AVG 9 Anti-Virus User Manual Document revision 90.31 (15. 11. 2010) C opyright AVG Technologies C Z, 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, C opyright (C ) 1991-2, RSA Data Security, Inc. C reated 1991. This product uses code from C -SaC zech library, C opyright (c) 1996-2001 Jaromir Dolecek (dolecek@ics.muni.cz).
Contents ........................................................................................................................ 7 1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 8 2. AVG Installation Requirements 8 2.1 Operation.......................................................................................................... Systems Supported 8 2.2 Minimum ......................................................
........................................................................................................................ 27 7. AVG User Interface 28 7.1 System.......................................................................................................... Menu .......................................................................................................... 28 7.1.1 File .......................................................................................................... 28 7.1.
.......................................................................................................... 53 8.9.1 Resident Shield Principles .......................................................................................................... 53 8.9.2 Resident Shield Interface .......................................................................................................... 53 8.9.3 Resident Shield Detection 57 8.10 Update.......................................................................
90 10.8.1 .......................................................................................................... Scan Whole Computer .......................................................................................................... 90 10.8.2 Shell Extension Scan .......................................................................................................... 90 10.8.3 Scan Specific Files or Folders 90 10.8.4 ...............................................................................
150 11.6 Scan .......................................................................................................... Results Overview 151 11.7 Scan .......................................................................................................... Results Details 151 11.7.1.......................................................................................................... Results Overview Tab 151 11.7.2.........................................................................................
1. Introduction This user manual provides comprehensive documentation for AVG 9 Anti-Virus. Congratulations on your purchase of AVG 9 Anti-Virus! AVG 9 Anti-Virus 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 has been completely re-designed, from the ground up, to deliver AVG’s renowned and accredited security protection in a new, more user friendly and efficient way.
2. AVG Installation Requirements 2.1. Operation Systems Supported AVG 9 Anti-Virus 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.
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.
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 specific product, license type, desired components, and language. Finally, AVG Download Manager will go on to download and launch the appropriate installation process.
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 connectivity test.
· 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 A nti- V irus © 2 0 1 0 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s .r.o. A ll rights res erved.
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 check 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).
5. AVG Installation Process To install AVG 9 Anti-Virus on your computer, you need to get the latest installation file. You can use the installation file from the CD that is a part of your box edition but this file might be out-of-date. Therefore we recommended getting the latest installation file online. You can download the file from AVG website (http://www.avg. com/), the Support Center / Download section.
5.2. License Agreement The License Agreement dialog provides the full wording of the AVG license agreement. Please read it carefully and confirm that you have read, understood and accept the agreement by marking the I have read license agreement check 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.
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.
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 AntiVirus should be installed.
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 components that can be installed. If the default settings do not suit you, you can remove/add specific components. However, you can only select from components that are included in your purchased AVG edition.
be installed as well. · Remote Administration - if you plan to connect your computer to the AVG Remote Administration later, please mark the respective item to be installed as well. Continue by pressing the Next button. 5.8.
5.9. AVG Security Toolbar In the AVG Security Toolbar dialog, decide whether you want to install the AVG Security Toolbar. If you do not change the default settings, this component will be 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.
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. 5.11.
5.12. Schedule regular scans and updates In the Schedule regular scans and updates dialog set up the interval for new update files accessibility check-up, and define time when the scheduled scan should be launched. It is recommended to keep the default values. Press the Next button to continue. 5.13. AVG protection configuration is complete Now your AVG 9 Anti-Virus has been configured.
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. A V G 9 A nti- V irus © 2 0 1 0 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s .r.o. A ll rights res erved.
6. After Installation 6.1. Scan optimization The scanning optimization functionality searches the Windows and Program files folders where it detects 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 necessary to scan these files automatically. The respective assigned files will only be scanned if AVG 9 Anti-Virus detects the files checksum change.
· 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 installation. For this reason you should run a Scan of the whole computer to make sure there are no infections on your PC. For instructions on running a Scan of the whole computer please consult the chapter AVG Scanning. 6.5.
