AVG ANTI-VIRUS FREE EDITION 9.0 User manual

A V G 9 Free © 2010 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s.r.o. A ll rights res erved. 1
Document revision 90.13 (19.3.2010)
Copyright AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. All rights reserved.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
This product uses RSA Data Security, Inc. MD5 Message-Digest Algorithm, Copyright (C) 1991-2, RSA Data
Security, Inc. Created 1991.
This product uses code from C-SaCzech library, Copyright (c) 1996-2001 Jaromir Dolecek
([e-mail]).
This product uses compression library zlib, Copyright (c) 1995-2002 Jean-loup Gailly and Mark Adler.
This product uses compression library libbzip2, Copyright (c) 1996-2002 Julian R. Seward.
AVG 9 Free
User Manual

A V G 9 Free © 2010 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s.r.o. A ll rights res erved. 2
Contents
........................................................................................................................ 6
1. Introduction
........................................................................................................................ 7
2. AVG Installation Requirements
.......................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Operation Systems Supported
.......................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Minimum & Recommended HW Requirements
........................................................................................................................ 8
3. AVG Download Manager
.......................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Language Selection
.......................................................................................................... 9
3.2 Connectivity Check
.......................................................................................................... 10
3.3 Proxy Settings
.......................................................................................................... 11
3.4 Downloading Installation Files
.......................................................................................................... 11
3.5 Begin Your AVG Installation
........................................................................................................................ 13
4. AVG Installation Process
.......................................................................................................... 13
4.1 Installation Options
.......................................................................................................... 13
4.2 Installation Launch
.......................................................................................................... 14
4.3 License Agreement
.......................................................................................................... 14
4.4 Checking System Status
.......................................................................................................... 15
4.5 Select Installation Type
.......................................................................................................... 15
4.6 Activate your AVG License
.......................................................................................................... 16
4.7 Custom Installation - Destination Folder
.......................................................................................................... 17
4.8 Custom Installation - Component Selection
.......................................................................................................... 18
4.9 AVG Security Toolbar
.......................................................................................................... 19
4.10 Close down open applications
.......................................................................................................... 19
4.11 Installing AVG
.......................................................................................................... 20
4.12 Schedule regular scans and updates
.......................................................................................................... 21
4.13 AVG protection configuration is complete
........................................................................................................................ 22
5. After Installation
.......................................................................................................... 22
5.1 Scan optimization
.......................................................................................................... 22
5.2 Product Registration
.......................................................................................................... 22
5.3 Access to User Interface
.......................................................................................................... 23
5.4 Scanning of the whole computer
.......................................................................................................... 23
5.5 Eicar Test
.......................................................................................................... 24
5.6 AVG Default Configuration
........................................................................................................................ 25
6. AVG User Interface

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.......................................................................................................... 26
6.1 System Menu
.......................................................................................................... 26
6.1.1 File
.......................................................................................................... 26
6.1.2 Components
.......................................................................................................... 26
6.1.3 History
.......................................................................................................... 26
6.1.4 Tools
.......................................................................................................... 26
6.1.5 Help
.......................................................................................................... 28
6.2 Security Status Info
.......................................................................................................... 29
6.3 Quick Links
.......................................................................................................... 29
6.4 Components Overview
.......................................................................................................... 30
6.5 Statistics
.......................................................................................................... 31
6.6 System Tray Icon
........................................................................................................................ 33
7. AVG Components
.......................................................................................................... 33
7.1 Anti-Virus
.......................................................................................................... 33
7.1.1 Anti-Virus Principles
.......................................................................................................... 33
7.1.2 Anti-Virus Interface
.......................................................................................................... 34
7.2 Anti-Spyware
.......................................................................................................... 34
7.2.1 Anti-Spyware Principles
.......................................................................................................... 34
7.2.2 Anti-Spyware Interface
.......................................................................................................... 36
7.3 E-mail Scanner
.......................................................................................................... 36
7.3.1 E-mail Scanner Principles
.......................................................................................................... 36
7.3.2 E-mail Scanner Interface
.......................................................................................................... 36
7.3.3 E-mail Scanner Detection
.......................................................................................................... 40
7.4 License
.......................................................................................................... 41
7.5 Link Scanner
.......................................................................................................... 41
7.5.1 Link Scanner Principles
.......................................................................................................... 41
7.5.2 Link Scanner Interface
.......................................................................................................... 41
7.5.3 AVG Search-Shield
.......................................................................................................... 41
7.5.4 AVG Active Surf-Shield
.......................................................................................................... 44
7.6 Resident Shield
.......................................................................................................... 44
7.6.1 Resident Shield Principles
.......................................................................................................... 44
7.6.2 Resident Shield Interface
.......................................................................................................... 44
7.6.3 Resident Shield Detection
.......................................................................................................... 48
7.7 Update Manager
.......................................................................................................... 48
7.7.1 Update Manager Principles
.......................................................................................................... 48
7.7.2 Update Manager Interface
........................................................................................................................ 51
8. AVG Security Toolbar
.......................................................................................................... 51
8.1 AVG Security Toolbar Interface

