avast update question

[acier]

As a new user of avast home, (previously used AntiVir, until v7 came along) I'd like to know why the avast setup program calls home every so often while online.  I have my firewall configured to allow this, but to notify me when communication occurs.  Seeing as I have configured avast for manual updates only, can anyone enlighten me on this?  Calls 67.15.225.11:80
Thanks

[DavidR]

avast isn't calling home, if you have a connection established it will regularly check for updates. But I don't know why if you have it on manual updates, there are two updates Program and VPS are they both on manual or ask if update available?

This is one of the avast servers:

Checking IP: 67.15.225.11...
Name:      rs30.avast.com
IP:      67.15.225.11
Domain:   avast.com

[acier]

Yes, both are configured to manual.  The outbound traffic is at irregular intervals, it's not manually invoked.  The system (98SE) is up to date and as far as all the scanners (antivirus and antispyware) would indicate, clean.  Process Explorer indicates nothing untoward either.  Using Opera v8.51 browser. 

[alanrf]

Sorry to intrude ...

It seems that you may not have understood David's explanation.

Avast is programmed always to access its servers, even when you have your update setting on manual so that it can alert you to the fact there is a new update either to the virus signature files (which are frequent) or to the avast package itself (which is infrequent).

The manual setting does not stop avast from doing these lookups, the setting simply determines whether you want avast to install the updates automatically or to wait for you to decide to request avast to install the updates. 

If you delay the updates for the virus signature files by selecting the manual update option then you are increasing your risk of exposure to new viruses.

[DavidR]

Happy you jumped on board Alan, as for me it has cleared up why on manual update it still checks to see if an update is available.

[acier]

Thanks for the info!

[DavidR]

Glad we could help, welcome to the forums.