Avast WEBforum
Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: Spiritual2016 on June 13, 2015, 07:03:20 AM
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Avast Free Version 2015.10.2.2218
Hello.
I am a new Avast user and have a couple of questions.
1. Under' Registration,' it states that there are 30 days remaining before the registration expires-Is this a free unlimited program or a limited 30 day free program?
2. Is there an option to 'schedule' daily virus scans or can it only be done manually?
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1. Under' Registration,' it states that there are 30 days remaining before the registration expires-Is this a free unlimited program or a limited 30 day free program?
2. Is there an option to 'schedule' daily virus scans or can it only be done manually?
1. It's free unlimited, but you've to register it. See: https://www.avast.com/faq.php?article=AVKB9#articleContent
2. Both is possible.
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Thanks-I figured it out.
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You're welcome.
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2. Is there an option to 'schedule' daily virus scans or can it only be done manually?
With on demand and on access scanning, why would you want to schedule daily scans,
On Scan to make sure your system is clean is probably a good idea. Daily scans is IMHO overkill. :)
Your computer, your choice but certainly not something I would recommend. :)
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I am a bit confused now.
All I wanted to do was schedule daily overnight scans.
What are 'On demand' and 'on Access' Scanning, do they run automatically, and where can I view the settings?
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I am a bit confused now.
All I wanted to do was schedule daily overnight scans.
What are 'On demand' and 'on Access' Scanning, do they run automatically, and where can I view the settings?
Scheduled scans are by there nature 'on-demand,' you initiate the scan.
On-Access scans are scans that happen in real time, when a program/file is accessed (to run/write/create) then the avast file system shield scans it before it is allowed to be run. This is what resident anti-viruses do, you don't have to set it up, it runs on the default settings within the program.
- With a resident on-access antivirus like avast, the need for frequent on-demand scans is much depreciated. For the most part the on-demand scan is going to be scanning files that would be otherwise be dormant or inert. If they were active files then the on-access file system shield would be scanning them before being created, modified, opened or executed.
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Hi Sporty78,
What bob3160 is saying is that what you wish to do is not necessary. You will not need to run a full/quick daily scan overnight because:
-On Access Scanning will cover all your needs (File System Shield) (Web Shield): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antivirus_software#Real-time_protection (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antivirus_software#Real-time_protection)
Open the avast main program window and select Settings>Active Protection. If not sure what you wish to change, then best to leave your settings at default for your protection.
A scheduled full system scan can be done once a week or once a month: Scan>Scan For Viruses>Full Scan>Settings>Scheduling. Set your time and day parameters to what you want and close avast!
On Access protection is sufficient and I never run a full or quick scan here because of that. It is more important to block malicious files before they get a chance to run on your system than to manually clean your system after it is infected, so running daily scans would not keep you from getting infected in the first place; only On Access Scanning will do that.
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An useful link to check a specific file to see if it is malicious: https://www.virustotal.com/ (https://www.virustotal.com/)
Upload the file in question and scan it with more than 40+ virus scanners before you install any new downloaded programs or run email attachments.
You can also check a new website for malicious content or blacklisting by selecting the URL tab. Not necessary to visit the site beforehand; use google to capture the url you want to visit.
[EDIT:] Scanning a file at virus_total_dot_com is exactly the same as On Demand Scanning using avast except that it uses many more antivirus scanning engines for detection.
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'On Demand Scanning' is the same as scheduling a full system scan since it scans programs/files after they have run manually and cleans the system after it is infected
'On Access Scanning' happens automatically in real-time using the default settings and scans programs/files before they have run and blocks malicious files before they get a chance to run on the system
Since Avast has built-in automatic 'on access scanning,' there is no need to set-up on-demand daily full system scans, even though I can if I choose to.
Do I have all of that correct?
Like I said, I have always scheduled a daily full system scan so I was unaware of this terminology.
*Unrelated, once signed in, is there a way to 'view my posts' so that I do not have to scan all of the threads?
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If an user runs a daily full scan and a file or process/program is detected, then there is a risk of PEBCAK (Acronym for: Problem Exists Between Chair And Keyboard) and if the user doesn't know or understand what they are doing for example, they may choose to delete a necessary file falsely detected instead of quarantining it so they can recover it later. If they delete instead of quarantining, they may be looking at having to re-install Windows if it is an essential Windows file they deleted.
Problem here is the user chose to delete the file instead of quarantining it, so if the file later proves to be clean if it was quarantined, it can(not) be restored.
Deletion is permanent and the file, once deleted by any antivirus program, is irretrievably lost.
Which is why the link to virus total was provided. (Link is also useful for scanning email links embedded in the email text body.)
So there are risks in running daily full scans not often considered.
- On-demand scans inspect all files located locally on the hard drive being actively scanned by the antivirus program and compares them to known clean static definitions.
- On-access scanning is done automatically by the antivirus program as they are called, run, or opened in normal operation.
Running a daily full scan is overkill, imo, and brings with it possible risks noted above.
Also, there are risks an user can take when online that a daily full scan will not be able to cover or fix, so it is imperative the user does not do things on the internet they should not: Visiting less-than-reputable sites, for example. One of these sites may very well have an exploit on it known as a 'zero-day exploit' for which there are no known definitions by any antivirus program, so a full scan will not uncover or reveal an infection after the fact. This would be true even if it is run on a daily basis, as it will not have the necessary definition(s) needed to detect it in the first place.
It is On-Access scanning that provides the needed protection as it will kill any known malicious process or file as it attempts to enter and run on your system, and it is not the static scheduled daily full scan you are considering putting in place that will provide you with needed protection.
It is always better to prevent malware from installing and running in the first place vs. having to manually remove malware after the fact and clean up the damage it caused later, which is what a daily full scan will find after the infection happened if it has the definitions for it.
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*Unrelated, once signed in, is there a way to 'view my posts' so that I do not have to scan all of the threads?
If logged in, click the Profile>Summary button above to view all your current posts you've created or are currently monitoring. To make things easier, click Attachments and other options when you create a new topic or are replying to a current topic and click the box 'Notify me of replies'.
You'll then either be notified via email account or by clicking 'Show new replies to your posts' located just to the left of your user name.
Hope this helps.
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Since 'On-access scanning' is running automatically in 'real time' during normal operation and preventing malware from installing and running in the first place, I will turn off the daily full scan.
I originally created a 'custom scan' so I went into 'Scan For Viruses,' clicked 'Settings' beside the Custom Scan Setting that I created, went into 'Scheduling' and unchecked the 'Schedule This Scan' option, and clicked 'OK.'
Since the Custom Scan was still listed, I went back into 'Settings, Scheduling' and 'Schedule This Scan' is still unchecked and the original 'Schedule Type,' 'Time.' and 'Days' settings are greyed out but are still visible-Why aren't they cleared?
After clicking 'OK,' I noticed that the Custom Scan was still listed with 'Delete Scan' beside it so I deleted it.
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If you want scan and use screensaver then you may activate screensaver scan
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Can someone please answer this:
I turned off the daily full scan by unchecking the 'Schedule This Scan' option and clicked 'OK.'
I wanted to double-check that it was turned off so I went back and the 'Schedule This Scan' option is still unchecked and the original 'Schedule Type,' 'Time.' and 'Days' settings are greyed out but are still visible-Why aren't they cleared?
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Personally I don't think it necessary to clear them when you have unchecked the schedule scan.
Some may just want to switch it off for a short time and subsequently enable it again, they would then need to reset the schedule timings.
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I agree that the settings should not be cleared for the reason you mentioned but 'how' can the settings be cleared once the 'Schedule This Scan' option has been disabled?
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I agree that the settings should not be cleared for the reason you mentioned but 'how' can the settings be cleared once the 'Schedule This Scan' option has been disabled?
Change or delete the scheduled timings before unchecking the schedule scan.
So you would have to first enable the scheduled scan option before changing/clearing the timings.
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Personally I wouldn't worry about unticking anything at all. The settings aren't taking up any real HDD space.
I would leave them alone just in case you want to run that scan in the future. I have a custom "full system scan"
which I run once a month. If I unticked all of my settings then the next time I run that scan I would end up having to
reset those settings. There there for when I need them next time.
I am with the others when it comes to daily scans, they are nothing but overkill.
If you absolutely want to run a daily scan use the quick scan. Then once a week or
every other week run a full scan. As I said above I run monthly custom full scans but
many others might run a boot scan after a major release as in v2014, v2015 or v2016 and won't
run another scan till the next year. "To each their own".
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A Few More Questions:
1. Regarding On Access Protection, will a pop-up message be displayed if/when a malicious file is blocked?
If so, does the pop-up message remain until an action is taken/confirmation is given or does the message just pop-up briefly then disappear since it 'blocks' automatically and it can be 'checked' later somehow?
