Full Virus Scan/Smart Scan

[Spiritual2016]

I am using Avast Free Anti-Virus.

1. If the screensaver comes on during a scan, does that affect the accuracy of the scan or are they unrelated?

2. Am I correct that all detection issues can be fixed by running a Full Virus Scan but certain Smart Scan detections require a paid license to resolve?

[Pondus]

1. NO
2. NO


Avast used to have something called screensaver scan, don't know if it still have that feature?
Instead of shedule a scan you selected avast screensaver scan, then avast scan would start/stop when the screensaver start/stop.
If screensaver was interupted it would remember where it stopped and start from there, unless computer has been restarted

[Spiritual2016]

Pondus:

1. To be clear, the scan will continue without delay even when the screensaver starts and the scan will also continue without delay when the screensaver is stopped?

2. Does the Full Virus scan include the elements scanned in a Smart Scan (so running a SS after a FVS would be overkill) or are the FVS and SS independent scanners that should both be run?

[Pondus]

1. Yes

2. Applies to Avast Ultimate, Avast Premier, Avast Internet Security >> https://support.avast.com/en-eu/article/Run-Antivirus-Smart-Scan

 

[Spiritual2016]

Pondus:

This question relates to Avast Free Anti-Virus:

Does the Full Virus scan include the elements scanned in a Smart Scan (so running a SS after a FVS would be overkill) or are the FVS and SS independent scanners that should both be run?

[DavidR]

Personally I don't run on-demand scans outside of beta testing and I do very little of that now or in relation to a forum question.

- With a resident (on-access) scanner the need for on-demand scans is much depreciated. For the most part dormant/inert files are being scanned, the other active files are going to be scanned by the resident shields when they are activated.

Whilst the Smart Scan has some features that wouldn't be run on an on-demand scan (many of which require a paid function), that wouldn't happen in an on-demand scan.  The WiFi inspector being one.  There are other features that I don't consider security based so I don't feel they have a place in an AV.

[schmidthouse]

- With a resident (on-access) scanner the need for on-demand scans is much depreciated. For the most part dormant/inert files are being scanned, the other active files are going to be scanned by the resident shields when they are activated.

+1
Definitely agree with DavidR.
On demand scans for the most part are really unnecessary

[Spiritual2016]

Pondus:

While I realize that the Avast Free Anti-Virus contains a built in on-access scanner, I still perform an on-demand Full-Virus Scan and Smart Scan.


1. Does the Full Virus scan include the elements scanned in a Smart Scan (so running a SS after a FVS would be overkill) or are the FVS and SS independent scanners that should both be run?

2. Are 'File Shield,' 'Behavior Shield,' 'Web Shield,' and 'Mail Shield' the on-access scanners?

[Pondus]

  Does the Full Virus scan include the elements scanned in a Smart Scan 

NO, and smart scan in avast free will not have all the features ... you need to PAY, see FAQ link in my reply above

2. Are 'File Shield,' 'Behavior Shield,' 'Web Shield,' and 'Mail Shield' the on-access scanners?   

NO, they are part of Avast realtime protection

[Spiritual2016]

I realize that Smart Scan does not have all the features that the paid version does but that is not what I am asking.

1. Since I prefer to run a Full Virus Scan and Smart Scan, should I run both or are the Smart Scan features built-into the Full Virus Scan?

2. Since FS, BS, WS, and MS are not on-access scanners, what is the OAS in the free version and how can I find its settings?

[Pondus]

Use FAQ to find answers >>  https://support.avast.com/

https://support.avast.com/en-ww/article/Antivirus-PC-virus-scan

https://support.avast.com/en-ww/article/Antivirus-scan-settings

[Spiritual2016]

I read the links but my specific questions are not answered.

I am an 80 year old female, I would appreciate it if you would just answer my questions directly instead of providing links:

1. Since I prefer to run a Full Virus Scan and Smart Scan, should I run both of them or are the Smart Scan features built-into the Full Virus Scan?

2. Since FS, BS, WS, and MS are not on-access scanners, what is the OAS in the free version and how can I find its settings?

[Pondus]

Problem is that you are never satisfied with the answer's given, and for evry answer you have 5 more questions

Your avast software is designed  to protect you after install without you doing anything more .... install and forget

[Spiritual2016]

Pondus:

I understand that on-demand scanning is unnecessary because of on-access scanning.

Please read carefully: My 'preference' is to run a full virus scan and smart scan once a month.

1. Is the Smart Scan included in a full virus scan or do the Smart Scan and Full Virus Scan scan different areas.

2. Avast's real-time protection consists of 'File Shield,' 'Behavior Shield,' 'Web Shield,' and 'Mail Shield', all of which are considered on-access scanning?

If it is too much effort to answer these two Qs, please ignore and allow someone else to answer.

[DavidR]

2. Are 'File Shield,' 'Behavior Shield,' 'Web Shield,' and 'Mail Shield' the on-access scanners?   

NO, they are part of Avast realtime protection

on-access and real-time are one and the same, just a different term.