A V G LinkS canner © 201 0 Copyright A VG T ec hnologies CZ, s.r.o. A ll rights res erv ed. 1
Document revision 90.6 (19.3.2010)
Copyright AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. All rights reserved.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
This product uses RSA Data Security, Inc. MD5 Message-Digest Algorithm, Copyright (C) 1991-2, RSA Data
Security, Inc. C reated 1991.
This product uses code from C-SaCzech library, C opyright (c) 1996-2001 Jaromir Dolecek
(dolecek@ics.muni.cz).
This product uses compression library zlib, C opyright (c) 1995-2002 Jean-loup Gailly and Mark Adler.
AVG LinkScanner
User Manual
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Contents
........................................................................................................................ 5
1. Introduction
........................................................................................................................ 6
2. Installation Requirements
.......................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Operation Systems Supported
.......................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Web Browsers Supported
.......................................................................................................... 6
2.3 Minimum Hardware Requirements
........................................................................................................................ 7
3. Installation Process
.......................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Installation Launch
.......................................................................................................... 7
3.2 License Agreement
.......................................................................................................... 8
3.3 Checking System Status
.......................................................................................................... 9
3.4 Select Installation Type
.......................................................................................................... 10
3.5 Custom Installation - Destination Folder
.......................................................................................................... 10
3.6 Custom Installation - Additional Language Selec tion
.......................................................................................................... 11
3.7 AVG Security Toolbar
.......................................................................................................... 11
3.8 Installing AVG LinkScanner®
.......................................................................................................... 11
3.9 Installation Complete
........................................................................................................................ 13
4. First Run Wizard
.......................................................................................................... 13
4.1 AVG LinkScanner® Update
.......................................................................................................... 14
4.2 Protection configuration is complete
........................................................................................................................ 15
5. After Installation
.......................................................................................................... 15
5.1 Access to User Interface
.......................................................................................................... 15
5.2 AVG LinkScanner® Default Configuration
........................................................................................................................ 16
6. User Interface
.......................................................................................................... 17
6.1 System Menu
.......................................................................................................... 17
6.1.1 File
.......................................................................................................... 17
6.1.2 Components
.......................................................................................................... 17
6.1.3 History
.......................................................................................................... 17
6.1.4 Tools
.......................................................................................................... 17
6.1.5 Help
.......................................................................................................... 18
6.2 Security Status Info
.......................................................................................................... 19
6.3 Quick Links
.......................................................................................................... 20
6.4 Components Overview
.......................................................................................................... 20
6.5 Statistics
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.......................................................................................................... 20
6.6 System Tray Icon
........................................................................................................................ 22
7. Components
.......................................................................................................... 22
7.1 Link Scanner
.......................................................................................................... 22
7.1.1 AVG Searc h-Shield
.......................................................................................................... 22
7.1.2 AVG Active Surf-Shield
.......................................................................................................... 25
7.2 Update Manager
.......................................................................................................... 25
7.2.1 Update Manager Principles
.......................................................................................................... 25
7.2.2 Update Manager Interface
........................................................................................................................ 27
8. AVG Security Toolbar
.......................................................................................................... 27
8.1 AVG Security Toolbar Interface
.......................................................................................................... 27
8.1.1 AVG logo button
.......................................................................................................... 27
8.1.2 Yahoo! powered search box
.......................................................................................................... 27
8.1.3 Total Protection
.......................................................................................................... 27
8.1.4 Page Status
.......................................................................................................... 27
8.1.5 AVG News
.......................................................................................................... 27
8.1.6 News
.......................................................................................................... 27
8.1.7 AVG Info
.......................................................................................................... 27
8.1.8 Get More button
.......................................................................................................... 27
8.1.9 E-mail Notifier
.......................................................................................................... 32
8.2 AVG Security Toolbar Options
.......................................................................................................... 32
8.2.1 Tab General
.......................................................................................................... 32
8.2.2 Tab Useful Buttons
.......................................................................................................... 32
8.2.3 Tab Security
.......................................................................................................... 32
8.2.4 Tab Advanced Options
........................................................................................................................ 37
9. Advanced Settings
.......................................................................................................... 37
9.1 Appearance
.......................................................................................................... 39
9.2 Ignore Module Status Warnings
.......................................................................................................... 40
9.3 AVG LinkScanner
.......................................................................................................... 41
9.4 Update
.......................................................................................................... 41
9.4.1 Proxy
.......................................................................................................... 41
9.4.2 Dial-up
.......................................................................................................... 41
9.4.3 URL
........................................................................................................................ 46
10. Updates
.......................................................................................................... 46
10.1 Update Types
.......................................................................................................... 46
10.2 Update Proc ess
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........................................................................................................................ 47
11. FAQ and Technical Support
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1. Introduction
This user manual offers a general overview of the tasks and detection tec hnologies
provided by AVG LinkScanner®. We will briefly talk about the program installation,
initial startup, configuration and use.
