AVG 8.5 Free Edition User Manual Document revision 85.4 (11.5.2009) Copyright AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. This product Inc. Created This product This product uses RSA Data Security, Inc. MD5 Message-Digest Algorithm, Copyright (C) 1991-2, RSA Data Security, 1991. uses code from C-SaCzech library, Copyright (c) 1996-2001 Jaromir Dolecek (dolecek@ics.muni.cz).
Contents ........................................................................................................................ 6 1. Introduction 7 2. AVG ........................................................................................................................ Free Installation Requirements .......................................................................................................... 7 2.1 Operation Systems Supported ..............................................................
........................................................................................................................ 27 6. AVG Free User Interface .......................................................................................................... 28 6.1 System Menu 6.1.1 File .......................................................................................................... 28 .......................................................................................................... 28 6.1.
8.3 Virus Vault.......................................................................................................... 55 .......................................................................................................... 56 8.4 PUP Exceptions .......................................................................................................... 58 8.5 Link Scanner .......................................................................................................... 59 8.6 Scans 59 8.6.
.......................................................................................................... 109 9.6 Scan Results Overview .......................................................................................................... 110 9.7 Scan Results Details .......................................................................................................... 110 9.7.1 Results Overview Tab .....................................................................................................
1. Introduction This user manual offers a general overview of the tasks and detection technologies provided by AVG 8.5 Free. We will briefly talk about the program installation, initial startup, configuration and use. AVG 8.5 Free is provided free-of-charge, and its functionality is limited. While using AVG 8.5 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 the AVG website (www.avg.
2. AVG Free Installation Requirements 2.1. Operation Systems Supported AVG 8.5 Free is intended to protect computers with the following operating systems: Windows 2000 Professional SP4 + Update Rollup 1 Windows XP Home Edition SP2 Windows XP Professional SP2 Windows XP Professional x64 Edition SP1 Windows Vista (x86 and x64, all editions) (and possibly higher service packs for specific operating systems). 2.2. Minimum Hardware Requirements Minimum hardware requirements for AVG 8.
3. AVG Free Installation Process 3.1. AVG Installation Options To download the installation file of AVG 8.5 Free visit the AVG Free website at http://free.avg.com/ and follow the AVG 8.5 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: 3.2.
3.3. 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 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. 3.4. Acceptance Notice The next dialog provides information on AVG 8.5 Free terms of use.
AVG 8.5 Free © 2009 Copyright AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. All rights reserved.
3.5. Checking System Status Further you will be redirected to the Checking System Status dialog. This dialog does not require any intervention; your system is being checked before the AVG 8.5 Free installation can start. Please wait until the process has finished, then continue automatically to the following dialog. AVG 8.5 Free © 2009 Copyright AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. All rights reserved.
3.6. 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 8.5 Free 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. 3.8. Custom Installation - Destination Folder AVG 8.5 Free © 2009 Copyright AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. All rights reserved.
The Destination folder dialog allows you to specify the location where AVG should be installed. By default, AVG will be installed to the program files folder located on drive C:. 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. 3.9. Custom Installation - Component Selection The Component Selection dialog displays an overview of all AVG 8.5 Free components that can be installed.
please consider upgrade to full AVG product (www.avg.com). Continue by pressing the Next button. 3.10.AVG Security Toolbar In the AVG Security Toolbar dialog decide whether you want to install the AVG Security Toolbar feature of your AVG 8.5 Free. The AVG Security Toolbar works within your Internet browser in conjunction with AVG 8 and AVG XPL technologies to provide you with comprehensive online protection while surfing the Internet. AVG 8.5 Free © 2009 Copyright AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o.
3.11.Setup Summary The Setup Summary dialog provides an overview of all parameters of the installation process. Please make sure all the information is correct. If so, press the Finish button to continue. Otherwise, you can use the Back button to return to the respective dialog and correct the information. 3.12.Application Termination Before the installation process starts, you might be invited to terminate some of the currently running applications that might collide with the AVG installation process.
Note: Please make sure you have saved all your data before you confirm you want to have the running application closed. 3.13.Installing AVG The Installing AVG dialog shows the progress of the installation process, and does not require any intervention: AVG 8.5 Free © 2009 Copyright AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. All rights reserved.
Please wait until the installation is complete, then you will be redirected to the Installation Complete dialog. 3.14.Installation Complete The Installation is complete! dialog is the last step of the AVG installation process. AVG is now installed on your computer and fully functional. The program is running in the background in fully automatic mode. AVG 8.5 Free © 2009 Copyright AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. All rights reserved.
4. AVG First Run Wizard After installation, the AVG First Run Wizard will be launched automatically and in a few steps will lead you through AVG 8.5 Free elementary configuration. Although AVG configuration is accessible at any time after installation, we recommend that you take this opportunity to set up the basic configuration using the wizard's help. 4.1.
4.2. AVG Task Schedule In the AVG Task Schedule dialog define time when the scheduled scan should be launched. It is recommended to keep the default values. As for the updates, with AVG 8.5 Free you cannot specify how often you want to check for new updates. AVG 8.5 Free updates once a day, by default. Press the Next button to continue. AVG 8.5 Free © 2009 Copyright AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. All rights reserved.
4.3. Help us to identify new online threats In the Help us to identify new online threats dialog decide whether you want to activate the option of reporting of exploits and bad sites found by users either via AVG Surf-Shield / AVG Search-Shield features of the Link Scanner component to feed the database collecting information on malicious activity on the web. It is recommended to keep the default value and have the reporting activated. Press the Next button to continue. AVG 8.
4.4. Configure the AVG Security Toolbar In the Configure the AVG Security Toolbar dialog you can tick the check box if you want Yahoo! to become your default search engine. 4.5. Update AVG protection The Update AVG protection dialog will automatically check and download the latest AVG 8.5 Free © 2009 Copyright AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. All rights reserved.
AVG updates. Click on the Next button to download the latest update files and perform the update: Once the update is finished, continue to the next dialog. 4.6. Register AVG Anti-Virus Free In the Register AVG Anti-Virus Free dialog you are invited to get online to perform your registration in order to be able to get access to all AVG 8.5 Free forums and discussions that are the only source of technical support for the free version of AVG. AVG 8.5 Free © 2009 Copyright AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o.
Click the Register AVG Anti-Virus Free button to open your web browser and fill in the registration form online. Then continue by pressing the Next button. 4.7. AVG Configuration Finished Now your AVG 8.5 Free has been configured; press the Finish button to start working with AVG. AVG 8.5 Free © 2009 Copyright AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. All rights reserved.
5. After Installation 5.1. Access to User Interface The AVG Free User Interface is accessible in several ways: double-click the AVG Free icon on the system tray double-click the AVG Free icon on the desktop from the menu Start/All Programs/AVG Free 8/AVG Free User Interface 5.2. Scanning of the whole computer There is a potential risk that a computer virus has been transmitted to your computer prior to AVG 8.5 Free installation.
If AVG fails to identify the EICAR test file as a virus, you should check the program configuration again! 5.4. AVG Default Configuration The default configuration (i.e. how the application is set up right after installation) of AVG 8.5 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.
6. AVG Free User Interface AVG 8.5 Free open with the main window: The main window is divided into several sections: System Menu (top system line in the window) is the standard navigation that allows you to access all AVG 8.
all installed AVG 8.5 Free components - details >> Statistics (left bottom section of the window) provide you with all statistical data regarding the programs operation - details >> System Tray Icon (bottom right corner of the monitor, on the system tray) 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 8.5 Free main window.
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. Web Shield findings - opens the interface with the list of all threats detected via AVG Active Surf Shield (a part of Link Scanner component).
located in a specified folder on your local disk. However, this option is only recommended as an emergency, e.g. in situations where there is no connection to the Internet (for example, your computer is infected and disconnected from the Internet; your computer is connected to a network with no access to the Internet, etc.). In the newly opened window select the folder where you have previously placed the update file, and launch the update process.
