User manual

A V G Internet Security 201 2 © 2012 C opyright A V G Technologies C Z, s.r.o. A ll rights res erved. 34
6.1.2. Resident Protection
AVG Internet Security 2012 gives you continuous protection in the form of so-called resident
protection. The Anti-Virus component scans every single file (with specific extensions or without
extensions at all) that is being opened, saved, or copied. It guards the system areas of the
computer, and removable media (flash disk etc.). In case a virus is discovered in a file that is
accessed, it stops the operation currently being performed and does not allow the virus to activate
itself. Normally, you do not even notice the process, as the resident protection runs "in the
background". You only get notified when threats are found; at the same time, Anti-Virus blocks the
activation of the threat and removes it.
Resident protection is loaded in the memory of your computer during startup, and it is vital
that you keep it switched on at all times!
6.1.3. Anti-Spyware Protection
Anti-Spyware consists of a spyware database used for identifying known types of spyware
definitions. AVG spyware experts work hard to identify and describe the latest spyware patterns as
soon as they emerge, and then add the definitions to the database. Via the update process, these
new definitions are downloaded to your computer so that you are always reliably protected even
against the latest spyware types. Anti-Spyware allows you to fully scan your computer for malware/
spyware. It also detects sleeping and non-active malware, i.e. malware that has been downloaded
but not yet activated.
What is spyware?
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. Other methods of transmission, such as via e-mail or transmission by worms
and viruses, are also prevalent. The most important protection is to use an always-on background
scanner, Anti-Spyware, which works like a resident shield and scans your applications in the
background as you run them.
6.1.4. Anti-Virus Interface
The Anti-Virus component's interface provides brief information on the component's functionality,
information on the component's current status (Active), and basic configuration options for the
component: