Avast WEBforum
Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: Kaepora on November 15, 2004, 07:19:26 AM
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Hello,
This is my first post here; I've read numerous topics, but have not created one until now. So, on with the questions...
Okay, I was wondering if the VRDB service is really necessary. Does it cause any slowdown when it is not running? Also, what does it consider to be 'idle'? I mean, if I'm running an application, such as a game, and lets say there is a video sequence occurring, will the VRDB service consider the computer to be idle while this is going on? My concern is that there could be slowdown while the video is running.
Now, my other question is this: If I am running a personal firewall (as well as the 'firewall' w/ my router), is it necessary for the Network Shield to be running? If it matters, ZoneAlarm is the firewall I am running, and I am using a BEFSX41 router.
I hate having too many things running, if you haven't noticed; thus, I don't want this or the VRDB service running if they aren't really necessary.
Oh, by the way, I modified these settings in my 'avast4.ini' file.
IdleMeansSeconds=120
RunInterval=40320
Thanks in advance to anyone that replies to this!
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Idle in avast! means not moving the mouse. Even if CPU is 100% used and you're not oving mouse,VRDB will start to generate. In this case its better to use screensaver mode (and don't forget to set some screensaver).
VRDB is also fully integrated into avast!,so you cannot remove it or disable it so it would use less resources. It can only be disabled in way it will no longer generate its database.
Network Shield is an addition to classic software or hardware firewall and not a replacement. It catches network worms and exploits like Sasser or MSBlast.
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Will it work with the "Power saving" screen saver?
I have no software screensaver installed, only the "power off monitor after 10 minutes" one.
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I think not. Or maybe. You can use any simple screensaver thats already in Windows (like Starfield or XP logo).
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The VRDB database is referred to by avast in order to attempt a repair of an infected file. If the file is one that is scanned by the VRDB process and has been scanned then a repair can be attempted.
Without the VRDB a repair can't be attempted, leaving only the Move to chest or Delete the infected file (not so good when the infected file could be a system file).
So, the VRDB process is in my opinion essential to the avast anti-virus program.
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Thanks for the replies.
Unfortunately, I do not use a screensaver, but, like Lars said he does, I use the embedded power saving feature. I have it set for the monitor to turn off after 15 minutes, which basically replaces the need for a screensaver as far as I am concerned. I suppose that this feature could warrant me using a simple screensaver (I'm assuming the 'Blank' one supplied with Windows works). Well, nonetheless, thanks for your help.
So, the VRDB process is in my opinion essential to the avast anti-virus program.
Well, I'll go by that and leave it enabled.
Thanks.
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I too don't bother with a screen-saver and just use the standby after a delay.
I still have the 'Generate VRDB when screen-saver is running' in my settings, this in effect never happens as I don't use a screen-saver.
I take a backup image of my system every week along with other maintenance tasks. One of these tasks is, I manualy run a 'Generate VRDB Now' every two weeks which is less than the default three weeks.
This I find is a more predictable option and it takes a few minutes because it is not always stopping and starting.
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So, your saying it only takes a few minutes to complete? That being the case, I might just do what you do.
If anyone knows, approximately how long does it normally take?
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That would be totally dependant on the size of the data on your HDDs and the number of files that would normally be scanned .exe, .dll files, etc.
For me with about 6GB of data on my 1st HDD about three - five mins. I usually fire it up when I'm going to make a coffee, when I get back it's done.
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So, your saying it only takes a few minutes to complete? That being the case, I might just do what you do. If anyone knows, approximately how long does it normally take?
Depends a lot of your system (how many executable files do you have) and what is running in background. Like David said, maybe something between 5 minutes and one hour :-\
I'm assuming the 'Blank' one supplied with Windows works).
I suppose too, but you can see the date after some days and check if the VRDB is working...
Will it work with the "Power saving" screen saver? I have no software screensaver installed, only the "power off monitor after 10 minutes" one.
I think not. Maybe I'm wrong but avast! must detect the state of a 'screen saver running' to start VRDB... :-\