The green icon indicates that your AVG is fully functional. Your computer is completely protected, up to date and all installed components are working properly. The orange icon warns that one or more components are incorrectly configured and you should pay attention to their properties/settings. There is no critical problem in AVG and you have probably decided to switch some component off for some reason. You are still protected by AVG.
6.3.
6.4. Components Overview The Components Overview section is located in the central part of the AVG User Interface. The section is divided into two parts: Overview of all installed components consisting of a panel with the component's icon and the information of whether the respective component is active or inactive Description of a selected component Within the AVG 8.
Update Manager controls all AVG updates - details >> Single-click any component's icon to highlight it within the components overview. At the same time, the component's basic functionality description appears in the bottom part of the user interface. Double-click the icon to open the components own interface with a list of basic statistical data. 6.5. Statistics The Statistics section is located in the left bottom part of the AVG User Interface.
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. By right-click on the System Tray Icon you open a brief context menu with the following options: Open AVG User Interface - click to open the AVG User Interface Update - launches an immediate update Exit - click to close AVG (You only close the user interface, AVG continues to run in the background and your computer is still fully protected!) AVG 8.
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.
The Anti-Spyware component's interface provides a brief overview on the component's functionality, information on the component's current status (AntiSpyware component is active.
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 free license number. For AVG 8.5 Free the license number is preset automatically and you do not have to enter it. License type - specifies you are running the free version of AVG.
7.4.2. Link Scanner Interface The Link Scanner component within AVG 8.5 Free consists of two parts that you can switch on/off in the Link Scanner component interface: Enable AVG Search-Shield - (on by default): advisory notifying icons on searches performed in Google, Yahoo, MSN, or Baidu having checked ahead the content of sites returned by the search engine. The browsers supported are Internet Explorer and Firefox.
7.4.3. AVG Search-Shield When searching Internet with the AVG Search-Shield on, all search results returned from the most popular search engines like Yahoo!, Google, MSN, etc. are evaluated for dangerous or suspicious links. By checking these links and marking the bad links, the AVG Security Toolbar warns you before you click on dangerous or suspicious links, so you can ensure you only go to safe websites.
7.4.4. 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.
7.5.2. 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.
o either automatically (Remove all threats automatically) o or only after the user's approval (Ask me before removing threats) This choice has no impact on the security level, and it only reflects your preferences. In both cases, you can still select whether you want to Remove cookies automatically. In specific cases you can switch this option on to achieve maximum security levels, however it is switched off by default.
7.5.3. Resident Shield Detection The Resident Shield detection offers an overview of objects that were detected by the Resident Shield, evaluated as dangerous and either cured or moved to the Virus Vault.
7.6.1. 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.
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 next update is scheduled to 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.
7.7. AVG Security Toolbar The AVG Security Toolbar is designed to work with MS Internet Explorer (version 6.0 or greater) and Mozilla Firefox (version 1.5 or greater). Once installed the AVG Security Toolbar will by default be located just under your browsers address bar: The AVG Security Toolbar consists of the following: AVG logo button - provides access to general toolbar items. Click the logo button to get redirected to the AVG Free website (http://free.avg.com).
Advanced - on this tab you can edit the AVG Security Toolbar protection features. By default, both the AVG Search-Shield and AVG Active Surf-Shield features are enabled. o Update - checks for new updates for your AVG Security Toolbar o Help - opens the online Toolbar Help, or the About AVG Security Toolbar dialog: AVG 8.5 Free © 2009 Copyright AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. All rights reserved.
Yahoo! powered search box - easy and safe way to search the web using Yahoo! search. Enter a word or phrase into the search box press Search to start the search on the Yahoo! server directly, no matter what page is currently displayed. The search box also lists your search history. Searches done through the search box are analyzed using the AVG Search-Shield protection. AVG Active Surf-Shield button - this option on by default, and cannot be switched off!).
8. AVG Advanced Settings The advanced configuration dialog of AVG 8.5 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. 8.1.