6.6. AVG Default Configuration The default configuration (i.e. how the application is set up right after installation) of AVG 9 Anti-Virus is set up by the software vendor so that all components and functions are tuned up to achieve optimum performance. Unless you have a real reason to do so, do not change the AVG configuration! Changes to settings should only be performed by an experienced user. Some minor editing of AVG components settings is accessible directly from the specific component user interface.
7.
indicates the AVG current status - details >> 7.1. System Menu The System menu is the standard navigation used in all Windows applications. It is located horizontally in the very top part of the AVG 9 Anti-Virus main window. Use the system menu to access specific AVG components, feature, and services. The system menu is divided into five main sections: 7.1.1. File · Exit - closes the AVG 9 Anti-Virus's user interface.
7.1.3.
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.
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.
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.
part of the user interface. Double-click the icon to open the components own interface with a list of basic statistical data. Right-click you mouse over a component's icon to expand a context menu: besides opening the component'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.
The System Tray Icon can also be used as a quick link to access the AVG main window at any time - double click on the icon.
8. AVG Components 8.1. Anti-Virus 8.1.1. Anti-Virus Principles The antivirus software's scanning engine scans all files and file activity (opening/ closing files, etc.) for known viruses. Any detected virus will be blocked from taking any action and will then be cleaned or quarantined. Most antivirus software also uses heuristic scanning, where files are scanned for typical virus characteristics, so called viral signatures.
8.1.2. Anti-Virus Interface The Anti-Virus component's interface provides some basic information on the component's functionality, information on the component's current status (Anti-Virus component is active.
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 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. Access to the hardware is rarely required as a rootkit is intended to seize control of the operating system running on the hardware.
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. E-mail Scanner One of the most common sources of viruses and trojans is via e-mail. Phishing and spam make e-mail an even greater source of risks. Free e-mail accounts are more likely to receive such malicious e-mails (as they rarely employ anti-spam technology), and home users rely quite heavily on such e-mail.
8.5.2. E-mail Scanner Interface In the E-mail Scanner component's dialog you can find a brief text describing the component's functionality, information on its current status (E-mail Scanner is active. ), and the following statistics: · Total e-mails scanned - how many e-mail messages were scanned since the E-mail Scanner was last launched (if needed, this value can be reset; e.g.
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.
8.5.3. 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.
· Refresh list - updates the list of detected threats · Back - switches you back to the previously displayed dialog 8.6. License In the Licence component interface you will find a brief text describing the component's functionality, information on its current status (License component is active.), and the following information: · License number - provides the shortened form of your license number (for security reasons the last four symbols are missing).
· 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 technical support. · Re-activate - opens the Activate AVG dialog with the data you have entered in the Personalize AVG dialog of the installation process.
8.7.2. Link Scanner Interface The LinkScanner component consists of two parts that you can switch on/off in the LinkScanner component interface: 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).
8.7.3. AVG Search-Shield When searching 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.
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 verdict icon only.
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! 8.8.2. 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.).
perform scanning 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.
o Instant Messaging protection - 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 supports the ICQ, MSN, and Yahoo applications. Please note: The software vendor has set up all AVG components to give optimum performance. Unless you have a real reason to do so, do not change the AVG configuration.
8.8.3. Online Shield Detection Online Shield scans the content of visited web pages and possible files included in them even before these are displayed in your web browser or downloaded to your computer.
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 i
8.9. Resident Shield 8.9.1. Resident Shield Principles The Resident Shield component gives your computer continuous protection. It scans every single file that is being opened, saved, or copied, 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.
prevented from being run/opened (if needed, this value can be reset; e.g. for statistic purposes - Reset value) Basic component configuration In the bottom part of the dialog window you will find the section called Resident Shield settings where you can edit some basic settings of the component's functionality (detailed configuration, as with all other components, is available via the Tools/Advanced settings item of the system menu).
(components overview) 8.9.3. 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).
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 detected by Resident Shield can be found in the Resident Shield detection dialog accessible from system menu optio
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). 8.10. Update Manager 8.
8.10.2. Update Manager Interface The Update Manager's interface displays information about the component's functionality and its current status (Update manager is active.
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 change the AVG configuration. Any changes to settings should only be performed by an experienced user.
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, it will be added into your web browser (Internet Explorer and/or Mozilla Firefox) automatically. Note: In case you are using some alternative Internet browser (e.g Avant Browser) you can meet unexpected behavior. 9.
