AVG 9 Free User Manual Document revision 90.15 (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 ......................................................
........................................................................................................................ 26 6. AVG User Interface 27 6.1 System.......................................................................................................... Menu .......................................................................................................... 27 6.1.1 File .......................................................................................................... 27 6.1.
........................................................................................................................ 52 8. AVG Security Toolbar .......................................................................................................... 52 8.1 AVG Security Toolbar Interface .......................................................................................................... 52 8.1.1 AVG logo button .......................................................................................
.......................................................................................................... 93 9.9.1 Certification .......................................................................................................... 93 9.9.2 Mail Filtering .......................................................................................................... 93 9.9.3 Logs and Results .......................................................................................................... 93 9.9.
.......................................................................................................... 143 11.2 Update Types .......................................................................................................... 143 11.3 Update Process ........................................................................................................................ 145 12. Event History .............................................................................................................
1. Introduction This user manual offers a general overview of the tasks and detection technologies provided by AVG 9 Free. We will briefly talk about the program installation, initial startup, configuration and use. AVG 9 Free is provided free-of-charge, and its functionality is limited. While using AVG 9 Free you might discover you would like to have access to further and extended functionality of AVG as provided within the AVG 8 products. Then, please visit AVG website (http://www.avg.
2. AVG Installation Requirements 2.1. Operation Systems Supported AVG 9 Free is intended to protect workstations with the following operating systems: · Windows 2000 Professional SP4 + Update Rollup 1 · Windows XP Home Edition SP2 · Windows XP Professional SP2 · Windows XP Professional x64 Edition SP1 · Windows Vista (x86 and x64, all editions) · Windows 7 (x86 and x64, all editions) (and possibly higher service packs for specific operating systems) 2.2.
3. AVG Download Manager AVG Download Manager is a simple tool that helps you select the proper installation file for AVG 9 Free. Based on your input data, the manager will select the specific product and license type, and language. Finally, AVG Download Manager will go on to download and launch the appropriate installation process.
3.2. Connectivity Check In the next step called Connectivity check, AVG Download Manager will attempt to establish an Internet connection so that updates can be located. You will not be allowed to advance the download process until the AVG Download Manager is able to complete the 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. 3.3. Proxy Settings If AVG Download Manager was not able to identify your Proxy settings you have to A V G 9 Free © 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).
3.5. Begin Your AVG Installation Before the AVG installation process is launched, you have the possibility to decide whether you want to have installed the free program version with limited security options and with no technical support available, or whether you prefer to try the full version of AVG Internet Security that provides you with a comprehensive protection.
4. AVG Installation Process 4.1. Installation Options To download the installation file of AVG 9 Free visit the AVG Free website (http:// free.avg.com/) and follow the AVG 9 Free download link. Once you have downloaded and saved the installation file on your hard disk, you can launch the installation process. The installation is a sequence of dialog windows with a brief description of what do at each step. In the following, we offer an explanation for each dialog window: 4.2.
4.3. 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. 4.4.
Having confirmed the license agreement, you will be redirected to the Checking System Status dialog. This dialog does not require any intervention; your system is being checked before the AVG installation can start. Please wait until the process has finished, then continue automatically to the following dialog. 4.5. Select Installation Type The Select Installation Type dialog offers the choice of two installation options: standard and custom installation.
Press the Next button to continue the installation process. If in the previous step you have selected the standard installation, you will be redirected directly to the AVG Security Toolbar dialog. If custom installation was selected you will continue with the Destination Folder dialog. 4.7. Custom Installation - Destination Folder The Destination Folder dialog allows you to specify the location where AVG 9 Free should be installed.
If you want to change this location, use the Browse button to display the drive structure, and select the respective folder. Press the Next button to confirm. 4.8. Custom Installation - Component Selection The Component Selection dialog displays an overview of all AVG 9 Free components that can be installed. If the default settings do not suit you, you can remove/add specific components.
