There are many solutions out there that use local proxy on HTTP to provide some service (e.g. compress the stream or remove banners etc.) At first we considered that would be enough for webshield too. Just configure your browser (Internet Explorer or Flock if you like) to use localhost:12080 as your HTTP proxy and have the content scanned. I believe this is also documented in our FAQ.
Obviously the level of computer knowledge varies among our users, hence the redirect mode for the most common apps was introduced.
I also vote for more control which apps should be redirected and which not, perhaps on some Advanced page in the WebShield config.
The ASK dialog seemed like a good idea at first, but now I must wonder what would my mother say if should would be asked to include Skype among redirected application in avast! WebShield … would she answer yes or no? Well I guess I would have a phonecall.
What would your mother answer, RejZoR? And grandma?
Why don’t you start to publish a list of the supported applications?
Sure it will… But, are there so many ‘trouble’ applications like Vlk said? Isn’t it easier a list of ‘excluded’ applications instead of a long list of ‘ask’ dialog?
well what about dialog / option menu which shows actually (atm) monitored application by webshield that way user can easily detect/check if application is missing , yet that still need that “add” menu …
u know this is wide problem
nub user will fail to set his applications to use proxy access on localhost:12080
nub user will click “yes” when “ask” dialog appear for Skype, Wengo, MSN, Steam etc.
but there is “hope” for ‘ask’ dialog You must just add warning it’s not ideal use it for e.g. VOIP etc application
and link e.g. to some FAQ page entry on Avast! site with list of “problematic” applications or so …
btw. yet i somehow fail to understood the Skype example, skype opens new IE instance or other default browser i never noticed Skype uses port 80 until configured manually to do so …
better example should be MSN which trying use 80 if fail at other ports… but again MSN connection could bring You virus so You want it monitored anyway :))) so catch 22 ;D