AVG LinkScanner® is provided free-of-charge. It is up and running immediately from
the moment of installation. All basic settings have been pre-set by the manufacturer,
so most of the time you will not have to worry about anything – just let AVG
LinkScanner® work in the bac kground and protec t you without any effort on your
part. However, there might be situations where you need to adjust the program
settings, or decide what to do with a virus infected file; this manual is here to provide
detailed information and assist you with any task.
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2. Installation Requirements
2.1. Operation Systems Supported
AVG LinkScanner® is intended to protect computers 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 (all editions)
(and possibly higher service packs for specific operating systems).
2.2. Web Browsers Supported
AVG LinkScanner® is fully compatible with the following Internet browsers:
· Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher,
· Mozilla Firefox 3.0 or higher.
2.3. Minimum Hardware Requirements
Minimum hardware requirements for AVG LinkScanner® are as follows:
· Intel Pentium CPU 1,2 GHz
· 70 MB of free hard drive space (for installation purposes)
· 256 MB of RAM memory
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3. Installation Process
To download the installation file of AVG LinkScanner® visit the AVG Free website at
http://free.avg.com/ and follow the AVG LinkScanner® download link.
Once you have downloaded and saved the installation file on your hard disk, you can
launch the installation process. The installation is a sequence of dialog windows with a
brief description of what do at each step. In the following, we offer an explanation for
each dialog window:
3.1. Installation Launch
The installation process starts with the Welcome to the AVG LinkScanner® Setup
Program window. The drop-down menu allows you to select the language for the
installation. (The language for the applic ation itself can be selected later on.)
3.2. License Agreement
The next dialog provides information on AVG LinkScanner® terms of use. Please read
it c arefully and confirm that you have read, understood and accept the agreement by
pressing the Accept button. If you do not agree with the terms of use stated press
the Don't accept button, and the installation process will be terminated immediately.
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3.3. Checking System Status
Further you will be redirected to the Checking System Status dialog. This dialog does
not require any intervention; your system is being checked before the AVG
LinkScanner® installation can start. Please wait until the process has finished, then
continue automatically to the following dialog.
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3.4. 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 LinkScanner® 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 LinkScanner®
applic ation.
Custom installation should only be used by experienced users who have a valid
reason to install AVG LinkScanner® with non-standard settings, e.g. to fit specific
system requirements.
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3.5. Custom Installation - Destination Folder
The Destination folder dialog allows you to specify the location where AVG should be
installed. By default, AVG will be installed to your Program Files folder. 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 c onfirm.
3.6. Custom Installation - Additional Language Selection
The Additional Language Selection dialog displays an overview of all languages
supported by AVG LinkScanner® that can be installed. Choose additional languages
by checking the boxes near them.
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Continue the installation process by pressing the Next button.
3.7. 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) to
provide you with comprehensive online protection while surfing the Internet.
Also, you have the option to decide whether you want to chose Yahoo! as your
default search provider. If so, please mark the respective check box.
3.8. Installing AVG LinkScanner®
The Installing AVG LinkScanner® dialog shows the progress of the installation
process, and does not require any intervention. Please wait until the installation is
complete, then you will be redirected to the Installation Complete dialog.
3.9. Installation Complete
The Installation is complete! dialog is the last step of the AVG LinkScanner®
installation process. AVG LinkScanner® is now installed on your computer and fully
functional. The program is running in the background in fully automatic mode.
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4. First Run Wizard
After installation, the AVG LinkScanner® First Run Wizard will be launched
automatically, and will lead you through AVG LinkScanner® elementary configuration.
Although AVG LinkScanner® configuration is accessible at any time after installation,
we rec ommend that you take this opportunity to set up the basic configuration using
the wizard's help.
4.1. AVG LinkScanner® Update
The Update AVG LinkScanner® protection dialog will automatically check and
download the latest AVG LinkScanner® updates:
Once the update is finished, you will get redirected to the next dialog.
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4.2. Protection configuration is complete
In the AVG LinkScanner® protection configuration is complete dialog dec ide
whether you want to activate the option of reporting scan and usage information of
your AVG LinkScanner® to feed the database collecting information on malicious
activity on the web. If you want to help us further improve the application, please
check the box to activate the reporting feature. The reporting is taken care of
automatically, therefore does not c ause you any inconvenience, and no personal data
is included in the reports (to obtain more information, follow the Privacy Policy link in
the dialog).