· Plug-in for Microsoft Office 2000/XP/2003/2007 - Checking this item installs a special plug-in for enhanced protection of files used by Microsoft Office applications (this applies only to aforementioned versions). Continue by pressing the Next button. 4.9. AVG Security Toolbar In the AVG Security Toolbar dialog, decide whether you want to install the AVG Security Toolbar (verification of search results of the supported Internet search engines).
4.10. Close down open applications The Close down open applications dialog appears during the installation process only in case there are some other clashing programs running on your computer at the moment. Then, the list of programs that need to be closed in order to sucessfuly finish the installation process will be provided. Press the Next button to confirm you agree to close down the respective applications, and to continue to the next step.
4.11. Installing AVG The Installing AVG dialog shows the progress of the installation process, and does not require any intervention: After the installation process is finished, and virus database updated, you will be redirected to the next dialog automatically. 4.12. Schedule regular scans and updates In the AVG Task Schedule dialog define time when the scheduled scan should be launched. It is recommended to keep the default values. A V G 9 Free © 2 0 1 0 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s .r.o.
As for the updates, with AVG 9 Free you cannot specify how often you want to check for new updates. AVG 9 Free updates once a day, by default. If this configuration does not suit you and you consider buying the full version of AVG, then please visit the AVG website (http://www.avg.com/) for information on AVG 9 purchase options. Press the Next button to continue. 4.13. AVG protection configuration is complete Now your AVG 9 Free has been configured.
5. After Installation 5.1. 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 these files will not be scanned again and this reduce the scanning time significantly.
5.4. Scanning of the whole computer There is a potential risk that a computer virus has been transmitted to your computer prior to AVG 9 Free installation. For this reason you should run a Scan of the whole computer to make sure there are no infections on your PC. For instructions on running a Scan of the whole computer please consult the chapter AVG Scanning. 5.5. Eicar Test To confirm that AVG 9 Free has been installed correctly you can perform the EICAR test.
5.6. AVG Default Configuration The default configuration (i.e. how the application is set up right after installation) of AVG 9 Free is set up by the software vendor so that all components and functions are tuned up to achieve optimum performance. Unless you have a real reason to do so, do not change the AVG configuration! Changes to settings should only be performed by an experienced user. Some minor editing of AVG Free components settings is accessible directly from the specific component user interface.
6.
indicates the AVG current 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 9 Free main window. Use the system menu to access specific AVG components, feature, and services. The system menu is divided into five main sections: 6.1.1. File · Exit - closes the AVG 9 Free's user interface.
6.1.3. History · Scan results - switches to the AVG testing interface, specifically to the Scan Results Overview dialog. · Resident Shield Detection - open a dialog with an overview of threats detected by Resident Shield. · E-mail Scanner Detection - open a dialog with an overview of mail messages attachments detected as dangerous by the E-mail Scanner component.
6.1.5. Help · Contents - opens the AVG help files · Get Help Online - opens the AVG website (http://www.avg.com/) at the customer support center page · Your AVG Web - opens the AVG website (http://www.avg.com/) · About Viruses and Threats - opens the online Virus Encyclopedia where you can look up detailed information on the identified virus · Buy now - opens the AVG website (http://www.avg.com/) at the online store where you can purchase a copy of AVG.
This icon also appears if for some reason you have decided to ignore a component's error status (the "Ignore component state" option is available from the context menu opened by a right-click over the respective component's icon in the component overview of the AVG main window). You may need to use this option in a specific situation but it is strictly recommended to switch off the " Ignore component state" option as soon as possible.
6.4. Components Overview The Components Overview section is located in the central part of the AVG User Interface.
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. 6.5. Statistics The Statistics section is located in the left bottom part of the AVG User Interface.
· Open AVG User Interface - click to open the AVG User Interface · Scans - click to open the context menu of predefined scans (Scan Whole Computer, Scan Specific Files or Folders) and select the required scan, it will be launched immediately · Update now - launches an immediate update · Help - opens the help file on the start page The System tray icon further informs on current AVG activities and possible status changes in the program (e.g.