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.......................................................................................................... 51
8.1.1 AVG logo button
.......................................................................................................... 51
8.1.2 Yahoo! powered search box
.......................................................................................................... 51
8.1.3 Total Protection
.......................................................................................................... 51
8.1.4 Page Status
.......................................................................................................... 51
8.1.5 AVG News
.......................................................................................................... 51
8.1.6 News
.......................................................................................................... 51
8.1.7 AVG Info
.......................................................................................................... 51
8.1.8 Get More
.......................................................................................................... 51
8.1.9 E-mail Notifier
.......................................................................................................... 56
8.2 AVG Security Toolbar Options
.......................................................................................................... 56
8.2.1 Tab General
.......................................................................................................... 56
8.2.2 Tab Useful Buttons
.......................................................................................................... 56
8.2.3 Tab Security
.......................................................................................................... 56
8.2.4 Tab Advanced Options
........................................................................................................................ 61
9. AVG Advanced Settings
.......................................................................................................... 61
9.1 Appearance
.......................................................................................................... 63
9.2 Sounds
.......................................................................................................... 64
9.3 Ignore Faulty Conditions
.......................................................................................................... 65
9.4 Virus Vault
.......................................................................................................... 66
9.5 PUP Exceptions
.......................................................................................................... 68
9.6 Link Scanner
.......................................................................................................... 69
9.7 Scans
.......................................................................................................... 69
9.7.1 Scan Whole Computer
.......................................................................................................... 69
9.7.2 Shell Extension Scan
.......................................................................................................... 69
9.7.3 Scan Specific Files or Folders
.......................................................................................................... 69
9.7.4 Removable Device Scan
.......................................................................................................... 74
9.8 Schedules
.......................................................................................................... 74
9.8.1 Scheduled Scan
.......................................................................................................... 74
9.8.2 Virus Database Update Schedule
.......................................................................................................... 74
9.8.3 Program Update Schedule
.......................................................................................................... 83
9.9 E-mail Scanner
.......................................................................................................... 83
9.9.1 Certification
.......................................................................................................... 83
9.9.2 Mail Filtering
.......................................................................................................... 83
9.9.3 Logs and Results
.......................................................................................................... 83
9.9.4 Servers
.......................................................................................................... 91
9.10 Resident Shield
.......................................................................................................... 91
9.10.1 Advanced Settings

