Hello, (sorry if this is not in the right forum part, I just created this forum account) I have some questions about the options in Avast. I had downloaded Avast Free Anti-virus and then purchased the Internet Security Suite.
I have noticed on some of my Anti-Virus software (I am not sure if Avast has this option, I think it does) an option called “Scan Network Drives”. My question is, does this scan Computers connected to your internet network, or does this scan the Modem/Router itself? If neither of those are true, is it possible I could scan my Modem/Router for viruses?
I also have another question, does Avast’s Anti-Spam option open Emails to check if they are spam, I am worried in case the opening of the Emails gives me a virus (I use Yahoo mail). Which brings me to my next question, can you get viruses just by having an infected Email in your inbox? And can you get an Email virus from just reading an Email or is it only possible from clicking a link or the Email having an attachment? (for Yahoo mail).
I have searched and asked for a long time now about these questions and have only gotten vague or conflicting answers, could someone please answer these for me, I would prefer an employee/Anti-Virus specialist from Avast answer me so I can be sure, which is part of the reason I came to these forums.
I admit to seeing your first post, but passing it by. Sorry all I see when trying to read it is a mass of black text and I find that almost impossible to read. I simply can’t concentrate on a single line in the mass of black.
avast! for PC will only scan network drivers if they’re mapped in your computer (i.e., have assigned a letter).
The Antispam only scans messages of an email program (client) and not from webmail (which could be scanned by WebShield and NetShield).
Does Webshield scan them while they are in your inbox or do you have to open them? I am also confused whether the term “network drives” refer to the Modem/router. I really appreciate the help. =)
I can read your email fine. To add to Tech’s reply, if you are using Yahoo’s webmail, every webmail has it’s own antivirus built into it anyway, so you are already protected there. However if you open something up (a link for example) and now you are on the Internet, this is where Avast will protect you if there was something malicious (bad / virus) in there that lead you to this link as an example.
Avast will not scan your network, but only the machine you are using. If money is a concern, you can get the Free version of Avast for your other machines on the network so that you are protected. However, for extra protection, you can purchase either Avast Pro or Avast Internet Security for your entire network.
You should also consider having a good firewall even though you have a router. By a good firewall, one that has HIPS is ideal. An example would be Online Armor, Outpost, Private Firewall, to name a few (you can do a search on the forum to check them out); most come as free and paid versions. These have been know to not cause any conflicts with Avast if you mutually exclude them (have each software trust each other). I would also suggest that prior to buying anything, you trial it to see if you like it and how it plays with your machine and other software. Before installing, know how to uninstall it using the vendor’s uninstaller tool as well.
I hope this helps and feel free to ask more questions. That’s what we are here for. And welcome to the forum.
Okay, so from your reply It seems I can’t get a virus by just opening my inbox, and if I opened an Email it is unlikely I will get a virus since it is they have built-in AV.
I don’t use more than two computers and both have Avast I.S… The thing I really wanted to learn from this is whether it is possible to scan a router/modem itself in the rare case that it somehow becomes infected.
The last thing I want to ask is, if Avast marks an Email with Virus indicating it is a virus do I simply delete the message normally?