7. AVG Components 7.1. Anti-Virus 7.1.1. Anti-Virus Principles The antivirus software's scanning engine scans all files and file activity (opening/ closing files, etc.) for known viruses. Any detected virus will be blocked from taking any 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.
7.1.2. Anti-Virus Interface The Anti-Virus component's interface provides some basic information on the component's functionality, information on the component's current status (Anti-Virus component is active.
7.2. Anti-Spyware 7.2.1. Anti-Spyware Principles Spyware is usually defined as a type of malware, i.e. software, that gathers information from a user's computer without the user's knowledge or consent. Some spyware applications may also be installed on purpose and often contain advertisements, window pop-ups or different types of unpleasant software. Currently, the most common source of infection is websites with potentially dangerous content.
· Spyware definitions - number provides the count of spyware samples defined in the latest spyware database version · Database release - specifies when and at what time the spyware database was updated · Database version - defines the number of the latest spyware database version; and this number increases with every virus base update There is just one operating button available within this component's interface (Back) press the button to return to the default AVG user interface (components overview).
· Outgoing mail: Message is sent from e-mail client to E-mail Scanner; it tests the message and its attachments for viruses and then sends the message to the SMTP server (scanning of outgoing e-mails is disabled by default, and can be set up manually). Note: AVG E-mail Scanner is not intended for server platforms! 7.3.2.
settings where you can edit some elementary features of the component's functionality: · Scan incoming messages - check the item to specify that all e-mails deliver ed to your account should be scanned for viruses. By default, this item is on, and it is recommended not to change this setting! · Scan outgoing messages - check the item to confirm all e-mail sent from your account should be scanned for viruses. By default, this item is off.
7.3.3. 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 previous displayed dialog 7.4. 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 exact form of your license number. · License type - specifies the product type installed.
· Back - press this button to return to the default AVG user interface (components overview). 7.5. Link Scanner 7.5.1. Link Scanner Principles The LinkScanner component provides protection against websites, that are designed to install malware into your computer via the web browser or its plugins. The LinkScanner technology consists of two features, AVG Search-Shield and AVG Active Surf-Shield: · AVG Search Shield contains list of websites (URL addresses) which are known to be dangerous.
In the bottom part of the dialog you can edit several options: · Enable AVG Search-Shield - (on by default): advisory notifying icons on searches performed in Google, Yahoo!, WebHledani, Yandex, Baidu, Bing, AOL, AltaVista, EarthLink, Ask, Seznam, eBay, Twitter, Digg, or SlashDot having checked ahead the content of sites returned by the search engine. · Enable AVG Active Surf-Shield - (on by default): active (real-time) protection against exploitive sites as they are accessed.
is complete, the respective informative icon will be displayed: The linked page is safe (with Yahoo! search engine this icon will not be displayed!). The linked page does not contain threats but is somewhat suspicious ( questionable in origin or motive, therefore not recommended for e-shopping etc.). The linked page can be either safe itself, but containing further links to positively dangerous pages; or suspicious in code, though not directly employing any threats at the moment.
7.5.4. AVG Active Surf-Shield This powerful protection will block malicious content of any webpage you try to open, and prevent it from being downloaded to your computer. With this feature enabled, clicking a link or typing in a URL to a dangerous site will automatically block you from opening the web page thus protecting you from inadvertently being infected.
7.6.2. Resident Shield Interface Besides an overview of the most important statistical data and the information on the component's current status (Resident Shield is active and fully functional), the Resident Shield interface offers some elementary component settings options, too.
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 File/Advanced settings item of the system menu). The Resident Shield active option allows you to easily switch on/off resident protection. By default, the function is on.
7.6.3. Resident Shield Detection Resident Shield scans files as they are copied, opened or saved.
The Resident Shield detection offers an overview of objects that were detected by the Resident Shield, evaluated as dangerous and either cured or moved to the Virus Vault.
7.7. Update Manager 7.7.1. Update Manager Principles No security software can guarantee true protection 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.