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.......................................................................................................... 91
9.10.2 Directory Exludes
.......................................................................................................... 91
9.10.3 Excluded Files
.......................................................................................................... 95
9.11 Cache Server
.......................................................................................................... 96
9.12 Update
.......................................................................................................... 96
9.12.1 Proxy
.......................................................................................................... 96
9.12.2 Dial-up
.......................................................................................................... 96
9.12.3 URL
.......................................................................................................... 96
9.12.4 Manage
........................................................................................................................ 103
10. AVG Scanning
.......................................................................................................... 103
10.1 Scanning Interface
.......................................................................................................... 104
10.2 Predefined Scans
.......................................................................................................... 104
10.2.1 Scan Whole Computer
.......................................................................................................... 104
10.2.2 Scan Specific Files or Folders
.......................................................................................................... 111
10.3 Scanning in Windows Explorer
.......................................................................................................... 111
10.4 Command Line Scanning
.......................................................................................................... 111
10.4.1 CMD Scan Parameters
.......................................................................................................... 114
10.5 Scan Scheduling
.......................................................................................................... 114
10.5.1 Schedule Settings
.......................................................................................................... 114
10.5.2 How to Scan
.......................................................................................................... 114
10.5.3 What to Scan
.......................................................................................................... 122
10.6 Scan Results Overview
.......................................................................................................... 123
10.7 Scan Results Details
.......................................................................................................... 123
10.7.1 Results Overview Tab
.......................................................................................................... 123
10.7.2 Infections Tab
.......................................................................................................... 123
10.7.3 Spyware Tab
.......................................................................................................... 123
10.7.4 Warnings Tab
.......................................................................................................... 123
10.7.5 Information Tab
.......................................................................................................... 130
10.8 Virus Vault
........................................................................................................................ 132
11. AVG Updates
.......................................................................................................... 132
11.1 Update Levels
.......................................................................................................... 132
11.2 Update Types
.......................................................................................................... 132
11.3 Update Process
........................................................................................................................ 134
12. Event History
........................................................................................................................ 135
13. FAQ and Technical Support

A V G 9 Free © 2010 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s.r.o. A ll rights res erved. 6
1. Introduction
This user manual offers a general overview of the tasks and detection technologies
provided by AVG 9 Free. We will briefly talk about the program installation, initial
startup, configuration and use.
AVG 9 Free is provided free-of-charge, and its functionality is limited. While using
AVG 9 Free you might discover you would like to have access to further and extended
functionality of AVG as provided within the AVG 8 products. Then, please visit AVG
website (http://www.avg.com/) for information on AVG 9 purchase options.

A V G 9 Free © 2010 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s.r.o. A ll rights res erved. 7
2. AVG Installation Requirements
2.1. Operation Systems Supported
AVG 9 Free is intended to protect workstations with the following operating systems:
·Windows 2000 Professional SP4 + Update Rollup 1
·Windows XP Home Edition SP2
·Windows XP Professional SP2
·Windows XP Professional x64 Edition SP1
·Windows Vista (x86 and x64, all editions)
·Windows 7 (x86 and x64, all editions)
(and possibly higher service packs for specific operating systems)
2.2. Minimum & Recommended HW Requirements
Minimum hardware requirements for AVG 9 Free:
·Intel Pentium CPU 1,5 GHz
·512 MB of RAM memory
·450 MB of free hard drive space (for installation purposes)
Recommended hardware requirements for AVG 9 Free:
·Intel Pentium CPU 1,8 GHz
·512 MB of RAM memory
·550 MB of free hard drive space (for installation purposes)

A V G 9 Free © 2010 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s.r.o. A ll rights res erved. 8
3. AVG Download Manager
AVG Download Manager is a simple tool that helps you select the proper installation
file for AVG 9 Free. Based on your input data, the manager will select the specific
product and license type, and language. Finally, AVG Download Manager will go on
to download and launch the appropriate installation process.
Warning: Please note that AVG Download Manager is not suitable for downloading of
network and SBS editions and only the following operating systems are supported:
Windows 2000 (SP4 + SRP roll-up), Windows XP (SP2 and higher), Windows Vista (all
editions), and Windows 7 (x86 and x64, all editions).
AVG Download Manager is available for download at AVG website (http://www.avg.
com/). Following please find a brief description of each single step you need to take
within the AVG Download Manager:
3.1. Language Selection
In this first step of AVG Download Manager select the installation language from the
roll-down menu. Note, that your language selection applies only to the installation
process; after the installation you will be able to change the language directly from
program settings. Then press the Next button to continue.

