Author Topic: Avast on the web  (Read 22827 times)

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Johanna

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Avast on the web
« on: July 16, 2004, 05:49:21 PM »
In what ways does avast help you while visiting web sites?  

J

lee16

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Re:Avast on the web
« Reply #1 on: July 16, 2004, 06:35:59 PM »
depends on

1) What version you have

2) Is it home/pro/ seer ect

3) what Operating system do you have

--lee

Johanna

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Re:Avast on the web
« Reply #2 on: July 16, 2004, 06:47:10 PM »
I have the Home edition, and use XP Home, and XP Pro.  I currently have standard shield turned off, if I download anything I scan it after it's downloaded.

J

lee16

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Re:Avast on the web
« Reply #3 on: July 16, 2004, 06:59:29 PM »
hmmm, it proberly best to read what it can do for you on this avast page http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

P.S. the pro version can provide more protection if you so wish, you cn find out about that here http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_professional.html

hope this helps

--lee

Offline DavidR

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Re:Avast on the web
« Reply #4 on: July 16, 2004, 07:13:09 PM »
I have the Home edition, and use XP Home, and XP Pro.  I currently have standard shield turned off, if I download anything I scan it after it's downloaded.

J
Hi Johanna,

You are disabling your major means of effective defense, standard shield provides a high level of protection and only scanning files that you download is a major mistake.

What about the hundreds or thousands of files that are downloaded into your temporary internet folders? They are also a major source of potential infection by trogans, etc.

My advice is never have it switched off without a specific reason, and there are not many of those, that I would switch it off for. Here is a brief outline on the various providers within avast!

Standard Shield. It checks the applications being run and documents being opened. It will not allow an infected application to start or an infected document to be opened, thus possibly protecting you from activating/spreading a virus.

Internet Mail. It checks incoming and outgoing e-mail messages processed by clients other than MS Outlook or Exchange, such as Outlook Express, Eudora etc. Again, it will refuse to accept or send a message containing a viral code.

Outlook/Exchange. It checks incoming and outgoing e-mail messages processed by MS Outlook client (it is part of the MS Office package - it is not the same as the simpler Outlook Express!) or MS Exchange. It will refuse to accept or send a message containing a viral code.

Instant Messaging. It checks the files downloaded by common communication programs, such as ICQ or MSN Messenger.

P2P Shield. It checks the files downloaded by common P2P (file sharing) programs, such as Kazaa and others.  

This comes from the avast help file and I suggest devoting some time to brows and become more familiar with the program and the protection it can provide.

HTH David
Windows 10 Home 64bit/ Acer Aspire F15/ Intel Core i5 7200U 2.5GHz, 8GB DDR4 memory, 256GB SSD, 1TB HDD/ avast! free 24.2.6105 (build 24.2.8918.824) UI 1.0.799/ Firefox, uBlock Origin, uMatrix/ MailWasher Pro/ Avast! Mobile Security

Johanna

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Re:Avast on the web
« Reply #5 on: July 16, 2004, 07:58:01 PM »
I read the pages you suggested and see the Pro does have Script protection.  Don't get me wrong when I ask some questions.  But I can't see a need for avast to scan every file that gets opened or created.  I think you can set avast to ignore scanning certain files but, if I have no viruses why would I need the scanning of everything that gets run, slowing down the PC?

Can avast Pro be set to only scan scripts on the net, and not any other files?  My PC is pretty well protected, and if something should happen I can always restore the OS with an image backup in a few minutes.

I use avast after trying other AV software, I like avast the best, I just can't see a good reason for the constant scanning, even if using a different AV software then avast.   I can understand that  for people who are not careful and have no backups that they should have it on.  My chief  concern is what would be my risk on the net if the places I frequent are sites where I get information only.  I do no online banking or visit porn sites, chat rooms, no P2P, no messenger programs, etc.   I do go to well known download sites and try out some programs.  After trying them out I don't uninstall them, I just restore my PC instead.

J

lee16

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Re:Avast on the web
« Reply #6 on: July 16, 2004, 08:10:59 PM »
If you make back ups i suppose you are fine, i personaly don't, so i set it to high, but i don't find it slows the pc down, im only running P3 450MHz and 256 RAM and it still runs really fast with it on high.
I also have a hardware and software firewall, and 5 spyware scanners, sometimes use online scanners aswell, spyblaster, proccess viewer, im very carfull when caring for my pc, but i do like it to get infected once in a while so i can sort it out, i get very suspicious when there is nothing detected on my pc for a while.


Quote
Can avast Pro be set to only scan scripts on the net, and not any other files?
double click the small blue ball in the taskar and then click details, you can then select what you want scanning, also you can open avast! scanner and click menu (top corner) and then select settings for other preferences.