· Latest update - specifies when and at what time the database was updated · Virus database version - defines the number of the latest virus database version; and this number increases with every virus base update · Next scheduled update - specifies when and at what time the database is scheduled to be updated again Basic component configuration In the bottom part of the dialog you can find the Update Manager settings section where you can perform some changes to the rules of the update process launch.
8. AVG Security Toolbar AVG Security Toolbar is a new tool which works together with the AVG Link Scanner component and checks search results of the supported Internet search engines ( Google, Yahoo!, WebHledani, Yandex, Baidu, Bing, AOL, AltaVista, EarthLink, Ask, Seznam, eBay, Twitter, Digg, or SlashDot). AVG Security Toolbar can be used to control AVG Link Scanner functions and to adjust its behavior.
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, send your product related feedback, or view the details of the current version of the toolbar 8.1.2. 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.
In the right upper corner you can see two red control buttons: · - the button opens the editing dialog where you can specify parameters of the AVG News button displayed within the AVG Security Toolbar: o Button name - you have the option to change the button name as it will be displayed within AVG Security Toolbar o Show messages - change the desired number of messages that are to be displayed at a time A V G 9 Free © 2 0 1 0 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s .r.o. A ll rights res erved.
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 open
· - click this button to close the currently opened news overview 8.1.6.
8.1.8. 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 opedns the following editing dialog where you can define parameters of your email account and the e-mail display rules. Please follow the instructions in the dialog: · Account type - Specify the protocol type your e-mail account uses.
whether and how you want to be informed about the new message arrival. · Allow new e-mail alerts - Uncheck this to disable visual notifications of new e-mail messages arrival. o Play a sound when new e-mails arrive - Uncheck this to disable sound notifications of new e-mail messages arrival. o Close notification window after 5 seconds - Check this to automatically close the visual notification window of new e-mail messages arrival after 5 seconds. 8.1.9.
selected scale. · Full Forecast - if interested in full and detailed forecast, use the Full Forecast link to get to the specialized weather website. 8.1.10. Facebook The Facebook button allows you connect to the Facebook social network from the AVG Security Toolbar directly. Click the button, and the login invitation appears;click again to open the Facebook login dialog. In the dialog provide your access data, that means your e-mail address and password, and press the Connect button.
The Facebook connection has been activated. The Facebook button within AVG Security Toolbaru now offers the standard Facebook menu options: 8.1.11.
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.
8.2. AVG Security Toolbar Options All AVG Security Toolbar parameters configuration is accessible directly within the AVG Security Toolbar panel. The editing interface opens via the AVG / Options toolbar menu item in a new dialog called Toolbar Options divided into four sections: 8.2.1. Tab General On this tab you 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 8.2.2. Tab Useful Buttons The Useful Buttons tab allows you to select applications from a list and have their icon displayed in the toolbar interface.
8.2.3.
unless you have a real reason to change it. 8.2.4. Tab VIP This tab allows you to set the VeriSign Identity Protection parameters. First decide whether the following options should be allowed: · Enable VIP for secure authentication - mark this option to activate the VeriSign protection. · Always display the VeriSign button on the toolbar - this option is only activated in case you marked the previous Enable VIP for secure authentication option.
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.
8.2.5. 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.
9. AVG Advanced Settings The advanced configuration dialog of AVG 9 Free opens in a new window named Advanced AVG Settings. The window is divided into two sections: the left part offers a tree-arranged navigation to the program configuration options. Select the component you want to change the configuration of (or its specific part) to open the editing dialog in the right-hand section of the window. 9.1.
· 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 application.
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 scanning of all incoming and outgoing e-mail messages should be displayed.
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 Free © 2 0 1 0 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s .r.o. A ll rights res erved.
9.3. Ignore Faulty Conditions In the Ignore faulty components conditions dialog you can tick those components that you do not want to get informed about: By default, no component is selected in this list.
further error that might appear. For this situation, within the above dialog you can select components that may be in an error state (or switched off) and you do not wish to get informed about it. The same option of Ignoring component state is also available for specific components directly from the components overview in the AVG main window. 9.4.