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One more question about On Access Protection:
Will a pop-up message be displayed if/when a malicious file is blocked?
If so, does the pop-up message remain until an action is taken/confirmation is given or does the message just pop-up briefly then disappear since it 'blocks' automatically?
If either Web Shield or File System Shield (Your On-access scanners) issues a block or notification, default setting within avast is to have it hang in the lower right-hand corner for twenty seconds.
If the pop-up disappears before you can completely digest what it says, or read the options provided, simply right-click the avast icon in the system tray and select 'Show last popup message'. You can pin the popup by clicking the pin icon upper right if needed. (Note: If you reboot your system, show last popup message will be grayed out and unavailable.)
You should also be able to click a button within the popup that will call your browser and display more information while it is up. The option would then present itself to use virus total to investigate, if you wish, using the information provided.
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1. Regarding On Access Protection, will a pop-up message be displayed if/when a malicious file is blocked?
you can test and see how it works with EICAR test file ... not a virus, just a test string that trigger the function
EICAR test file http://www.eicar.org/85-0-Download.html
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What is 'Virus Total' and what it be necessary to check it or is it just additional information since Avast already takes care of blocking it?
Is 2015.10.2.2218 the latest 'regular' Program Version or is 2015.10.3.2219 the latest Program Version but only in beta mode and should not be relied on yet?
Second, will the Beta Program Version 2015.10.3.2219 be installed during the next automatic update, installed during the next manual update, automatically/manually installed as an update once it is out of 'Beta' mode, or will the new version have to be installed as a separate file only when it is out of Beta mode
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What is 'Virus Total' and what it be necessary to check it or is it just additional information since Avast already takes care of blocking it?
Is 2015.10.2.2218 the latest 'regular' Program Version or is 2015.10.3.2219 the latest Program Version but only in beta mode and should not be relied on yet?
Second, will the Beta Program Version 2015.10.3.2219 be installed during the next automatic update, installed during the next manual update, automatically/manually installed as an update once it is out of 'Beta' mode, or will the new version have to be installed as a separate file only when it is out of Beta mode
What is Virus Total : https://www.virustotal.com/en/about/ (https://www.virustotal.com/en/about/)
Will the beta version be installed during the next automatic update? : Only if you are a regular Avast beta tester.
If not, the answer is NO.
Latest version of Avast is 2015.10.2.2218. The Beta version will not be release for general use till it's ready.
At that time it will no longer be a beta build. :)
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www.virustotal.com / www.metascan-online.com are two very usefull online tools
they are multi antivirus engines that you can use for checking suspicious files
Virustotal can also check URLs for blacklisting. Metascan can also check IP for blacklisting
see example here, just checked a fake mail attachment
https://www.virustotal.com/en/file/087044ca9be10f23f3af9c4f15a41b11c33b939df11944c4a2d87151136425bc/analysis/1434658616/
https://www.metascan-online.com/en/scanresult/file/cd4cb5f45ce54ca5be3547f014130b06
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@ Sporty78
VirusTotal is a web site that you can upload suspect files to and have multiple different virus scanners (over 40+). This can confirm a detection is good or a possible false positive.
Version 2015.10.3.2219 is a beta version, you won't get this unless you elect to download it and install over the top of your existing. So Beta versions aren't installed on regular program updates, unless you have previously installed the beta version.
Beta testing is not to be entered into lightly, especially on a non-testbed system. Whilst I don't know your experience level other than from your posts in the forums, my advice would be to stick on the regular program update channel.
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Okay, I do have the latest version then-I just wanted to check.
When Version 2015.10.3.2219 becomes 'mainstream':
-Will it be updated automatically or manually
-Will it update over Version 2015.10.2.2218 or will Version 2015.10.2.2218 have to be uninstalled before Version 2015.10.3.2219 can be installed?
-Is it necessary for a novice to run 'Virus Total' or is it only meant as additional information for inquiring minds?
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Okay, I do have the latest version then-I just wanted to check.
When Version 2015.10.3.2219 becomes 'mainstream':
-Will it be updated automatically or manually
-Will it update over Version 2015.10.2.2218 or will Version 2015.10.2.2218 have to be uninstalled before Version 2015.10.3.221 can be installed?
-Is it necessary for a novice to run 'Virus Total' or is it only meant as additional information for inquiring minds?
Unless you've changed the default settings, you'll most likely receive a popup letting you know there is a new version available for download or,
a notice within the User Interface advising you of the availability.