--lee
« Last Edit: July 16, 2004, 08:12:16 PM by lee16 »

Johanna

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Re:Avast on the web
« Reply #7 on: July 16, 2004, 08:16:24 PM »
I don't understand this statment:
"What about the hundreds or thousands of files that are downloaded into your temporary internet folders? They are also a major source of potential infection by trogans, etc."

How can these files effect my PC, the files are set to be cleared when I exit the browser.

In 8 years I have many virues  sent to me by email, but I don't open them.  If a attachment is sent by someone I know I would save it first,  then scan it.  If I wanted to run anything that was sent to me I also scan it with InControl to see what it may do to my PC.  If it adds anything to my registry or something else I don't like I just restore my PC.

I have only had 1 Trojan on my PC in those 8 years, and never a virus.  I'm on the net for hours each day and have installed a few hundred programs in that time never picked up a virus from them,  The only other problem I ran into was getting suckered into a program that had spyware in it, and that happened twice.

j

lee16

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Re:Avast on the web
« Reply #8 on: July 16, 2004, 08:27:48 PM »
Quote
"What about the hundreds or thousands of files that are downloaded into your temporary internet folders? They are also a major source of potential infection by trogans, etc."

What if the trojan ect was programed to drop more of itself into another folder strait after it got into your temp folder?

Quote
If it adds anything to my registry or something else I don't like I just restore my PC.

What if the place you restore it to is infected or has something in the registry that you don't no about?


Quote
I have only had 1 Trojan on my PC in those 8 years, and never a virus

you most liley have and still do, there are to many virus/trojans/spyware out there, you can't stop/detect them all, they are problem there and you just don't no about it.

--lee



« Last Edit: July 16, 2004, 08:28:21 PM by lee16 »

Offline DavidR

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Re:Avast on the web
« Reply #9 on: July 16, 2004, 09:07:45 PM »
Quote
I don't understand this statment:
"What about the hundreds or thousands of files that are downloaded into your temporary internet folders? They are also a major source of potential infection by trogans, etc."

How can these files effect my PC, the files are set to be cleared when I exit the browser.

You only have to look at the many requests for help with trogans on these forums to see that many of the paths are to the temporary internet folder.

That's just it they are there until you exit your pc.

Web pages with hidden payload could and do attempt to get into your system (they can download files in the background without your knowledge), so even after being cleared they magically reappear when you restart, how does that happen?

The scanning level can be set by you, so as not to be a drag on your system (unless your systems is already low on resources/power), yet still offer a level of protection. I rarely even notice the scanning in the background, avast is less of a drag than any other AV I have used, see my settings below.

The advice is there its your computer and choice to ignore it or not.

Windows 10 Home 64bit/ Acer Aspire F15/ Intel Core i5 7200U 2.5GHz, 8GB DDR4 memory, 256GB SSD, 1TB HDD/ avast! free 24.2.6105 (build 24.2.8918.824) UI 1.0.799/ Firefox, uBlock Origin, uMatrix/ MailWasher Pro/ Avast! Mobile Security

Johanna

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Re:Avast on the web
« Reply #10 on: July 17, 2004, 05:56:21 AM »
I just did some testing first I backed up my PC.  I ran avast and it didn't find any viruses or trojans.  I downloaded "Tauscan" a trojan scanner and it found nothing.  Installed Adaware it found nothing but Alexa which is what is part of IE, (I don't have the Alexa Tool bar).  Installed Spybot it only finds the same Aleax.  So I have no viruses, trojans, or spyware.  Restored my PC back to before I installed this software.

I'm not trying to be a pain or make things difficult for any one or even get into any sort of an arguement.  I'm also not trying to put myself off as any expert.  I do consider myself  to be a lot more cautious than most and only download software from reputable places.  Even then I take precautions.  I just can't understand why I need avast scanning every file that gets called on if I haven't any viruse, or Trojan's at this time.  I think most of the viruses and Trojan's come by email, and even though they may be sent to me I just delete the stuff....never even look at it.

I have downloaded a lot of software from Nonags, and sites like it, and never  seen a virus on a scan.  I don't install anything I don't pretty much know before hand what it is.  If I don't know what something is I don't install it or run it.

Anyway enough of all this, just need some one to explain how I can get something installed on my PC like a Trojan from going to a web site.  Just how is it done without me ok'ing some install?  If it can be done just how likely is it that it can happen?

J


doggeral

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Re:Avast on the web
« Reply #11 on: July 17, 2004, 06:14:10 AM »
Quote
I have the Home edition, and use XP Home, and XP Pro.  I currently have standard shield turned off, if I download anything I scan it after it's downloaded.