9.5. PUP Exceptions AVG 9 Free 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.
9.6. Link Scanner The LinkScanner settings dialog allows you to switch on/off the elementary features of the LinkScanner: · Enable AVG Search-Shield - (on by default): advisory notifying icons on searches performed in Google, Yahoo!, WebHledani, Yandex, Baidu, Bing, AOL, AltaVista, EarthLink, Ask, Seznam, eBay, Twitter, Digg, or SlashDot having checked ahead the content of sites returned by the search engine.
9.7. Scans The advanced scan settings is divided into three categories referring to specific scan types as defined by the software vendor: · Scan Whole Computer - standard predefined scan of the entire computer · Shell Extension Scan - specific scanning of a selected object directly from the Windows Explorer environment · Scan Specific Files or Folders - standard predefined scan of selected areas of your computer · Removable Device Scan - specific scanning of removable devices attached to your computer 9.
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, or deleted.
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: with the Scan of the Whole Computer most parameters are selected while for the Shell extension scan ( Scanning in Windows Explorer) only the relevant parameters are switched on. 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 Free © 2 0 1 0 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s .r.o. A ll rights res erved.
9.7.4. Removable Device Scan The editing interface for Removable device scan is also very similar to the Scan Whole Computer editing dialog: The Removable device scan is launched automatically once you attach any removable device to your computer. By default, this scanning is switched off. However, it is crucial to scan removable devices for potential threats since these are a major source of infection.
· Program update schedule 9.8.1. Scheduled Scan Parameters of the scheduled scan can be edited on three tabs: On the Schedule settings tab you can first check/uncheck the Enable this task item to simply deactivate the scheduled test temporarily, and switch it on again as the need arises. Next, in the text field called Name there is the name assigned to this very schedule by the program vendor (it is not possible to change this name).
every ...) or by defining an exact date and time (Run at specific time interval ...), or possibly by defining an event that the scan launch should be associated with ( Action based on computer startup). Advanced schedule options This section allows you to define under which conditions the scan should/should not be launched if the computer is in low power mode or switched off completely.
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.
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.
when your computer is switched on but nobody is currently working on it). On the other hand, you can decrease the system resources usage by extending the scanning duration. Click the Set additional scan reports ... link to open a standalone dialog window called Scan reports where you can tick several items to define what scan findings should be reported: Click the Additional scan settings ...
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 Free © 2 0 1 0 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s .r.o. A ll rights res erved.
9.8.2. Virus Database Update Schedule On the Schedule settings tab you can first check/uncheck the Enable this task item to simply deactivate the 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.
Advanced schedule options 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 after the Internet connection is available option to make sure than if the internet connection gets corrupted and the update process fails, it will be launched again immediately after the internet connection is restored. 9.8.3.
Next, in the text field called Name there is the name assigned to this very schedule by the program vendor (it is not possible to change this name). Schedule running Here, specify the time intervals for the newly scheduled program update launch. The timing can only be done by defining an exact date and time (Run at specific time interval ...).
9.9. E-mail Scanner The E-mail Scanner dialog is divided into three sections: · E-mail scanning - in this section select whether you want to scan the incoming/outgoing e-mail messages and whether all e-mails should be certified or only e-mails with attachments (e-mail virus-free certification is not supported in HTML/RTF format). Additionally you can choose if you want AVG to modify the subject for messages that contain potential viruses.
attachment of the scanned e-mail message. If such a message is identified during scanning, define whether the detected infectious object should be moved to the Virus Vault. 9.9.1. Certification In the Certification dialog you can specify exactly what text the certification note should contain, and in what language. This should be specified separately for Incoming mail and Outgoing mail. A V G 9 Free © 2 0 1 0 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s .r.o. A ll rights res erved.
9.9.2. Mail Filtering The Attachment filter dialog allows you to set up parameters for e-mail messages attachment scanning. By default, the Remove attachments option is switched off. If you 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 *.