In case you want to subscribe to the AVG LinkScanner® newsletter, please provide
your e-mail address into the text box.
Press the Finish button to complete AVG LinkScanner® First Run Wizard.
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5. After Installation
5.1. Access to User Interface
The AVG LinkScanner® user interface is accessible in several ways:
· double-clic k the AVG LinkScanner® icon in the system tray
· double-clic k the AVG LinkScanner® icon on the desktop
· from the menu Start/All Programs/AVG LinkScanner® 9.0/AVG
LinkScanner® Interface
5.2. AVG LinkScanner® Default Configuration
The default configuration (i.e. how the application is set up right after installation) of
AVG LinkScanner® is set up by the software vendor so that all functions are tuned
up to achieve optimum performance.
Unless you have a real reason to do so, do not change the AVG LinkScanner®
configuration! Changes to settings should only be performed by an experienced
user.
Some minor editing of the settings is ac cessible direc tly from the specific component
user interface. If you feel you need to change the AVG LinkScanner® configuration
to better suit your needs, go to the Advanced Settings: select the system menu
item Tools/Advanced settings and edit the c onfiguration in the newly opened the
Advanced Settings dialog.
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6. User Interface
AVG LinkScanner® opens 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 LinkScanner® components, services, and
features - details >>
· Security Status Info (upper section of the window) provides you with
information on the current status of your AVG LinkScanner® program -
details >>
· Quick Links (left section of the window) allow you to quickly access the most
important and most frequently used AVG LinkScanner® tasks - details >>
· Components Overview (central sec tion of the window) offer an overview of
installed AVG LinkScanner® components - details >>
· Statistics (left bottom sec tion of the window) provide you with statistical
data regarding the programs operation - details >>
· Information security enhancement (right) - the link takes you to AVG
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website providing information on further and enhanced option of Internet
Security
· System Tray Icon (bottom right corner of the monitor, in the system tray)
indicates the current AVG LinkScanner® status - details >>
6.1. System Menu
The System menu is the standard navigation used in all Windows applications. It is
located horizontally in the very top part of the AVG LinkScanner® main window. Use
the system menu to ac cess specific components, features and services.
The system menu is divided into five main sections:
6.1.1. File
· Exit - closes the AVG LinkScanner®'s user interface. However, the
applic ation will continue running in the background and your computer will still
be protected!
6.1.2. Components
The Components item of the system menu includes links to installed c omponents of
AVG LinkScanner®, opening their default dialog page in the user interface:
· System overview - switch to the default user interface dialog with the
overview of installed components and their status
· AVG LinkScanner® - opens the default page of the LinkScanner component
· Update Manager - opens the default page of the Update Manager
component
6.1.3. History
· Blocked websites - displays the list of all potentially dangerous websites
previously blocked by AVG LinkScanner®. You c an update this list by clicking
Refresh list button.
· Exploits prevented - displays the list of all dangerous exploits prevented by
AVG LinkScanner®. You can update this list by clicking Refresh list button.
6.1.4. Tools
· Update - automatically launches the update process of AVG LinkScanner®
· Update from folder ... - 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 c omputer is infected and disconnected
from the Internet; your computer is connected to a network with no access
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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.
· Remove AVG Security Toolbar - this option removes the AVG Security
Toolbar from your web browser. The settings will demonstrate only after the
browser restart.
· Advanced settings - opens the AVG advanced settings dialog where you
can edit the AVG LinkScanner® configuration. Generally, it is recommended to
keep the default settings of the applic ation as defined by the software vendor.
6.1.5. Help
· Contents - opens the AVG help files
· Get Help Online - opens the AVG Free web at the customer support c enter
page
· About Web-based Threats - opens the AVG free web on the page referring
to web-technologies based threats, and describing details of the AVG
LinkScanner® functionality
· Submit Product Feedback - opens the Product Feedback webpage
containing online form that allows you to send your opinion on AVG
LinkScanner® to the manufac turer
· Get Comprehensive Protection - opens the AVG website offering a
comparative overview of the protection level provided by free version versus
full professional AVG application, and inviting you to buy the required
commercial AVG product.
· Premium Support - opens you browser and takes you to AVG Support
Center page, where you can select your product type to view all support
options available for you.
· About AVG LinkScanner® - opens the Information dialog with five tabs
providing data on program name, program and virus database version, system
info, license agreement, and contact information of AVG Technologies CZ.
6.2. Security Status Info
The Security Status Info section is located in the upper part of the main window.
Within this section you will always find information on the current security status of
your AVG LinkScanner®. Please see an overview of icons possibly depicted in this
section, and their meaning:
The green icon indicates that your AVG LinkScanner® is fully functional.
Your computer is completely protected, up to date and all installed components
are working properly.
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The orange icon warns that one or more components are incorrectly
configured and you should pay attention to their properties/settings. There is no
critic al problem in AVG LinkScanner® and you have probably decided to switc h
some component off for some reason. You are still protected by AVG
LinkScanner®. However, please pay attention to the problem component's
settings! Its name will be provided in the Security Status Info section.
The red icon indicates that AVG LinkScanner® is in critical status! One or
more components does not work properly and AVG LinkScanner® cannot
protect your computer. Please pay immediate attention to fixing the reported
problem.
It is strongly recommended that you pay attention to Security Status Info and in
case the report indicates any problem, go ahead and try to solve it immediately.
Otherwise your computer is at risk!
Note: AVG LinkScanner® status information can also be obtained at any moment
from the system tray icon.
6.3. Quick Links
Quick links (in the left section of the AVG LinkScanner® User Interface) allow you to
immediately access the most important and most frequently used AVG LinkScanner®
features:
· Overview - use this link to switch from any currently opened AVG
LinkScanner® interface to the default one with an overview of all installed
components - see chapter Components Overview >>
· Update now - this link open the updating interfac e, and launches the AVG
LinkScanner® update process immediately - see chapter AVG LinkScanner®
Updates >>
These links are acc essible from the user interface at all times. Onc e 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.
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6.4. Components Overview
The Components Overview section is located in the central part of the AVG
LinkScanner® User Interfac e. The section is divided into two parts:
· Overview of all installed components c onsisting of a panel with the
component's icon and the information of whether the respective c omponent is
active or inactive
· Description of a selected component
Within the AVG LinkScanner® the Components Overview section contains
information on the following components:
· LinkScanner chec ks the searc h results displayed in your internet browser -
details >>
· Update Manager controls all AVG updates - details >>
Single- click any component's icon to highlight it within the components overview. At
the same time, the component's basic functionality description appears in the bottom
part of the user interfac e. Double-click the icon to open the components own
interface with a list of basic statistical data.
6.5. Statistics
The Statistics section is located in the left bottom part of the AVG LinkScanner®
user Interface. It offers a list of information regarding the program's operation:
· Last update - provides the date when the last update was launched
· LS version - informs you about the AVG LinkScanner® version installed (the
number is in the form of 9.0.xx, where 9.0 is the product line version, and xx
stands for the number of the build)
· LS engine - informs you about the AVG LinkScanner® engine installed.
6.6. System Tray Icon
System Tray Icon (on your Windows taskbar) indicates the current status of your
AVG LinkScanner®. It is visible at all times on your system tray, no matter whether
the main window is opened or closed.
If in the standard form of AVG logo , the System Tray Icon indicates that all AVG
LinkScanner® components are ac tive and fully functional. Also, AVG LinkScanner®
system tray icon can be displayed in full color if AVG LinkScanner® 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 exclamation mark indicates a problem (
inactive component, error status, etc.). Double-click the System Tray Icon to open
the main window and edit a component.
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The System Tray Icon can also be used as a quick link to access the AVG
LinkScanner® 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 LinkScanner® - click to open the AVG LinkSc anner® user
Interface
· Update now - launches an immediate update
· Help - opens the AVG LinkScanner® help file
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7. Components
7.1. Link Scanner
The LinkScanner component opens with the following interface:
The LinkScanner Quick Scan option offers the immediate verification of a security
level of any selected URL. Fill in the address of the website you want to examine into
the text field. Press the Scan Address button to display the information on the
specific website security status right within the AVG LinkScanner® interface:
· - AVG LinkScanner® did not detec t any threats on this page
· - Site has something suspicious but not critical about it
· - AVG LinkScanner® has found potential active threat delivery on the site
· - This page c ontains active threats.
· - AVG LinkScanner® was unable to scan this page
· - URL address scanning failed
The LinkScanner component within AVG LinkScanner® consists of two parts that
you can switch on/off in the LinkScanner component interface:
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· Enable AVG Search-Shield - (on by default): advisory notifying icons on
searches performed in Google, Yahoo, WebHledani, Yandex, Baidu, Bing, AOL,
AltaVista, EarthLink, Ask, Seznam, eBay, Twitter, Digg, and Slashdot having
checked ahead the content of sites returned by the search engine. The
browsers supported are Internet Explorer and Firefox.
· Enable AVG Active Surf-Shield - (on by default): prevents you from
accidentally becoming infected by drive-by downloads and other exploits,
ensuring the web pages you visit are safe at the only time that really matters
- when you are about to click the link. The browsers supported are again
Internet Explorer and Firefox.
· Enable reporting of potential threats - 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.
