing most important
data on top threats, virus removal recommendations, AVG update information, access to Virus database and more relevant info
· 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 database page where you c an search
the specific viruses by name and get detailed information on each one
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9.1.7. Delete history
Using this button you can delete the history of your browser just like via the AVG logo
-> Delete history option.
9.1.8. 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 opens the following editing dialog where you can define parameters of your e­mail account and the e-mail display rules. Please follow the instructions in the dialog:
· Account type - Specify the protocol type your e-mail account uses. You can select
among the following alternatives: Gmail, POP3, or select the server name from the drop down menu within the Other item (at the moment, you can use this option if your account is on Yahoo! Mail or Hotmail). If you are not sure what e-mail server type your account uses, try to find the information from your e-mail provider, or your internet service provider.
· Login - In the section below provide the exact form of your e-mail address, and the
respective password. Keep the Auto Login option marked so that you do not have to fill in the data repeatedly.
· Test account - Use this button to test the entered details.
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· Reset Settings - Quickly removes the above entered e-mail address details.
· Check for new e-mails every ... minutes - Define the time interval to be used to
check for new e-mail messages (in the range of 5-120 minutes), and specify whether and how you want to be informed about the new message arrival.
· Allow new e-mail alerts - Uncheck this to disable visual notifications of new e-mail
messages arrival.
o
Play a sound when new e-mails arrive - Uncheck this to disable sound notifications of new e-mail messages arrival.
o
Close notification window after 5 seconds - Check this to automatically close the visual notification window of new e-mail messages arrival after 5 sec onds.
9.1.9. 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:
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.
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· 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 a specialized weather website.
9.1.10. 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:
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:
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The Facebook connection has been activated. The Facebook button within AVG Security Toolbaru now offers the standard Fac ebook menu options:
9.1.11. 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
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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?
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
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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 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.
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9.2. 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:
9.2.1. 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 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
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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
· Weather Button - the button offers an immediate information on the weather
situation in a selected location
· Facebook Button - the button offers a direct connection to the Facebook
social network
9.2.2. 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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9.2.3. 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
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unless you have a real reason to change it.
9.2.4. 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.
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9.2.5. Tab Advanced Options
On the Advanced Options tab first select what search engine you want to use as default. You have the choice of AVG Secure Search, Baidu, WebHledani, Yandex and Yahoo!. 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 (the listed caption refers to the default AVG Secure Search settings):
· Set and keep AVG Secure Search 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 Google service will be used automatically to search for relevant websites.
· Let AVG 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 AVG Secure Search as the default search provider - Google 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.
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10. AVG Advanced Settings
The advanced c onfiguration dialog of AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall opens in a new window named Advanced AVG Settings. The window is divided into two sections: the left part offers a tree-arranged navigation to the program configuration options. Select the component you want to change the configuration of (or its specific part) to open the editing dialog in the right-hand section of the window.
10.1. Appearance
The first item of the navigation tree, Appearance, refers to the general settings of the AVG user interface and a few elementary options of the application's behavior:
Language selection
In the Language selection section you can chose your desired language from the drop-down menu; the language will then be used for the entire AVG user interface. The drop-down menu only offers those languages you have previously selected to be installed during the installation process (see chapter Custom Installation - Component
Selection) plus English (that is installed by default). However, to finish switching the
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application to another language you have to restart the user interface; follow these steps:
· Select the desired language of the application and confirm your selection by
pressing the Apply button (right-hand bottom corner)
· Press the OK button 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 - by default, this item is checked (
switc hed on), and notifications are displayed. Uncheck this item to c ompletely turn off the display of all balloon notifications. When turned on, you can further select what specific notifications should be displayed:
o
Display tray notifications about update - decide whether information
regarding AVG update process launch, progress, and finalization should be displayed;
o
Display components state change notifications - 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;
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o
Display Resident Shield related tray notifications - decide whether information regarding file saving, copying, and opening processes should be displayed or suppressed (this configuration only demonstrates if the Resident Shield Auto-heal option is on);
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 Firewall related tray notifications - decide whether information concerning Firewall status and processes, e.g. c omponent's activation/deactivation warnings, possible traffic blocking etc. should be displayed;
o
Display E-mail Scanner related tray notifications - decide whether 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 where possible AVG information ballons (displayed e.g. when a sc heduled scan is started) would be disturbing (they could minimize the application 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).
10.2. 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:
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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.
Note: Only *.wav sounds are supported!