A V G 9 Free © 2010 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s.r.o. A ll rights res erved. 9
3.2. Connectivity Check
In the next step called Connectivity check, AVG Download Manager will attempt to
establish an Internet connection so that updates can be located.
You will not be allowed to advance the download process until the AVG Download
Manager is able to complete the connectivity test.
·If the test shows no connectivity, you will be informed about this status by
the following dialog - then make sure you are really connected to Internet, and
click the Retry button to continue:

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·If you are using a Proxy connection to the Internet, click the Proxy button to
specify your Proxy Settings.
·If the check has been successful, AVG Download Manager will go on
automatically and you will get redirected directly to the Downloading
installation files dialog.
3.3. Proxy Settings
If AVG Download Manager was not able to identify your Proxy settings you have to
specify them manually. Please fill in the following data:
·Server - enter a valid proxy server name or IP address
·Port - provide the respective port number
·Use proxy authentication - if your proxy server requires authentication, tick
this check box.
·Select authentication - from the drop-down menu select the authentication
type. We strongly recommend that you keep to the default value (the proxy
server will then automatically convey its requirements to you). However, if
you are a skilled user, you can also choose Basic (required by some servers)
or NTLM (required by all ISA Servers) option. Then, enter a valid Username
and Password (optionally).
Confirm your settings by pressing the Apply button to follow to the next step of AVG
Download Manager.

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3.4. Downloading Installation Files
Now, you have provided all information needed for the AVG Download Manager to
start the installation package download. Once the files are downloaded, you will get
automatically redirected to the final AVG Download Manager dialog.
3.5. Begin Your AVG Installation
Before the AVG installation process is launched, you have the possibility to decide
whether you want to have installed the free program version with limited security
options and with no technical support available, or whether you prefer to try the full
version of AVG Internet Security that provides you with a comprehensive protection.

A V G 9 Free © 2010 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s.r.o. A ll rights res erved. 12
During the thirty days of the trial period this edition is available to you free of charge,
and you can always switch to the AVG Free once the trial period expires.

A V G 9 Free © 2010 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s.r.o. A ll rights res erved. 13
4. AVG Installation Process
4.1. Installation Options
To download the installation file of AVG 9 Free visit the AVG Free website (http://
free.avg.com/) and follow the AVG 9 Free download link.
Once you have downloaded and saved the installation file on your hard disk, you can
launch the installation process. The installation is a sequence of dialog windows with a
brief description of what do at each step. In the following, we offer an explanation for
each dialog window:
4.2. Installation Launch
The installation process starts with the Welcome to the AVG Setup Program
window. In here you select the language used for the installation process, and the
default language of AVG user interface. In the lower part of the dialog window find
the Choose your setup language item, and select the desired language from the
drop down menu. Then press the Next button to confirm and continue to the next
dialog.
Attention: Here, you are selecting the language for the installation process. The
language you select will be installed as the default language for AVG user interface,
together with English that is installed automatically. If you want to have installed
other additional languages for the user interface, please define them within the setup
dialog named Custom Installation - Component Selection,

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4.3. License Agreement
The License Agreement dialog provides the full wording of the AVG license
agreement. Please read it carefully and confirm that you have read, understood and
accept the agreement by marking the I have read license agreement check box and
pressing the Accept button.
If you do not agree with the license agreement press the Don't accept button, and
the installation process will be terminated immediately.
4.4. Checking System Status
Having confirmed the license agreement, you will be redirected to the Checking

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System Status dialog. This dialog does not require any intervention; your system is
being checked before the AVG installation can start. Please wait until the process has
finished, then continue automatically to the following dialog.
4.5. Select Installation Type
The Select Installation Type dialog offers the choice of two installation options:
standard and custom installation.
For most users, it is highly recommended to keep to the standard installation that
installs AVG in fully automatic mode with settings predefined by the program vendor.
This configuration provides maximum security combined with the optimal use of
resources. In the future, if the need arises to change the configuration, you will
always have the possibility to do so directly in the AVG application.
Custom installation should only be used by experienced users who have a valid
reason to install AVG with non-standard settings. E.g. to fit specific system
requirements.
4.6. Activate your AVG License
In the Activate your AVG License dialog you have to fill in your registration data. In
this free version you only have to type in your name (User Name field). The License
Number text field is already filled in.