7.1.1. AVG Search-Shield
When searching Internet with the AVG Search-Shield on, all search results returned
from the most popular search engines like Google, Yahoo, WebHledani, Yandex, Baidu,
Bing, AOL, AltaVista, EarthLink, Ask, Seznam, eBay, Twitter, Digg, and Slashdot are
evaluated for dangerous or suspicious links. By c hecking 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 respec tive informative icon will be displayed:
· The linked page is safe (with Yahoo! search engine within AVG Sec urity
Toolbar this icon will not be displayed!).
· Page is somewhat suspic ious.
· Page containing links to positively dangerous pages.
· The linked page contains ac tive 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.
Hovering over an individual rating icon will display details about the particular link in
question. Information include additional details of the threat (if any), the IP address of
the link and when the page was scanned by AVG LinkScanner®:
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VeriSign Seal
Besides the above listed AVG Search Shield verdict icons, you can also see the
VeriSign icon in your browser. However, this icon display refers only to pages
websites that participate in the Verisign Seal project. In such a case, the VeriSign
icon will be displayed next to any link in the search results list, or next to the
sponsored links. For instance, if the website is considered safe, you will see the
VeriSign icon next to the green AVG Search Shield icon. If the site is c onsidered
potentially dangerous, you will be informed via the AVG verdict icon only.
The VeriSign icons are supported in the following browsers: Altavista, AOL, Ask,
Baidu, Bing, Earthlink, Google, Seznam, Webhledani, Yandex, and Yahoo!
7.1.2. AVG Active Surf-Shield
This powerful protection will block malicious content of any webpage you try to open,
and prevent it from being downloaded to your computer. With this feature enabled,
clicking a link or typing in a URL to a dangerous site will automatically block you from
opening the web page thus protecting you from inadvertently being infected. It is
important to remember that exploited web pages can infect your computer simply by
visiting the affected site, for this reason when you request a dangerous webpage
containing exploits or other serious threats, the AVG Security Toolbar will not allow
your browser to display it.
If you do encounter a malic ious web site, within your web browser the AVG Link
Scanner will warn you with a screen similar to:
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If you still wish to visit the infected page, a link to the page is available on this
screen, but continuing to these pages in not recommended!
7.2. Update Manager
7.2.1. 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 attacks appear daily. For this reason, software vendors are continually issuing
updates and security patches, to fix any security holes that are discovered.
It is crucial to update your AVG LinkScanner® 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 LinkScanner® Updates chapter for more
information on update types and levels!
7.2.2. Update Manager Interface
The Update Manager's interfac e displays information about the component's
functionality and its current status (Update manager is active.), and provides the
relevant statistical data:
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· Latest update - specifies when and at what time the database was updated
· Next scheduled update - specifies when and at what time the next update is
scheduled to
Update Manager settings
In the bottom part of the dialog you can find the Update Manager settings section
where you can c hange the rule of the update process launch. It is possible to 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!
Please note: The software vendor has set up all AVG LinkScanner®
components to give optimum performance. Unless you have a real reason to do
so, do not c hange the AVG LinkScanner® configuration. Any changes to settings
should only be performed by an experienced user. If you need to change AVG
LinkScanner® configuration, select the system menu item Tools / Advanced
settings and edit the AVG LinkScanner® configuration in the newly opened AVG
LinkScanner® Advanced Settings dialog.
Control buttons
The control buttons available within the Update Manager interface are as follows:
· Update now - launches an immediate update on demand
· Save changes - press this button to save and apply any changes made in this
dialog
· Cancel - press this button to return to the default AVG LinkScanner® user
interface (components overview)
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8. AVG Security Toolbar
AVG Security Toolbar is a new tool which works together with the AVG
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 LinkScanner®, it will
be added into your web browser automatically.
Note: In case you are using some alternative Internet browser (e.g Avant Browser)
you can meet unexpected behavior.
8.1. AVG Security Toolbar Interface
The AVG Security Toolbar is designed to work with MS Internet Explorer (version
6.0 or greater) and Mozilla Firefox (version 3.0 or greater). Once you have decided
you want to install AVG Security Toolbar (during the AVG installation process you
were asked to decide whether or not you wish to install the component), the
component will be located in your web browser just under the address bar:
The AVG Security Toolbar consists of the following:
8.1.1. AVG logo button
This button provides access to general toolbar items. Click the logo button to get
redirected to AVG website. Clicking the pointer next to the AVG icon will open the
following:
· Toolbar Info - link to the AVG Security Toolbar home page with detailed
information on the toolbar's protection
· Launch AVG LinkScanner® - opens the AVG LinkScanner® 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 to Delete complete history of AVG Security
Toolbar, or to delete search history, delete browser history, delete
downloaded history and delete cookies.
