AVG problem !!!!

[seagull]

I hate to bitch about a free program but every day AVG wants to update.It really gets on my nerves.EVERY AM. is that necessary?????? Have they added spyware ?

Stay safe
DB

[kilgoretrout]

Yeah, it's necessary alright. Malware is continuously evolving and can only be countered with constant updating of the malware profiles.

[seagull]

kilgoretrout--- Are you SURE that they are not selling info ?

[kilgoretrout]

The only way to know for sure is to audit their code which is unavailable or carefully inspect every packet sent which I haven't done. However, AVG is so widely used, that I doubt they could slip some spyware in their application without someone catching them.

My point is that all antivirus apps need to phone home for updated malware profiles in order to be effective. The fact that AVG does so on a daily basis isn't cause for concern IMHO.

[Alaron]

AVG is set by default to check for updates daily. You can open up the Test Center and click on Scheduler to disable the automatic update. You'll have to remember to update it manually though.

[seagull]

Alaron--- that is what made me sort of suspicious. I n the new updated version I cant it turn it off. I do not have a program scedule to turn off.

Stay safe
DB
Sorry about the post I FOUND IT hup,hup,harah,

[kev7555]

I've been a bit pissed at AVG recently myself. I don't mind when my firewall says AVG wants to connect to the Internet and receive a connection, that's normal for updates each morning but why is there a seperate warning that AVG is trying to act as a server? I always deny this request and it seems to have no adverse effect on AVG's functions.

Someone please explain if you know the answer.

[cmillar6]

I've been a bit pissed at AVG recently myself. I don't mind when my firewall says AVG wants to connect to the Internet and receive a connection, that's normal for updates each morning but why is there a seperate warning that AVG is trying to act as a server? I always deny this request and it seems to have no adverse effect on AVG's functions.



I believe in another post you mentioned you were testing Comodo Firewall, I use AVG and Comodo Firewall in tandem as well, it took me several attempts to try to train Comodo to allow AVG updates. I finally gave up and told Comodo to allow all activites by the AVG update service and have not had a problem since. The reason for the problems is that Comodo's program monitor is far more advanced than any other firewall's. Comodo monitors every application that trys to initiate the avginet.exe executable that starts the AVG update and will flag each one and block it until you allow it. I believe within the AVG program there are 2 or 3 things that will initiate the update service, I got fed up after 3 and just told Comodo to allow anything to initiate the service. The reason Comodo does this is to prevent malware from taking over services running on your PC and making them to use the internet without the users permission. I hope this made sense, its kind of difficult to explain.

[TwoRails]

OK... but why is it trying to act as a server...

[cmillar6]

http://forums.comodo.com/index.php/topic,1563.0.html

[RowanSpry]

yeah i have AVG, bugs me to sometimes. at times i need to quickly log on and get something as quick as possible, a little bit hard when AVG decides it wants an update (which slows down the computer)...I heard Sophos updates 20 times a day or something. i could be wrong..

[Negeva]

OK... but why is it trying to act as a server...


My understanding is that it needs 'proper' two-way communication.

I really don't understand why some ppl make a big issue over a legit program requiring 'net access for proper function. And as for the updating, that never has been a cause for concern - the only bugbear I have is that silly little 30 second Window that pop-ups; if you can give a valid reason why I'd appreciate it.

[TwoRails]

My understanding is that it needs 'proper' two-way communication.

I really don't understand why some ppl make a big issue over a legit program requiring 'net access for proper function. And as for the updating, that never has been a cause for concern - the only bugbear I have is that silly little 30 second Window that pop-ups; if you can give a valid reason why I'd appreciate it.

Well, I'm not making a big issue over this as is just a curiosity question that kev7555 originally asked which got me interested in it.

I've been a bit pissed at AVG recently myself. I don't mind when my firewall says AVG wants to connect to the Internet and receive a connection, that's normal for updates each morning but why is there a seperate warning that AVG is trying to act as a server? I always deny this request and it seems to have no adverse effect on AVG's functions.

Someone please explain if you know the answer.

I think it's a healthy curiosity. Put it this way: I have a four browsers on my system and none of them require to be a "server."

The above link to a very specific firewall program was interesting, but apparently only applies to that one product. It also does not explain, at least to me (I only quickly skimmed it), why that one specific program, AVG, needs to act as a server for updates where no other programs that need updates need to act as a server.

So my curiosity is still not fulfilled as to why AVG specifically needs to act as a server just to get updates.

:) TR

[kev7555]

So... I guess I opened a can of worms!

Well, the REAL question is why does all of my AVG system work perfectly even though I am denying the connection which is "trying to act as a server"?

If this is merely something required for AVG to update automatically, then I don't miund denying it. It's a simply click of the mouse to allow AVG to connect when it asks to do so.

As for the firewall, I really do need to educate myself a bit more on what processes are doing what. I'll check out the links to the comodo forum. Until then, I will continue to deny anything I didn't specifically ask to run. It has worked well to this point.

-Kev