· 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.
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: A V G 9 A nti- V irus © 2 0 1 0 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s .r.o. A ll rights res erved.
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 can be supplied o Bu
· - click this button to close the currently opened news overview 9.1.6.
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.
· 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.
· 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.
The Facebook connection has been activated. The Facebook button within AVG Security Toolbaru now offers the standard Facebook menu options: 9.1.11.
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 Protection please consult the VeriSign website.
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.
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 can 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.
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.
9.2.3.
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.
In the bottom section 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 decide 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.
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.
10. AVG Advanced Settings The advanced configuration dialog of AVG 9 Anti-Virus 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.
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 can suppress display of system tray balloon notifications on the status of the applicati
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 E-mail Scanner related tray notifications - decide whether information upon scanni
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! A V G 9 A nti- V irus © 2 0 1 0 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s .r.o. A ll rights res erved.
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.
might appear. For this situation, within the above dialog you can select components that may be in an error state (or switched off) and you do not wish to get informed about it. The same option of Ignoring component state is also available for specific components directly from the components overview in the AVG main window. 10.4.
10.5. PUP Exceptions AVG 9 Anti-Virus 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 .
generated and displayed after successful addition of the file.
10.6. Online Shield The Online Shield dialog allows you to activate/deactivate the entire Online Shield component via the Enable Online Shield option (activated by default).
10.6.1. Web Protection In the Web Protection dialog you can edit the component's configuration regarding the scan of the website content. The editing interface allows you to configure the following elementary options: · Enable Web protection - this option confirms that the Online Shield should perform scanning of the www pages content.
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).
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 respective item for each of them if you want the Online Shield to verify the on-line communication is virus free.
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.
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 devices attached to your computer 10.
Scan settings The Scan settings section offers a list of scanning parameters that can be optionally switched 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.
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 specify by extensions which files are those that should always be scanned.
The list of parameters is identical to those available for the Scan of the whole computer. However, the default settings differ (for instance, Scan 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.
All parameters set up in this configuration 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. A V G 9 A nti- V irus © 2 0 1 0 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s .r.o. A ll rights res erved.
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 devices for potential threats since these are a major source of infection.
· Program update schedule 10.9.1. Scheduled Scan Parameters of the scheduled scan can be edited (or a new schedule set up) on three tabs: On the Schedule settings tab you can first check/uncheck the Enable this task item to simply deactivate the scheduled test temporarily, and switch it on again as the need arises. Next, in the text field called Name (deactivated for all default schedules) there is the name assigned to this very schedule by the program vendor.
scan" since these names do not refer to what the scan actually checks. On the other hand, an example of a good descriptive name would be "System areas scan" etc. Also it is not necessary to specify in the scan's name whether it is the scan of the whole of the computer or just a scan of selected files or folders - your own scans will always be a specific version of the scan of selected files or folders.
On the How to scan tab you will find a list of scanning parameters that can be optionally switched on/off. By default, most parameters are switched on and the functionality will be applied during scanning. Unless you have a valid reason to change these settings we recommend to keep the predefined configuration: · Automatically heal/remove infection - (on by default): if a virus is identified during scanning it can be healed automatically if a cure is available.
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.
Within the Scan process priority section you can further specify the desired scanning speed dependent on system resource usage. By default, this option is set to the medium level of automatic resource usage. If you want the scanning to run faster, it will take less time but the system resources usage will increase significantly during the scan, and will slow down your other activities on the PC (this option can be used when your computer is switched on but nobody is currently working on it).
On the What to scan tab you can define whether you want to schedule scanning of the whole computer or scanning of specific files or folders. If you select scanning of specific files or folders, in the bottom part of this dialog the displayed tree structure activates and you can specify the folders to be scanned. A V G 9 A nti- V irus © 2 0 1 0 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s .r.o. A ll rights res erved.
10.9.2. Virus Database Update Schedule On the Schedule settings tab you can first check/uncheck the Enable this task item to simply deactivate the scheduled virus database update temporarily, and switch it on again as the need arises. The basic virus database update scheduling is covered within the Update Manager component. Within this dialog you can set up some detailed parameters of the virus database update schedule.