· Update - checks for new updates for your AVG Security Toolbar
· Help - provides options to open the help file, contact AVG technical support,
or view the details of the current version of the toolbar
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8.1.2. Yahoo! powered search box
Yahoo! powered search box is easy and safe way to search the web using Yahoo!
search. Enter a word or phrase into the search box press Search to start the search
on the Yahoo! server directly, no matter what page is currently displayed. The search
box also lists your search history. Searc hes done through the search box are analyzed
using the AVG Search-Shield protection.
8.1.3. Total Protection
This button opens the Security tab in the Toolbar Options dialog, allowing you to
assign AVG Security Toolbar functionality you want to use.
8.1.4. Page Status
Directly in the toolbar, this button displays the evaluation of the currently uploaded
web page base on criteria of the AVG Search-Shield component:
· The linked page is safe
· Page is somewhat suspic ious.
· Page containing links to positively dangerous pages.
· The linked page contains ac tive 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.
Clic k the button to open an information panel with detailed data on the specific web
page.
8.1.5. AVG News
Directly from within the AVG Security Toolbar, this button opens an overview of the
latest Headline news related to AVG, both news from the press and company press
release:
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In the right upper corner you can see two red control buttons:
· - the button opens the editing dialog where you can specify parameters of
the AVG News button displayed within the AVG Security Toolbar:
o
Button name - you have the option to change the button name as it will
be displayed within AVG Security Toolbar
o
Show messages - c hange 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 can
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 close the currently opened news overview
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8.1.6. News
Similarly, directly from within the AVG Security Toolbar, this button opens an
overview of the latest news from selected media divided into several sections:
In the right upper corner you can see two red control buttons:
· - the button opens the editing dialog where you can specify parameters of
the News button displayed within the AVG Security Toolbar:
· - click this button to close the currently opened news overview
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8.1.7. AVG Info
The button provides links to important sec urity information related to AVG
LinkScanner®:
· Toolbar Info - link to the AVG Security Toolbar home page with detailed
information on the toolbar's protection
· AVG News - opens the web page providing the latest AVG related press
release
· Current Threat Level - opens the virus lab web page with a graphical display
of the current threat level on the web
· Virus Encyclopedia - opens the Virus Encyclopedia page where you can
search the specific viruses by name and get detailed information on eac h one
· Upgrade My AVG LinkScanner® - opens the webpage offering the option of
upgrade to the full professional version of AVG products
8.1.8. Get More button
This button opens a webpage where you can learn about many benefits of AVG paid
product and easily purchase one of them.
8.1.9. E-mail Notifier
The E-mail Notifier button allows you to ac tivate the option of being informed about
newly arrived e-mail messages direc tly in the AVG Security Toolbar interfac e. The
button opedns the following editing dialog where you c an define parameters of your email account and the e-mail display rules. Please follow the instructions in the dialog:
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8.2. AVG Security Toolbar Options
All AVG Security Toolbar parameters configuration is ac cessible directly within the
AVG Security Toolbar panel. The editing interfac e opens via the AVG / Options toolbar
menu item in a new dialog c alled Toolbar Options divided into four sections:
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8.2.1. Tab General
On this tab you c an specify toolbar control buttons that should be displayed or hidden
within the AVG Security Toolbar panel. Mark any option in case you want to have
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
· Get More Button - this button redirects the AVG free products users to the
AVG website offering the possibility of immediate upgrade to a professional paid
AVG version with the complex scope of security features
· Delete History Button - this button allows you to Delete complete history, or
Delete search history, Delete browser history, Delete download history, or
Delete cookies directly from the AVG Security Toolbar panel.
· E-mail Notifier Button - the button allows you to have displayed your newly
arrived e-mail messages within the AVG Security Toolbar interface
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8.2.2. Tab Useful Buttons
The Useful Buttons tab allows you to select applic ations 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 applic ation immediately.
8.2.3. Tab Security
The Security tab is divided into two sections, AVG Browser Security and Ratings,
where you can mark specific chec k-boxes to assign AVG Security Toolbar
functionality you want to use:
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· 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 ac cessible, 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 c annot be switc hed-off. Again, it is
recommended to keep the default configuration set by the program vendor
unless you have a real reason to change it.
8.2.4. Tab Advanced Options
On the Advanced Options tab first select what search engine you want to use as
default. You have the choice of Yahoo!, Baidu, WebHledani, and Yandex. Having
changed the default search engine, please restart your internet browser for the
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change to take effect.
Further, you can activate or switch-off further specific AVG Security Toolbar
settings:
· Set and keep Yahoo! as the search provider for Address bar - (on by
default) - if marked, this option allows you to type a search keyword directly
into the address bar into your Internet browser and the Yahoo! service will be
used automatic ally to search for relevant websites.