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Press the Next button to continue the installation process.
If in the previous step you have selected the standard installation, you will be
redirected directly to the AVG Security Toolbar dialog. If custom installation was
selected you will continue with the Destination Folder dialog.
4.7. Custom Installation - Destination Folder
The Destination Folder dialog allows you to specify the location where AVG 9 Free
should be installed. By default, AVG will be installed to the program files folder located
on the system drive (usually C:). In case the folder does not exist yet, you will be
asked in a new dialog to confirm you agree AVG creates this folder now.

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If you want to change this location, use the Browse button to display the drive
structure, and select the respective folder.
Press the Next button to confirm.
4.8. Custom Installation - Component Selection
The Component Selection dialog displays an overview of all AVG 9 Free components
that can be installed. If the default settings do not suit you, you can remove/add
specific components.
·Link Scanner - The LinkScanner component provides protection against
websites, that are designed to install malware into your computer via the web
browser or its plugins.
·Language selection - Within the list of components to be installed, you can
define which language(s) AVG should be installed in. Check the Additional
installed languages item and then select the desired languages from the
respective menu.
·E-mail Scanner plug-ins - Click the E-mail Scanner item to expand and
decide on what plug-in is to be installed to guarantee your electronic mail
security. By default, the setup detects what is your currently installed e-mail
client and installs the respective plug-in. This is true for Plugin for Microsoft
Outlook, and Plugin for The Bat! In case none of these two e-mail clients is
installed on your computer, setup will assign Personal E-mail Scanner to be
installed, and this option covers all other e-mail clients (e.g. MS Exchange,
Qualcomm Eudora, etc.). Optionally, you can mark the specific plug-ins for MS
Outlook, and The Bat! to be installed as well.
·Plug-in for Microsoft Office 2000/XP/2003/2007 - Checking this item
installs a special plug-in for enhanced protection of files used by Microsoft

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Office applications (this applies only to aforementioned versions).
Continue by pressing the Next button.
4.9. AVG Security Toolbar
In the AVG Security Toolbar dialog, decide whether you want to install the AVG
Security Toolbar (verification of search results of the supported Internet search
engines). If you do not change the default settings, this component will be installed
automatically into your Internet browser (currently supported browsers are Microsoft
Internet Explorer v. 6.0 or higher, and Mozilla Firefox v. 3.0 or higher) a to provide
you with comprehensive online protection while surfing the Internet.
Also, you have the option to decide whether you want to chose Yahoo! as your
default search provider. If so, please mark the respective check box.

A V G 9 Free © 2010 C opyright A V G T ec hnologies C Z, s.r.o. A ll rights res erved. 19
4.10. Close down open applications
The Close down open applications dialog appears during the installation process only
in case there are some other clashing programs running on your computer at the
moment. Then, the list of programs that need to be closed in order to sucessfuly finish
the installation process will be provided. Press the Next button to confirm you agree
to close down the respective applications, and to continue to the next step.
4.11. Installing AVG
The Installing AVG dialog shows the progress of the installation process, and does
not require any intervention:

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After the installation process is finished, and virus database updated, you will be
redirected to the next dialog automatically.
4.12. Schedule regular scans and updates
In the AVG Task Schedule dialog define time when the scheduled scan should be
launched. It is recommended to keep the default values.
As for the updates, with AVG 9 Free you cannot specify how often you want to check
for new updates. AVG 9 Free updates once a day, by default. If this configuration
does not suit you and you consider buying the full version of AVG, then please visit
the AVG website (http://www.avg.com/)for information on AVG 9 purchase options.
Press the Next button to continue.