This section allows you to define under which conditions the virus database update should/should not be launched if the computer is in low power mode or switched off completely. Other update settings Finally, check the Run the update again as soon as the Internet connection is available option to make sure than if the internet connection gets corrupted and the update process fails, it will be launched again immediately after the internet connection is restored.
as the need arises. In the text field called Name (deactivated for all default schedules ) there is the name assigned to this very schedule by the program vendor. Schedule running Here, specify the time intervals for the newly scheduled program update launch. The timing can either be defined by the repeated update launch after a certain period of time (Run every ...) or by defining an exact date and time (Run at specific time ...
10.10. E-mail Scanner The E-mail Scanner dialog is divided into three sections: · E-mail scanning - in this section, you can set these basics for incoming and/ or outgoing e-mail messages: o If the e-mail messages should be scanned for viruses. o If certification text should be added to the end of each message to state that it contains no viruses. The text can be adjusted in the Certification dialog. o If the certification text should be only added to messages with attachments.
· Scanning properties - in this section, you can specify how the e-mail messages will be scanned: o Use Heuristics – check to use heuristics detection method when scanning e-mail messages. When this option is on, you can filter e-mail attachments not only by extension but also the actual contents of the attachment will be considered. The filtering can be set in the Mail Filtering dialog.
dangerous. o Move reported attachments to Virus Vault - specify whether you wish to be notified via e-mail about password protected archives, password protected documents, macro containing files and/or files with hidden extension detected as an attachment of the scanned e-mail message. If such a message is identified during scanning, define whether the detected infectious object should be moved to the Virus Vault. 10.10.1.
10.10.2. Mail Filtering The Attachment filter dialog allows you to set up parameters for e-mail messages attachment scanning. By default, the Remove attachments option is switched off. If you decide to activate it, all e-mail message attachments detected as infectious or potentially dangerous will be removed automatically. If you want to define specific types of attachments that should be removed, select the respective option: · Remove all executable files - all *.
10.10.3. Logs and Results The dialog opened via the Logs and Results navigation item allows you to specify parameters for e-mail scanning results maintenance. The dialog is divided into several sections: · Logs Maintenance - define whether you want to log e-mail scanning information daily, weekly, monthly, ...
In this dialog (opened via Servers / POP3) you can set up a new E-mail Scanner server using the POP3 protocol for incoming mail: · POP3 Server Name - in this field you can specify the name of newly added servers (to add a POP3 server, click the right mouse button over the POP3 item of the left navigation menu). For automatically created "AutoPOP3" server this field is deactivated.
login name. o Fixed host - In this case, the program will always use the server specified here. Please specify the address or name of your mail server. The login name remains unchanged. For a name, you may use a domain name (for example, pop.acme.com) as well as an IP address (for example, 123.45.67.89). If the mail server uses a non-standard port, you can specify this port after the server name by using a colon as the delimiter (for example, pop.acme.com:8200).
In this dialog (opened via Servers / SMTP) you can set up a new E-mail Scanner server using the SMTP protocol for outgoing mail: · SMTP Server Name - in this field you can specify the name of newly added servers (to add a SMTP server, click the right mouse button over the SMTP item of the left navigation menu). For automatically created "AutoSMTP" server this field is deactivated.
standard port for SMTP communication is 25. · Additional settings - specifies more detailed parameters: o Local port - specifies the port on which the communication from your mail application should be expected. You must then specify in your mail application this port as the port for SMTP communication.
10.11. Resident Shield The Resident Shield component performs live protection of files and folders against viruses, spyware and other malware. In the Resident Shield Settings dialog you can activate or deactivate the Resident Shield protection completely by checking/unchecking the Enable Resident Shield item (this option is switched on by default).
· 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. · Scan files on close - on-close scanning ensures that AVG scans active objects (e.g.
10.11.1. Advanced Settings In the Files scanned by the Resident Shield dialog it is possible to configure which files will be scanned (by specific extensions): Decide whether you want all files to be scanned or just infectable files - if so, you can further specify a list of extensions defining files that should be excluded from scanning, and also a list of file extensions defining files that must be scanned under all circumstances. A V G 9 A nti- V irus © 2 0 1 0 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s .