Man I agree with you here.  If you are smart then viruses arent an issue when it comes to the standard shield except to slow your pc down.  Don't get me wrong i'm a happy avast user.   I scan my email and downloads, but  it is proven time and time again that an effective firewall at any point (if its in your router or on your pc) is the appropriate action to take against unwanted action on your pc.....of course this assumes one knows what is on their pc and does not run their pc with administrative rights (probably the biggest mistake almost ALL windows users make and a major difference between windows and alternative operating systems.).  

Antivirus isn't an effective means against what you would get on your computer anyways....in that if your pc is up to date and has a firewall the type of viruses you would get would not be detected by any current antivirus anyway.   So being a smart computer user is the best defense independent of any antivirus.

Offline bob3160

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Johanna

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Re:Avast on the web
« Reply #13 on: July 18, 2004, 04:43:01 AM »
Bob, thanks for the threads!    I read them, and I have heard about emails being sent to people with links that will install things on your PC.  Microsoft has come out with a number of critical updates to protect people from some of these  where people are tricked into clicking a link  mostly contained in an email.  I suppose someone could sucker me into clicking on a link that could be a bad one and I could get something.  But not very likely from email I get.  I have my mail set up so I only can get mail from who I want and all Spam is deleted off the server.  

I can see a small chance it could happen to me, but I make a image backup almost everyday to another hard drive (takes less than 10 minutes) usually when I take a shower.  At times I burn a backup onto a DVD which is bootable.  I can restore my PC to just about any week I choose up to 1 1/2 years ago, so I don't worry about bad programs, PC problems, viruses, and such.

I think most people are too click happy when they get on the web and don't pay attention as to what they click on and the consequences of their actions, or just plain  get tricked to click on something.  I'm sure you've seen the one that says "Your Computer is Not Optimized for the Web, do you want to Optimize it Now", so they think sure go ahead Optimize my PC.  Many examples could be given of these ads and pop-ups that trick people to click on them.

For a long time I never used any antivirus software, and never picked up a virus when it seemed like everyone was getting them, and it was people who had a AV program installed who were still getting viruses.  I guess they thought the attachment was ok to open because the AV program didn't see a virus in it.  What seems strange to me is why these people never learned and still wind up getting a virus who have a AV program.  I really think they think ' I have AV protection' and don't think or learn you don't open attachments.  I have read and heard people make statments 'Man I sure am glad I have my AV program, it caught such and such a virus'.  I know these people will open any blooming thing if the AV program doesn't tell them it's a virus.

One thing that was a shock to me was to find out there are other people like me who never even use AV software ( I use avast now, but a lot just for some testing I do.).  I was listening to TV Tech on the radio here one day this year and Leo Laporte was interviewing Steve Gibson who is very big on security http://grc.com/default.htm  During the interview Leo asked Steve what AV program he used, he said he didn't use any, then Leo said he didn't use any either.  And Leo is also very big on security.  Leo's site is at http://leo.typepad.com/radio/ and I'm sure you can even fined the interview still at Leo's site.  

BTW, I recomend avast! to all my friends and on my web site, I have tried about 7 different AV programs out and like avast! the best.  <S>

PS: last thing was I think I found the link to the interview if someone wants to hear it.
http://www.leovilletownsquare.com/archives/20040411-3.mp3

J

Offline bob3160

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Re:Avast on the web
« Reply #14 on: July 18, 2004, 06:30:25 AM »
Johanna
Thanks for the MP3. I'm listening to it now. I notice that you have the standard shield turned off. You have more guts than me. I'm not a fanatic when it comes to security because I still use a MS based browser. I'm on the computer most of the day and do a lot of browsing. Even though lately, I've been spending more and more time on these Forums. As far as downloads go, If it's there and looks interesting, I've probably got it. Thank God for recordable DVD's.
I also have a full mirror image of my C:\ Drive on another HD.
I just started using R-Drive Image. For most things, the system restore function is still a handy tool.
I have one more thread I'd like you to check out.
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?board=9;action=display;threadid=6028
Have a good night.

P.S.
You almost didn't get this because This Site went down just as I was getting the URL for you. Good thing I use Green browser which is a tabbed browser so I was able to save most of this post.
Free Security Seminar: https://bit.ly/bobg2023  -  Important: http://www.organdonor.gov/ -- My Web Site: http://bob3160.strikingly.com/ - Win 11 Pro v22H2 64bit, 16 Gig Ram, 1TB SSD, Avast Free 23.5.6066, How to Successfully Install Avast http://goo.gl/VLXdeRepair & Clean Install https://goo.gl/t7aJGq -- My Online Activity https://bit.ly/BobGInternet