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10.3. 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 displayed in grey color, the icon cannot actually report any possible further error that
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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.
10.4. 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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10.5. PUP Exceptions
AVG 9 Anti Virus plus Firewall is able to analyze and detect executable applications or DLL libraries that could be potentially unwanted within the system. In some cases the user may wish to keep certain unwanted programs on the computer (programs that were installed on purpose). Some programs, especially free ones, include adware. Such adware might be detected and reported by AVG as a potentially unwanted program. If you wish to keep such a program on your computer, you can define it as a potentially unwanted program exception:
The Potentially Unwanted Programs Exceptions dialog displays a list of already defined and currently valid exceptions from potentially unwanted programs. You 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
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generated and displayed after successful addition of the file.
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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10.6. Online Shield
The Online Shield dialog allows you to activate/deactivate the entire Online Shield component via the Enable Online Shield option (ac tivated by default). For further advanced settings of this component please continue to the subsequent dialogs as listed in the tree navigation:
· Web Protection
· Instant Messaging
Threat notification mode
In the bottom sec tion of the dialog, select in which way you wish to be informed about possible detected threat: via standard pop-up dialog, via tray balloon notification, or via tray icon info.
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10.6.1. Web Protection
In the Web Protection dialog you can edit the component's configuration regarding the scan of the website c ontent. The editing interface allows you to configure the following elementary options:
· Enable Web protection - this option confirms that the Online Shield should
perform sc anning of the www pages content. Provided this option is on (by default), you can further switch on/off these items:
o
Check archives - (off by default): scan the content of archives possibly included in the www page to be displayed.
o
Report Potentially Unwanted Programs and Spyware threats - (on by default): check to activate the Anti-Spyware engine, and scan for
spyware as well as for viruses. Spyware represents a questionable malware c ategory: 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.
o
Report enhanced set of Potentially Unwanted Programs - mark to detect extended package of spyware: programs that are perfectly ok and
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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.
o
Use heuristic analysis - (on by default): scan the content of the page to be displayed using the heuristic analysis method (dynamic emulation of the scanned object’s instructions in a virtual computer environment).
o
Ports to be scanned - this field lists the standard http communication port numbers. If your computer configuration differs, you can change the port numbers as needed.
o
Maximum part size of a file to be scanned - if included files are present in the displayed page you can also scan their content even before these are downloaded to your computer. However, sc anning of large files takes quite some time and the web page download might be slowed significantly. You can use the slide bar to specify the maximum size of a file that is still to be sc anned with Online Shield. Even if the downloaded file is bigger than specified, and therefore will not be scanned with Online Shield, you are still protected: in case the file is infected, the Resident Shield will detec t it immediately.
o
Exclude host/IP/domain - into the text field you c an type the exact name of a server (host, IP address, IP address with mask, or URL) or a domain that should not be scanned by Online Shield. Therefore exclude only host that you can be absolutely sure would never provide dangerous website content.
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10.6.2. Instant Messaging
In the Instant Messaging Shield dialog you can edit the Online Shield components settings referring to instant messaging scanning. Currently the following three instant messaging programs are supported: ICQ, MSN, and Yahoo - tick the respec tive item for eac h of them if you want the Online Shield to verify the on-line c ommunication is virus free.
For further specification of allowed/blocked users you can see and edit the respective dialog (Advanced ICQ, Advanced MSN, Advanced Yahoo) and specify the Whitelist (list of users that will be allowed to communicate with you) and Blacklist (users that should be blocked).
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10.7. 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 with 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 search engine.
· Enable AVG Active Surf-Shield - (on by default): active (real-time)
protection against exploitive sites as they are accessed. Known malicious site connections and their exploitive 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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10.8. Scans
The advanced scan settings is divided into four 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
10.8.1. 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:
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Scan settings
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.
· 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 - (off by default): 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 - (off by default): this parameters defines that scanning
should chec k all files stored inside archives, e.g. ZIP, RAR, ...
· Use Heuristics - (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 - (on by default): sc anning 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 (having been saved, the commas c hange into semicolons) file extensions that should not be scanned;
· 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
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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 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:
10.8.2. 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 (for instance, Sc an Whole Computer
by default does not check the archives but it does scan the system environment, while with the Shell Extension Scan it is the other way).
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.
10.8.3. 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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10.8.4. 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.
10.9. Schedules
In the Schedules section you can edit the default settings of:
· Whole computer scan schedule
· Virus database update schedule
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