Balloon tray notifications Within this section you can suppress display of system tray balloon notifications on the status of the application.
8.2. 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.
displayed in grey color, the icon cannot actually report any possible further error that might appear. For this situation, within the above dialog you can select components that may be in an error state (or switched off) and you do not wish to get informed about it. The same option of Ignoring component state is also available for specific components directly from the components overview in the AVG main window. 8.3.
8.4. PUP Exceptions AVG 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.
Remove - deletes the selected item from the list of exceptions Add exception - open an editing dialog where you can define parameters of the new exception to be created: o File - type the full path to the file that you want to mark as an exception o Checksum - displays the unique 'signature' of the chosen file. This checksum is an automatically generated string of characters, which allows AVG to unequivocally distinguish the chosen file from other files.
8.5. Link Scanner The Link Scanner settings dialog allows you to switch on/off the two elementary features of the Link Scanner: Enable AVG Search Shield - (on by default): advisory notifying icons on searches performed in Google, Yahoo, MSN or Baidu having checked ahead the content of sites returned by the search engine. The browsers supported are Internet Explorer and Firefox. Enable AVG Active Surf-Shield - (on by default): active (real-time) protection against exploitive sites as they are accessed.
8.6. 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 Scan Specific Files or Folders - standard predefined scan of selected areas of your computer Scanning in Windows Explorer - specific scanning of a selected object directly from the Windows Explorer environment 8.6.1.
The Scan settings section offers a list of scanning parameters that can be optionally switched on/off: Automatically heal/remove infection - 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, or if you decide to switch off this option, you will be notified upon a virus detection and will have to decide what to do with the detected infection.
set to the medium level of automatic resource usage. If you want the scanning to run faster, it will take less time but system resources usage will increase significantly during the scan, and will slow down your other activities on the PC (this option can be used when your computer is switched on but nobody is currently working on it). On the other hand, you can decrease system resources usage by extending the scanning duration. Set additional scan reports ... Click the Set additional scan reports ...
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. 8.6.3. Scan Specific Files or Folders The editing interface for Scan specific files or folders is identical to the Scan Whole Computer editing dialog.
All 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. 8.6.4. Removable Device Scan The editing interface for Removable device scan is basically identical to the Scan Whole Computer editing dialog. All configuration options are the same; however, this scan is switched off by default. AVG 8.
To turn it on, check the Enable Removable device scan check box. Then, you can simply define individual scanning parameters by checking/unchecking the options in the list. Again, we strictly recommend to keep the default configuration unless you have a real to change it. Note: For a description of specific parameters please consult the chapter AVG Advanced Settings / Scans / Scan Whole Computer. 8.7.
8.7.1. Scheduled Scan Parameters of the scheduled (default) scan can be edited on the three following tabs. Note that with AVG 8.5 Free no additional schedules can be created. Therefore if you are interested in further and extended functionality within AVG 8 full products, please visit the AVG website (www.avg.com) for information on AVG 8 purchase options. Enable this task - (on by default): you can uncheck this check box to deactivate the entire scheduled test.
Run every - run the scan every 'n' number of hours. E.g. every 4 hours. Run at specific time interval - select Every day, or select a specific day of the week (however, it is recommended to run the scan daily!), and specify what time of day the scan should start. Action based - run the scan on computer startup. Note: More comprehensive options are available in full versions of AVG.
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.
information about users, such as site preferences or the contents of their electronic shopping carts); Scan inside archives - (on by default): this parameter defines the scanning should check all files even if they are stored inside an archive, e.g. ZIP, RAR, ...
Click the Additional scan settings ... to open a new Computer shutdown options dialog where you can 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 is computer is locked).
activates and you can specify the folders to be scanned. 8.7.2. Virus Database Update Schedule Enable this task - (on by default): you can uncheck this check box to deactivate the entire virus update. However, this option is not recommended! The basic virus database update scheduling is covered within the Update Manager component.
computer is in low power mode or switched off completely. Other update settings - check this 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. 8.7.3. Program Update Schedule Enable this task - (on by default): you can uncheck this check box to deactivate the entire program update.
is in low power mode or switched off completely. Other update settings - check this 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. 8.8.
presence of potentially unwanted programs (Scan Potentially Unwanted Programs), and whether archives should be scanned too (Scan inside archives). E-mail attachments reporting - 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.