10.11.2. Directory Exludes The Resident Shield - Directory Excludes dialog offers the possibility of defining folders that should be excluded from the Resident Shield scanning.
10.11.3. Excluded Files The Resident Shield - Excluded files dialog behaves just like the previously described Resident Shield - Directory Excludes but instead of folders you can now define specific files that should be excluded from the Resident Shield scanning.
10.12. Cache Server The Cache Server is a process designed to speed up any scan (on-demand scan, scheduled whole computer scan, Resident Shield scan). It gathers and keeps information of trustworthy files (system files with digital signature etc.): These files are then considered safe, and during scanning are skipped. The settings dialog offers two options: · Caching enabled (on by default) - uncheck the box to switch off the Cache Server, and empty the cache memory.
10.13. Anti-Rootkit In this dialog you can edit the Anti-Rootkit component's configuration: Editing of all functions of the Anti-Rootkit component as provided within this dialog is also accessible directly from the Anti-Rootkit component's interface.
10.14. Update The Update navigation item opens a new dialog where you can specify general parameters regarding the AVG update: When to update files In this section 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 secure the maximum safety level.
· Restart immediately - the computer will be restarted automatically immediately after the update process has finished, and your approval will not be required · Complete at next computer restart - the update process finalization will be postponed until the next computer restart - again, please keep in mind that this option is only recommended if you can be sure the computer gets restarted regularly, at least daily Post update memory scan Mark this check box to define you want to launch a new memory scan af
10.14.1. Proxy The proxy server is a stand-alone server or a service 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 can also be allowed at the same time.
· 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) The proxy server can also have configured specific rules for each user.
10.14.2. Dial-up 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 activates 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).
10.14.3. URL The URL dialog offers a list of Internet addresses from which the update files can be downloaded.
10.14.4.
10.15. Remote Administration The Remote Administration settings refer to connecting the AVG client station to the remote administration system.
and can be used to successfully connect to DataCenter. Note: For a detailed description on remote administration please consult the AVG Network Edition documentation. A V G 9 A nti- V irus © 2 0 1 0 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s .r.o. A ll rights res erved.
11. AVG Scanning Scanning is a crucial part of AVG 9 Anti-Virus functionality. You can run on-demand tests or schedule them to run periodically at convenient times. 11.1. Scanning Interface The AVG scanning interface is accessible via the Computer Scanner quick link. Click this link to switch to the Scan for threats dialog.
· Scan history - displays the Scan results overview dialog with the entire history of scanning · View Virus Vault - opens a new window with the Virus Vault - a space where detected infections are quarantined 11.2. Predefined Scans One of the main features of AVG 9 Anti-Virus is on-demand scanning. On-demand tests are designed to scan various parts of your computer whenever suspicion of possible virus infection arises.
Scan configuration editing You have the option of editing the predefined default settings of the Scan of the whole computer. Press the Change scan settings link to get to the Change scan settings for Scan whole computer dialog. It is recommended to keep to the default settings unless you have a valid reason to change them! A V G 9 A nti- V irus © 2 0 1 0 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s .r.o. A ll rights res erved.
· Scanning parameters - in the list of scanning parameters you can switch on/ off specific parameters as needed. By default, most of the parameters are switched on and these will be used automatically during scanning. · Additional scan settings - the link opens a new Additional scan settings dialog where you can specify the following parameters: o Computer shutdown options - decide whether the computer should be shut down automatically once the running scanning process is over.
are rather suspicious and should be scanned at all times. · Scan process priority - you can use the slider to change the scanning process priority. By default, the priority is set to medium level (Automatic scan ) that optimizes the scanning process speed and the use of system resources.
automatically generated path (see screenshot). To exclude the entire folder from scanning use the "!" parameter. Finally, to launch the scanning, press the Start scan button; the scanning process itself is basically identical to the scan of a whole computer. Scan configuration editing You have the option of editing the predefined default settings of the Scan of specific files or folders. Press the Change scan settings link to get to the Change scan settings for Scan of specific files or folders dialog.