Virus total is usually used for a second opinion so you could call it a service for inquiring minds. :)
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-Is it necessary for a novice to run 'Virus Total' or is it only meant as additional information for inquiring minds?
no security program have 100% detection, the file i posted above is 1 day old and only half of the AV detect it
this one is 6 hours old fake mail attchment and not detected by avast ...yet
https://www.virustotal.com/en/file/67789a0b637206cfb850f433226ca134ec0b81138e0ad0466be642fe97ec5649/analysis/1434659569/
so if you have a suspicious file and want a second opinion, you may use it
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'Virus Total' only scans uploaded files but it does not 'fix' anything, correct?
Should only recognized files be 'accepted/unblocked' or should all detected files be scanned using 'Virus Total?'
No, I have not changed the default settings. When the pop-up/Notice in User Interface is clicked, will the new version automatically install over the existing version or will it uninstall the previous version first?
Will Avast only detect files attempting to be downloaded or anything that might be suspicious on a webpage?
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'Virus Total' only scans uploaded files but it does not 'fix' anything, correct?
correct ... VT is not on your computer it is online
Should only recognized files be 'accepted/unblocked' or should all detected files be scanned using 'Virus Total?'
Not sure what you mean ..... testing files at VT is a user choise, you do with your file(s) as you want
Will Avast only detect files attempting to be downloaded or anything that might be suspicious on a webpage?
it detect malicious downloads and infected websites
Now try using google a bit ;)
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I will be clearer in what I am asking:
1. When Avast detects a suspicious file and displays the pop-up message, does it automatically quarantine it or does it give an option to 'accept/unblock' it?
2. Should only unrecognized files be scanned with 'Virus Total' before an option on the pop-up is given?
3 Will Avast only detect files attempting to be downloaded or will it detect anything that might be suspicious on a webpage?
4. When the pop-up/Notice in User Interface is clicked, will the new version automatically install over the existing version or will it uninstall the previous version first?
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avast FAQ https://www.avast.com/faq.php
FAQ videos https://www.avast.com/faq.php?q=video
avast blog https://blog.avast.com
youtube https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=avast
configure avast https://www.winhelp.us/configure-avast-free-antivirus.html
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Pondus, please just answer these 3 questions and that will be the end of it.
As a new user and a 70 year old female, there is a lot of information to digest and I want to be proactive in making sure I understand the various options.
1. Regarding On-Access Scanning, when Avast detects a suspicious file and displays the pop-up message, does it automatically quarantine it or does it give an option to 'accept/unblock' it?
2. Will Avast only detect files attempting to be downloaded or will it detect anything that might be suspicious on a webpage?
3. Should only unrecognized files be scanned with 'Virus Total' before choosing an option on the pop-up?
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Pondus, please just answer these 3 questions and that will be the end of it.
As a new user and a 70 year old female, there is a lot of information to digest and I want to be proactive in making sure I understand the various options.
1. Regarding On-Access Scanning, when Avast detects a suspicious file and displays the pop-up message, does it automatically quarantine it or does it give an option to 'accept/unblock' it?
2. Will Avast only detect files attempting to be downloaded or will it detect anything that might be suspicious on a webpage?
3. Should only unrecognized files be scanned with 'Virus Total' before choosing an option on the pop-up?
This isn't a Q&A forum but a Support forum. I think the links Pondus gave you supplied more information that you asked for.
You need to do a little work on your own. It's the only way to learn and remember. :)
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1. Regarding On-Access Scanning, when Avast detects a suspicious file and displays the pop-up message, does it automatically quarantine it or does it give an option to 'accept/unblock' it?
it depends on the settings .... info is found in the last link posted above
2. Will Avast only detect files attempting to be downloaded or will it detect anything that might be suspicious on a webpage?
answered in a post above
3. Should only unrecognized files be scanned with 'Virus Total' before choosing an option on the pop-up?
answered in a post above
now do some investigating on your own, read my post/answers again .... check out the links i gave you
and good night
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Hi Sporty78 :)
The tutorial from Winhelp that Pondus posted is a very good start.
And of course the Avast Faq.
Also in the Avast user interface you can get a lot of information by clicking on the questionmark ( ? ) on each page.
But when you are going to explore the user interface, make a back up from your ( default ) settings first : Avast - Settings - General - Back up setings.
Greetz, Red.
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Thanks Everyone-The WinHelp Tutorial, although long, was very detailed and helpful!