i did an update 2 prog & virus update & have manual update checked … after i logon 2 net , it [ashserv.exe] asks 2 connect 2 web [warning from zonealarm] …
is it safe ???
ashserv.exe is one of Avast’s applications located in C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4 so should not be hindered by ZoneAlarm.
Into the firewall settings, the following programs should be allowed to connect:
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe (avast! Web Scanner)
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe (avast! e-Mail Scanner Service)
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\Setup\avast.setup (avast! Update executable). This is a temporary file that just appears when an update (check) is about to launch, and disappears again afterwards.
Don’t need rights to connect:
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe (avast! Update Service)
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe (avast! antivirus service). Although, ashServ.exe sends ping packets to find out if the Internet connection is alive. You can turn this off by checking the “My computer is permanently connected to the Internet” box in the avast Program Settings > Update (Connections) page.
As an interesting side note to this, I’m using Vista with the Sphinx Vista Firewall Control for outbound application settings which requires incoming and outgoing access for the web scanner and email scanner. Since these act as proxys in the stream if only outgoing is allowed mail and browsing don’t connect.