I have some followup questions, if I may?
Ofcourse you may.
Does Avast release its locks after each file has been scanned, or does it maintain locks on all files in the download package until the entire package-scan has completed?
Since it is a package it is basically the same as the example I have given. Scanning of the entire package must be finished before it is released.
Can file locks be "stacked"? Is it possible for multiple locks to be placed on the same file simultaneously?
In theory only one application/OS can place a lock at a time.
If e.g. avast placed a lock on a file, a other application can not lock it because it has no access to the file.
But as I said that is the theory.
I would not be surprised if there is a way that multiple applications can place a lock on a file at the same time.
Fact is that if application A places a lock and releases the file, application B can place a lock at it.
So yes, locks can be "stacked".
If I understand your question correctly.
Also, what happens if a client machine from which the scan was initiated should freeze up? The lock remains on the server file until that client PC is rebooted, and until then, the software package cannot be updated.
I hope I understand you correctly. A client only should scan files that are on the client or send to it.
A client should never be able to lock a file on a server.
If for whatever reason the client hangs, need to be rebooted or whatever, it should not have any impact at all on the file on the server.
After all, the file is on the server and "only data" is send to the client.
Is there a way to find out which client workstation has set the lock?
Yes. As admin you should be able to see what clients are using the file and details about the usage and such.
As I said, I am not sure if I understood your questions correctly so I can be wrong.
The answers I have given in this post are as I see it.
Please don't tickle me if I am wrong