· Scanning parameters - in the list of scanning parameters you can switch on/off specific parameters as needed (for detailed description of this settings please consult chapter AVG Advanced Settings / Scans / Scan Specific Files or Folders). · Additional scan settings - the link opens a new Additional scan settings dialog where you can specify the following parameters: o Computer shutdown options - decide whether the computer should be shut down automatically once the running scanning process is over.
down even if it is currently locked (Force shutdown if computer is locked).
for all further scans of specific files or folders. Also, this configuration will be used as a template for all of your newly scheduled scans (all customized scans are based on the current configuration of the Scan of selected files or folders). 11.3. Scanning in Windows Explorer Besides the pre-defined scans launched for the entire computer or its selected areas, AVG 9 Anti-Virus also offers the option of quick scanning of a specific object directly in the Windows Explorer environment.
· avgscana for 64 bits OS Syntax of the command The syntax of the command follows: · avgscanx /parameter ... e.g. avgscanx /comp for scanning the whole computer · avgscanx /parameter /parameter .. with multiple parameters these should be lined in a row and separated by a space and a slash character · if a parameters requires specific value to be provided (e.g.
· /HEUR Use heuristic analyse · /EXCLUDE Exclude path or files from scan · /@ Command file /file name/ · /EXT Scan these extensions /for example EXT=EXE,DLL/ · /NOEXT Do not scan these extensions /for example NOEXT=JPG/ · /ARC Scan archives · /CLEAN Clean automatically · /TRASH Move infected files to the Virus Vault · /QT Quick test · /MACROW Report macros · /PWDW Report password-protected files · /IGNLOCKED Ignore locked files · /REPORT Report to file /file name/ · /REPAPPEND App
· /FORCESHUTDOWN Force computer shutdown upon scan completion · /ADS Scan Alternate Data Streams (NTFS only) · /ARCBOMBSW Report re-compressed archive files 11.5. Scan Scheduling With AVG 9 Anti-Virus you can run scanning on demand (for instance when you suspect an infection has been dragged to your computer) or based on a scheduled plan.
scans dialog where you find a list of all currently scheduled scans: You can edit / add scans using the following control buttons: · Add scan schedule - the button opens the Settings for scheduled scan dialog, Schedule settings tab. In this dialog you can specify the parameters of the newly defined test. · Edit scan schedule - this button can only be used if you have already previously selected an existing test from the list of scheduled tests.
What to scan. On the Schedule settings tab you can first check/uncheck the Enable this task item to simply deactivate the scheduled test temporarily, and switch it on again as the need arises. Next, give a name to the scan you are about to create and schedule. Type the name into the text field by the Name item. Try to use brief, descriptive and apt names for scans to make it easier to later recognize the scan from others.
Control buttons of the Settings for scheduled scan dialog There are two control buttons available on all three tabs of the Settings for scheduled scan dialog (Schedule settings, How to scan and What to scan) and these have the same functionality no matter on which tab you currently are: · Save - saves all changes you have performed on this tab or on any other tab of this dialog and switches back to the AVG scanning interface default dialog.
what to do with the detected infection. The recommended action is to remove the infected file to the Virus Vault. · Report Potentially Unwanted Programs and Spyware threats - (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 can be installed intentionally.
o Computer shutdown options - decide whether the computer should be shut down automatically once the running scanning process is over. Having confirmed this option (Shutdown computer upon scan completion), a new option activates that allows the computer to shut down even if it is currently locked (Force shutdown if computer is locked).
computer but you do not care so much how long the scanning takes), or faster with increased system resources requirements (e.g. when the computer is temporarily unattended). · Set additional scan reports - the link opens a new Scan reports dialog where you can select what types of possible findings should be reported: Note: By default, the scanning configuration is set up for optimum performance.