8.8.2. 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 *.
In this dialog, you can set logging options. The logs record events and operations performed by Personal E-mail Scanner. Logs Maintenance - first, you can select how often new log files will be created. You can either select a time limit (daily, weekly, monthly), or select Automatic logs and set a size limit in megabytes in the Maximum log file size field. Value "0" means that the log file size will not be limited.
is recommended. 8.8.4. Servers The Logs and Results dialog is only available if you have selected the custom installation of AVG 8.5 Free and decided to have installed also the Personal E-mail Scanner supporting other then MS Outlook and The Bat! e-mail clients: Within this dialog you can specify a new E-mail Scanner server.
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 e-mail 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 e-mail client settings o Fixed host - in this case, the program will always use the server specified here.
uses a non-standard port, you can type this port behind the server name using a colon as the delimiter (for example, smtp.acme.com:8200). The 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.
8.9. 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).
also when they are being closed; this feature helps you protect your computer against some types of sophisticated virus Scan boot sector of removable media - (switched on by default) Use Heuristics - (switched on by default) heuristic analysis will be used for detection (dynamic emulation of the scanned object’s instructions in a virtual computer environment) Auto-heal - any detected infection will be healed automatically if there is a cure available 8.9.1.
8.9.2. Exceptions The Resident Shield - Directory Excludes dialog offers the possibility of defining folders that should be excluded from the Resident Shield scanning. If this is not essential, we strongly recommend not excluding any directories! If you decide to exclude a folder from Resident Shield scanning, mark the Use excludes in Resident Shield check box.
Remove path – allows you to delete the path to a selected folder from the list 8.10.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.
Require confirmation from the user - you will be asked to approve a PC restart needed to finalize the update process Restart immediately - the computer will be restarted automatically immediately after the update 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 r
8.10.1.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.
If you select manual configuration (check the Manual option to activate the respective dialog section) you have to specify the following items: Server – specify the server’s IP address or the name of the server Port – specify the number of the port that enables Internet access (by default, this number is set to 3128 but can be set differently – if you are not sure, contact your network administrator) The proxy server can also have configured specific rules for each user.
8.10.2.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. AVG 8.5 Free © 2009 Copyright AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. All rights reserved.
8.10.3.URL The URL dialog offers a list of Internet addresses from which the update files can be downloaded. Unfortunately, this list cannot be modified in AVG 8.5 Free; if you are interested in further and extended functionality within AVG 8 full products, please visit the AVG website (www.avg.com) for information on AVG 8 purchase options. AVG 8.5 Free © 2009 Copyright AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. All rights reserved.
8.10.4.Manage There are only two buttons in the Update management dialog: Delete temporary update files – press this button if you for some reason want to remove all temporary update files from your hard drive (by default, they remain stored there for 30 days). Revert virus database to previous version – press this button if you for some reason want to remove the latest virus database version a revert to the previous one. The new virus database version will be a part of your next update. AVG 8.
9. AVG Scanning Scanning is a crucial part of AVG 8.5 Free functionality. You can run on-demand tests or schedule them to run periodically at convenient times. 9.1. 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. In this dialog you will find the following: overview of predefined scans - two types of test (defined by the software vendor) are ready to be used immediately on demand or scheduled.
Control button referring to editing of pre-set scans: Add scan schedule - (deactivated) - within AVG 8.5 Free there is only one scheduled scan available. You can edit its configuration but you cannot add your own new scheduled scans. If you feel limited by this settings, you might want to consider upgrade to AVG full version (www.avg.com). Edit scan schedule - press this button to switch to the Settings for Scheduled Scan interface where you can edit some parameters of the default scan schedule.
by clicking on the scan's icon. No further specific settings have to be configured for this type of scan, the scanning will start immediately within the Scan is running dialog (see screenshot). The scanning can be temporarily interrupted (Pause) or canceled (Cancel) if needed. 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.