9.9.3. Logs and Results The dialog opened via the Logs and Results navigation item allows you to specify parameters for e-mail scanning results maintenance. The dialog is divided into several sections: · Logs Maintenance - define whether you want to log e-mail scanning information daily, weekly, monthly, ...
In this dialog (opened via Servers / POP3) you can set up a new E-mail Scanner server using the POP3 protocol for incoming mail: · POP3 Server Name - type in the name of the server or keep the AutoPOP3 default name · Type of login - defines the method for determining the mail server used for incoming mail: o Automatic - Login will be carried out automatically, according to your email client settings.
o Fixed host - In this case, the program will always use the server specified here. Please specify the address or name of your mail server. The login name remains unchanged. For a name, you may use a domain name (for example, pop.acme.com) as well as an IP address (for example, 123.45.67.89). If the mail server uses a non-standard port, you can specify this port after the server name by using a colon as the delimiter (for example, pop.acme.com:8200). The standard port for POP3 communication is 110.
In this dialog (opened via Servers / SMTP) you can set up a new E-mail Scanner server using the SMTP protocol for outgoing mail: · SMTP Server Name - type in the name of the server or keep the AutoSMTP default name · Relay Host - defines the method for determining the mail server used for outgoing mail: o Automatic - login will be carried out automatically, according to your email client settings o Fixed host - in this case, the program will always use the server specified here.
· 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.
9.10. 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 - (off by default): 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.
9.10.1. Advanced Settings In the Files scanned by the Resident Shield dialog it is possible to configure which files will be scanned (by specific extensions): 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 Free © 2 0 1 0 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s .r.o.
9.10.2. Directory Exludes The Resident Shield - Directory Excludes dialog offers the possibility of defining folders that should be excluded from the Resident Shield scanning.
9.10.3. 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.
9.11. 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.
9.12. 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
9.12.1. 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.
9.12.2. 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).
9.12.3. URL The URL dialog offers a list of Internet addresses from which the update files can be downloaded. In this free version these servers are predefined and can't be changed. A V G 9 Free © 2 0 1 0 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s .r.o. A ll rights res erved.
9.12.4.
10. AVG Scanning Scanning is a crucial part of AVG 9 Free functionality. You can run on-demand tests or schedule them to run periodically at convenient times. 10.1. 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.
Control buttons available within the testing interface are the following: · 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 10.2. Predefined Scans One of the main features of AVG 9 Free 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 Free © 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.
locked).
10.2.2. Scan Specific Files or Folders Scan specific files or folders - scans only those areas of your computer that you have selected to be scanned (selected folders, hard disks, floppy discs, CDs, etc.). The scanning progress in case of virus detection and its treatment is the same as with the scan of the whole computer: any virus found is healed or removed to the Virus Vault. Specific files or folders scanning can be used to set up your own tests and their scheduling based on your needs.
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.
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).
Warning: These scan settings are identical to the parameters of a newly defined scan - as described in the chapter AVG Scanning / Scan scheduling/ How to Scan. Should you decide to change the default configuration of the Scan specific files or folders you can then save your new setting as the default configuration to be used for all further scans of specific files or folders.
· 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 10.5. Scan Scheduling With AVG 9 Free 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: For AVG 9 Free, in the Schedule scans dialog there is only one control button available: Edit scan schedule. Press the button to open the Settings for scheduled scan dialog on the Schedule settings tab where you can edit some parameters of the scheduled scan. Unfortunately, within AVG 9 Free you are not allowed to add new scan schedules neither delete the only predefined 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. Within AVG 9 Free you cannot modify the scan's name, and the respective item is deactivated. In this dialog you can further define the following parameters of the scan: · Schedule running - specify the time intervals for the newly scheduled scan launch.
of this dialog and switches back to the AVG scanning interface default dialog. Therefore if you wish to configure the test parameters on all tabs, press the button to save them only after you have specified all your requirements. · Cancel - cancels any 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. 10.5.2.