· Show Yahoo! search box on new tabs in the browser - (on by default) -
this option is marked by default, and having opened any new tab in your
internet browser, the page with a direct Yahoo! search will be displayed.
· Let AVG make suggestion on browser navigation errors (404/DNS) - (on
by default) - 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 topicrelated pages.
· Set and keep Yahoo! as the search provider for your browser - Yahoo! is
the default search engine for web search within AVG Security Toolbar, and
activating this option it can also become your web browser default search
engine.
· Re-display the AVG Security Toolbar when hidden (weekly) - (on by
default) - this option is ac tive by default and when your AVG Security Toolbar
gets hidden accidentally, it will re-display it again within one week term.
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9. Advanced Settings
The advanced configuration dialog of AVG LinkScanner® opens in a new window
named Advanced AVG LinkScanner® Settings. The window is divided into two
sections: the left part offers a tree-arranged navigation to the program configuration
options. Select the component you want to change the configuration of (or its
specific part) to open the editing dialog in the right-hand section of the window.
9.1. Appearance
The first item of the navigation tree, Appearance, refers to the general settings of
the AVG LinkScanner® user interface and a few elementary options of the
applic ation'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 user interfac e. The
drop-down menu only offers those languages you have previously selected to be
installed during the installation process (see chapter Custom Installation -
Additional Language). However, to finish switching the application to another
language you have to restart the user interfac e; follow these steps:
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· 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.
Pop-up 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 LinkScanner® component's status change, and you
should pay attention to them!
However, if for some reason you decide you do not wish these notific ations to be
displayed, or you would like only certain notifications (related to a specific AVG
LinkScanner® 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 completely
turn off the display of all balloon notifications. When turned on, you can
further select what specific notifications should be displayed:
o
Display update notifications - decide whether information regarding
AVG LinkScanner® update proc ess launch, progress, and finalization
should be displayed;
o
Display change status notifications - decide whether information
regarding component's activity/inactivity or its possible problem should be
displayed. When reporting a component's fault status, this option equals
to the informative function of the system tray icon (color changing)
reporting a problem in any AVG LinkScanner® component.
Gaming mode
This AVG func tion 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).
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9.2. Ignore Module Status Warnings
In the Ignore module status warnings dialog you can tick those components that
you do not want to get informed about:
By default, no component is selected in this list. It means that if any component get
to an error status, you will be informed about it immediately via:
· system tray icon - while all parts of AVG LinkScanner® are working
properly, the icon is displayed in four AVG colors; however, if an error occ urs,
the ic on appears with a warning yellow triangle with a red exclamation mark
· text description of the existing problem in the Security Status Info section of
the AVG LinkScanner® main window
There might be a situation that for some reason you need to switc h 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 automatically reports the component's error status. However, in this
very case we cannot talk about an actual error since you have deliberately induced it
yourself, and you are aware of the potential risk. At the same time, once being
displayed in an error state, the icon cannot actually report any possible further error
that might appear.
For this situation, within the above dialog you can select components that may be in
an error state (or switched off) and you do not wish to get informed about it. The
same option of Ignore module status warnings is also available for specific
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components directly from the components overview in the AVG LinkScanner® main
window.
9.3. AVG LinkScanner
The AVG LinkScanner® settings dialog allows you to switc h on/off the two
elementary features of the AVG LinkScanner®:
· Enable AVG Search Shield - (on by default): advisory notifying icons on
searches performed in Google, Yahoo, WebHledani, Yandex, Baidu, Bing, AOL,
AltaVista, EarthLink, Ask, Seznam, eBay, Twitter, Digg, and Slashdot having
checked ahead the content of sites returned by the search engine. The
browsers supported are Internet Explorer and Firefox.
· Enable AVG Active Surf-Shield - (on by default): prevents you from
accidentally becoming infected by drive-by downloads and other exploits,
ensuring the web pages you visit are safe at the only time that really matters
- when you are about to click the link. The browsers supported are again
Internet Explorer and Firefox.
· Enable reporting of potential threats - 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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9.4. Update
The Update navigation item opens a new dialog where you can specify general
parameters regarding the AVG LinkSc anner® update:
When to update program files
In this sec tion you can select between two alternative options: update can be
scheduled for the next PC restart or you can launch the update immediately. By
default, the immediate update option is selected since this way AVG can sec ure the
maximum safety level. Scheduling an update for the next PC restart can only be
recommended if you are sure the computer gets restarted regularly, at least daily.