11.5.3. What to Scan On the What to scan tab you can define whether you want to schedule scanning of the whole computer or scanning of specific files or folders. In case you select scanning of specific files or folders, in the bottom part of this dialog the displayed tree structure activates and you can specify folders to be scanned ( expand items by clicking the plus node until you find the folder you wish to scan). You can select multiple folders by checking the respective boxes.
o for Win XP: C:\Documents and Settings\Default User\My Documents\ o for Windows Vista/7: C:\Users\user\Documents\ · Shared Documents o for Win XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\ o for Windows Vista/7: C:\Users\Public\Documents\ · Windows folder - C:\Windows\ · Other o System drive - the hard drive on which the operating system is installed (usually C:) o System folder - C:\Windows\System32\ o Temporary Files folder - C:\Documents and Settings\User\Local\ ( Windows XP); or C:\Users\user\AppD
11.6. Scan Results Overview The Scan results overview dialog is accessible from the AVG scanning interface via the Scan history button. The dialog provides a list of of all previously launched scans and information of their results: · Name - scan designation; it can either be the name of one of the predefined scans, or a name you have given to your own scheduled scan.
· Start time - date and time when the scan was launched · End time - date and time when the scan ended · Tested objects - number of objects that were checked during scanning · Infections - number of virus infections detected / removed · Spyware - number of spyware detected / removed · Warnings - number of detected suspicious objects · Rootkits - number of detected rootkits · Scan log information - information relating to the scanning course and result (typically on its finalization or interruption) Control
· Information - this tab is displayed only if some potential threats were detected but these cannot be classified as any of the above categories; then the tab provides a warning message on the finding. Also, you will find here information on objects that could not be scanned (e.g. password protected archives). 11.7.1.
11.7.2. Infections Tab The Infections tab is only displayed in the Scan results dialog if a virus infection was detected during scanning.
Exceptions dialog of the advanced settings) o Locked file - not tested - the respective object is locked and AVG is therefore unable to scan it o Potentially dangerous object - the object was detected as potentially dangerous but not infected (it can contain macros, for instance); the information should be taken as a warning only o Reboot is required to finish the action - the infected object cannot be removed, to remove it completely you have to restart your computer Control buttons There are three contro
11.7.3. Spyware Tab The Spyware tab is only displayed in the Scan results dialog in if spyware was detected during scanning.
and added to the list of PUP exceptions (configured in the PUP Exceptions dialog of the advanced settings) o Locked file - not tested - the respective object is locked and AVG is therefore unable to scan it o Potentially dangerous object - the object was detected as potentially dangerous but not infected (it can contain macros, for instance); the information is a warning only o Reboot is required to finish the action - the infected object cannot be removed, to remove it completely you have to restart your c
the Scan results overview dialog 11.7.4. Warnings Tab The Warnings tab displays information on "suspected" objects (typically files) detected during scanning. When detected by the Resident Shield, these files are blocked from being accessed. Typical examples of this kind of findings are: hidden files, cookies, suspicious registry keys, password protected documents or archives, etc. Such files do not present any direct threat to your computer or security.
11.7.5. Rootkits Tab The Rootkits tab displays information on rootkits detected during scanning if you have launched the Anti-Rootkit scan. A rootkit is a program designed to take fundamental control of a computer system, without authorization by the system's owners and legitimate managers. Access to the hardware is rarely required as a rootkit is intended to seize control of the operating system running on the hardware.
processes to make their presence less apparent in the system. · Locked file - The reported file is locked, thus cannot be scanned by AVG. This usually means that some file is constantly being used by the system (e.g. swap file). 11.8. Virus Vault Virus Vault is a safe environment for the management of suspect/infected objects detected during AVG tests.
case the object had a specific original name that is known (e.g. a name of an e-mail attachment that does not respond to the actual content of the attachment), it will be provided in this column.
12. AVG Updates Keeping your AVG up-to-date is crucial to ensure that all newly discovered viruses will be detected as soon as possible. During the AVG Installation process you were invited to specify how often you wish to update your AVG. The available options are Every 4 hours, or Every day (see dialog Schedule regular scans and updates).
Once you start the update, AVG will first verify whether there are new update files available. If so, AVG 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, ...).
13. Event History The Event History dialog is accessible from the system menu via the History/Event History Log item. Within this dialog you can find a summary of important events that occurred during AVG 9 Anti-Virus operation.
14. FAQ and Technical Support Should you have any problems with your AVG, either business or technical, please refer to the FAQ section of AVG website (http://www.avg.com/). If you do not succeed in finding help this way, contact the technical support department by email. Please use the contact form accessible from the system menu via Help / Get help online. A V G 9 A nti- V irus © 2 0 1 0 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s .r.o. A ll rights res erved.