· Report enhanced set of Potentially Unwanted Programs - (off by default): 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.
down even if it is currently locked (Force shutdown if computer is locked).
options see the Advanced settings dialog accessible via the File / Advanced setting system menu item. Control buttons 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.
can select multiple folders by checking the respective boxes. The selected folders will appear in the text field on the top of the dialog, and the drop-down menu will keep your selected scans history for later use. Alternatively, you can enter full path to the desired folder manually (if you enter multiple paths, it is necessary to separate with semi-colons without extra space). Within the tree structure you can also see a branch called Special locations.
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. Therefore if you wish to configure the test parameters on all tabs, press the button to save them only after you have specified all your requirements.
- red icon warns there was an infection detected during the scan and it could not be removed! Each icon can either be solid or cut in half - the solid icons stands for a scan that was completed and finished properly; the cut-in-half icon means the scan was canceled or interrupted. Note: For detailed information on each scan please see the Scan Results dialog accessible via the View details button (in the bottom part of this dialog).
The dialog is further divided into several tabs: · Results Overview - this tab is displayed at all times and provides statistical data describing the scan progress · Infections - this tab is displayed only if a virus infection was detected during scanning · Spyware - this tab is displayed only if spyware was detected during scanning · Warnings - this tab is displayed only if some potential threats are detected during scanning (such threats are mostly comprised of the tracking cookies, but some hidden files
In addition you will find information on the date and exact time of the scan launch, on the total number of scanned objects, on the scanning duration and the number of errors that have occurred during scanning. Control buttons There is only one control button available in this dialog. The Close results button returns to the Scan results overview dialog. 10.7.2. Infections Tab The Infections tab is only displayed in the Scan results dialog if a virus infection was detected during scanning.
o Healed - the infected object was healed automatically and left in its original location o Moved to Virus Vault - the infected object was moved to the Virus Vault quarantine o Deleted - the infected object was deleted o Added to PUP exceptions - the finding was evaluated as an exception 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 da
findings. Use the Close button to close this dialog. · Remove selected infections - use the button to move the selected finding to the Virus Vault · Remove all unhealed infections - this button deletes all findings that cannot be healed or moved to the Virus Vault · Close results - terminates the detailed information overview and returns to the Scan results overview dialog 10.7.3. Spyware Tab The Spyware tab is only displayed in the Scan results dialog in if spyware was detected during scanning.
removed, to remove it completely you have to restart your computer Control buttons There are three control buttons available in this dialog: · View details - the button opens a new dialog window named Detailed object information: In this dialog you can find detailed information on the detected infectious object (e.g. infected object name and location, object type, SDK type, detection result and history of actions related to the detected object).
This is a brief description of the most common examples of such objects: · Hidden files - The hidden files are by default not visible in Windows, and some viruses or other threats may try to avoid their detection by storing their files with this attribute. If your AVG reports a hidden file which you suspect to be malicious, you can move it to your AVG Virus Vault.
reports this discrepancy. In some cases, viruses use names of standard system 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). 10.8. Virus Vault Virus Vault is a safe environment for the management of suspect/infected objects detected during AVG tests.
e-mail attachment that does not respond to the actual content of the attachment), it will be provided in this column.
11. AVG Updates Keeping your AVG up-to-date is crucial to ensure that all newly discovered viruses will be detected as soon as possible. Since AVG updates are not released according to any fixed schedule but rather in reaction to amount and severity of new threats, it is recommended to check for new updates at least once a day. 11.1. Update Levels AVG offers two update levels to select from: · Definitions update contains changes necessary for reliable anti-virus, antispam and anti-malware protection.
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. Recommended to experienced users only! A V G 9 Free © 2 0 1 0 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s .r.o. A ll rights res erved.
12. 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 Free operation.
13. 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://free.avg.com/faq). You can also use the discussion forum for AVG Free users accessible at http://forums.avg.com. Unfortunately, using AVG 9 Free you are not entitled to technical support provided to full versions of AVG products. You may want to consider buying the full version of AVG, then please visit the AVG website (http://www.avg.