If you decide to keep the default configuration and launch the update process
immediately, you can specify the circumstances under which a possible required
restart should be performed:
· Require user confirmation - you will be asked to approve a PC restart
needed to finalize the update process
· Restart immediately - the computer will be restarted automatically
immediately after the update proc ess has finished, and your approval will not
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be required
· Complete update at next computer restart - the update proc ess finalization
will be postponed until the next computer restart - again, please keep in mind
that this option is only
Additional update options
· Build new system restore point after each program update - before each
AVG program update launch, a system restore point is created. In case the
update process fails and your operating system crashes you can always
restore your OS in its original configuration from this point. This option is
accessible via Start / All Programs / Accessories / System tools / System
Restore, but any changes can be recommended to experienced users only!
Keep this check-box ticked if you want to make use of this functionality.
· Use DNS update - mark this check box to confirm you want to use the update
files detection method that eliminates data amount transferred between the update
server and AVG client;
· Require confirmation before closing running applications (switched on by
default) will help you make sure no currently running applic ations will be closed
without your permission - if required for the update process to be finalized.
· Check computer time - check this box to enable displaying notification of the
time set on your computer being incorrect. The notification will be displayed if
the time differs from the correct time in more hours than set in the box below
(the default value is 24 hours).
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9.4.1. Proxy
The proxy server is a stand-alone server or a servic e running on a PC that guarantees
safer connection to the Internet. According to the specified network rules you can
then access the Internet either directly or via the proxy server; both possibilities c an
also be allowed at the same time. Then, in the first item of the Update settings -
Proxy dialog you have to select from the combo box menu whether you want to:
· Use proxy
· Don´t use proxy - default settings
· Try connection using proxy and if it fails, connect directly
If you select any option using proxy server, you will have to specify some further
data. The server settings can be configured either manually or automatically.
Manual configuration
If you select manual configuration (check the Manual option to activate the
respective dialog sec tion) you have to spec ify the following items:
· Server – specify the server’s IP address or the name of the server
· Port – specify the number of the port that enables Internet access (by
default, this number is set to 3128 but can be set differently – if you are not
sure, contact your network administrator)
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The proxy server can also have c onfigured specific rules for each user. If your proxy
server is set up this way, check the Use PROXY authentication option to verify that
your user name and password are valid for connecting to the Internet via the proxy
server.
Automatic configuration
If you select automatic configuration (mark the Auto option to activate the
respective dialog sec tion) then please select where the proxy configuration should be
taken from:
· From browser - the configuration will be read from your default internet
browser (supported browsers being Internet Explorer, Firefox, Mozilla, and
Opera)
· From script - the configuration will be read from a downloaded script with the
function returning the proxy address
· Autodetect - the configuration will be detected automatic ally directly from the
proxy server
9.4.2. Dial-up
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All parameters optionally defined in the Update settings - Dial-Up connection dialog
refer to the dial-up connection to the Internet. The dialog's fields are inactive until
you check the Use dial-up connections option that ac tivates the fields.
Specify whether you want to connect to the Internet automatically (Automatically
open this connection) or you wish to confirm the connection manually every time (
Ask before connection). For automatic connection you should further select whether
the connection should be c losed after the update is finished (Close dial-up
connection when finished).
9.4.3. URL
The URL dialog offers a list of Internet addresses from which the update files can be
downloaded. Unfortunately, this list cannot be modified in AVG LinkScanner®.
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10. Updates
10.1. Update Types
You can distinguish between two types of update:
· On demand update is an immediate AVG LinkScanner® update that can be
performed any time the need arises.
· Scheduled update - within AVG LinkScanner® it is also possible to pre-set
an update plan. The planned update is then performed periodically according to
the setup c onfiguration. Whenever new update files are present on the
specified location, they are downloaded either directly from the Internet, or
from the network directory. When no newer updates are available, nothing
happens.
10.2. Update Process
The update process can be launc hed immediately as the need arises by the Update
now quick link. This link is available at all times from any AVG LinkScanner® user
interface dialog. However, it is still highly recommended to perform updates regularly
as stated in the update schedule editable within the Update manager component.
Once you start the update, AVG LinkScanner® will first verify whether there are new
update files available. If so, AVG LinkScanner®starts their downloading and launches
the update process itself. During the update process you will get redirected to the
Update interface where you can view the process progressing in its graphical
representation as well as in an overview of relevant statistic parameters (update file
size, received data, download speed, elapsed time, ...).
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11. FAQ and Technical Support
Should you have any problems with your AVG, either business or technical, please
refer to the FAQ section of the AVG Free website. Unfortunately, using AVG
LinkScanner® you are not entitled to technic al support provided to full versions of
AVG produc ts. You can also try to look up some help in AVG forums and discussions.
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