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. 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.
Additional scan settings - the link opens a new Computer shutdown options dialog where you can 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 is computer is locked).
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. It is recommended to keep to the default settings unless you have a valid reason to change them! AVG 8.5 Free © 2009 Copyright AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. All rights reserved.
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). 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.
Additional scan settings - the link opens a new Computer shutdown options dialog where you can 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 is computer is locked).
Within Windows Explorer highlight the file (or folder) you want to check Right-click your mouse over the object to open the context menu Select the Scan with AVG option to have the file scanned with AVG 9.4. Command Line Scanning Within AVG 8.5 Free there is the option of running the scan from the command line. You can use this option for instance on servers, or when creating a batch script to be launched automatically after the computer boot.
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.
/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 Append to the report file /REPOK
settings / Scans) /SHUTDOWN Shutdown computer upon scan completion /FORCESHUTDOWN Force computer shutdown upon scan completion /ADS Scan Alternate Data Streams (NTFS only) 9.5. Scan Scheduling With AVG 8.5 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.
Control buttons for the scan scheduling Within the editing section of you can find the following control buttons: Add scan schedule - this button is disabled in AVG 8.5 Free. If you need to schedule scanning more often and based on your specific needs, please visit the AVG website (www.avg.com) for information on AVG 8 purchase options Edit Scan Schedule - This button is only active when you select a scan from the list of scheduled scans.
Schedule running - specify the intervals for the scheduled scan launch. Run every - run the scan every 'n' number of hours. E.g. every 4 hours. Run at specific time - select Every day, or select a specific day of the week, and specify what time of day the scan should start. Action based - run the scan on computer startup. Note: More comprehensive options are available in full versions of AVG.
9.5.2. How to Scan 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 to the pre-defined configuration: Automatically heal/remove infection - (switched on, by default): if a virus is identified during scanning it can be healed automatically if a cure is available.
Scan inside archives - (switched on, by default): this parameters defines that the scanning should check all files even if these are packed inside some type of archive, e.g. ZIP, RAR, ...
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). Note: By default, the scanning configuration is set up for optimum performance. Unless you have a valid reason to change the scanning settings it is highly recommended to stick to the predefined configuration.
9.5.3. 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 which folders should be scanned.
9.6. 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.
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).
scanning Spyware - this tab is displayed only if spyware was detected during scanning Warnings - this tab is displayed only if some objects unable to be scanned were detected during scanning 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 9.7.1.
Control buttons There is only one control button available in this dialog. The Close results button returns to the Scan results overview dialog. 9.7.2. 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
In this dialog you can find information on the location of the detected infectious object (Property name). Using the Previous / Next buttons you can view information on specific findings. Use the Close button to close this dialog.
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 computer Control buttons There are three control buttons available in this dialog: View details - the but
Close results - terminates the detailed information overview and returns to the Scan results overview dialog 9.7.4. 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. 9.7.5.
Vault for further treatment.
10. AVG Updates 10.1.Update Levels AVG offers two update levels to select from: Definitions update contains changes necessary for reliable anti-virus, anti-spam and anti-malware protection. Typically, it does not include any changes to the code and updates only the definition database. This update should be applied as soon as it is available. Program update contains various program changes, fixes and improvements.
11. Event History log 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 8.5 Free operation.
Close - closes the dialog and switches you to the main AVG 8.5 Free user interface AVG 8.5 Free © 2009 Copyright AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. All rights reserved.
12. FAQ and Technical Support Should you have any problems with your AVG, either business or technical, please refer to the FAQ section of the AVG website at www.avg.com. Unfortunately, using AVG 8.5 Free you are not entitled to technical support provided to full versions of AVG products. If you have registered your AVG 8.5 Free, you can also try to look up some help in AVG forums and discussions. Or, you may want to consider buying the full version of AVG, then please visit the AVG website (www.avg.
