KAV Lite / Questions

[GuruGuy]

Does KAV Lite auto-update it's av definitions? I see a button inside the control panel to update them, but was wondering if they will also update themselves automatically....if so, what is the "trigger" mechanism? Is it hardcoded to check every hour, does it look for an internet connection, etc. Also, how do you know what definitions that you have. I can't find anywhere in the control panel that tells me the date of the definitions.....you can click the update button, it will connect and tell you that you are now up to date....but it never says (anywhere that I can find) what definitions that I am using.

I realize that this version is "lite" but displaying the date of the definitions that are currently in use in not something that should be left out!

Thanks!

[Dan Perez]

Hi GuruGuy,

I'm afraid I have the Pro ver so it may not apply, but if you haven't already looked, you might look at the About screen for the main scanner app (from which you would do a manual scan)

HTH,

Dan

[GuruGuy]

Edited:

The "about" screen is located within the help screen...

[Dan Perez]

:-\ Well I know there are other Kav Lite users here so someone will respond with a better answer :)

Also, I recently came across a very good unofficial KAV forum (hosted by a reseller) I just checked there very quickly and didn't find anything but for future reference the URL for it is

http://forums.useice.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?

Regards,

Dan

[solarpowered candle]

hey guru guy. The 4.0.7.1 pretty much does those things . The date of the last download and how many you have ie 71000 etc Also automatic updates If I remeber correctly. The 4.0.7.1 was replaced by the 4.5 lite which is good in some ways but lacks some advantages over the 4.0.7.1 For instance you cannot riun 4.5 as a backup scanner only . You can do so with the 4.0.7.1 You may wish to post this question at the ice forums adddress your question to LIsa( of kaspersky labs UK ) http://forums.useice.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?s=3f094aab7369ffff :)

[FanJ]

Hi,

You might also post your question here at the KAV forum:
http://forums.useice.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi

I myself am using KAV Lite as one of my backup AV's, and I do like it very much!
However: I have at the moment a little bit older version (4.0.7.1). (Of course I know that I should upgrade it, but in a week or two my yearly subscription expires and then I will upgrade it). Since my (as I told) a bit older version does tell me the latest installed definitions date, I have to admit that I'm not sure what to answer. I hope others will jump in!!

BTW-1: you could also have a look at your directory:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\AVP Shared Files\BASES
and look for the latest date there.

BTW-2: I myself have added every .avc file to one of my "file-integrity-checkers"; so I will be informed when such a file is changed, when I run that "file-integrity-checker".

[FanJ]

Part of a screenshot of KAV Lite 4.0.7.1 that does show you that info:

[solarpowered candle]

Hi Jan I just noticed what you were saying and It may pay not to upgrade it to the 4.5 Lite when your liscence is up. as there is no advantage in doing so for those who are using it as a back up . The 4 .5 wont allow that unfortunately . So those who use it as you are are best to stay with the 4.0.7.1. There is no disadvantage in doing this
and one is as well protected with 4.0.7.1 as the 4.5
I am currently using the 4.0.7.1 as a back up while im playing around with the e trust prom anti virus . My liscence is up next week also . so I shall keep the 4.0.7.1 when i renew

[FanJ]

-{ Quote: " quoting: solarpowered candle link=board=24;threadid=11899;start=0#msg76761 date=1059616024]
Hi Fran I just noticed what you were saying and It may pay not to upgrade it to the 4.5 Lite when your liscence is up. as there is no advantage in doing so for those who are using it as a back up . The 4 .5 wont allow that unfortunately . So those who use it as you are are best to stay with the 4.0.7.1. There is no disadvantage in doing this
and one is as well protected with 4.0.7.1 as the 4.5
I am currently using the 4.0.7.1 as a back up while im playing around with the e trust prom anti virus . My liscence is up next week also . so I shall keep the 4.0.7.1 when i renew
" }-

Hi solarpowered candle,

Thanks a lot for your info !!!
Karma cookie for you :)

(BTW: I use RegRun to manage which programs start up automatically).

Cheers, Jan.

[GuruGuy]

I purchased the newest version of lite which is 4.5.....I can't find anywhere in the program where it will tell me these things.

I emailed Lisa a couple of hours ago, not sure what time zone she's in but haven't heard back from her yet. I'll post the answer if/when I hear from her.

I just think it's ridiculous that this info is not displayed in the program............seriously, how the heck do you know what definitions you are using.....totally dumb!

[GuruGuy]

Fran,

Saw your screenshot of the earlier ver of Lite.........4.5 does NOT have this in it. The only thing that closely resembles that would be the "report" feature that gives you the last time & date that you manually scanned your files.....it then goes on to list infected, clean, & deleted. That's it!

[solarpowered candle]

For me guru guy It never was a problem . I guess its a matter of faith that when you click update now . that you are indeed being updated with the latest downloads. I never have had a virus /trojon and I havent heard of any one else experiencing that their virus definitions were not working with the 4.5. However if it does concern you then download the 4.0.7.1 which can provide all these things for you ftp://ftp.kaspersky.com/products/release/4.0/English/HomeUser/KAVLite/
If you were to change to the kav 4.0.0.71 you may wish to run the kav reg cleaner after deleting the 4.5 and saving the key to a safe location. then run the kav reg cleaner and reboot b4 setting up the 4.0.7.1

I think that its a good suggestion to send to suggestions@kaspersky.com regarding this issue and perhaps they may rectify this in the next release

The time Now in the UK ( as i write) is 3.30am) so she more than likely will be fast asleep.

[FanJ]

Hi solarpowered candle,

Does your KAV Lite 4.0.7.1 interface look like this:

[solarpowered candle]

:) Thats the one yes indeedee

I had been using the 4.5 soley as my only anti virus protection. And i think its great for that . However I decided to have a play with the recent Etrust Vet /inoculate freebie promo and so had to reload the 4.0.71 in order to be able to have these all on my system.

[GuruGuy]

I did receive a reply from Lisa and will post her answers here when she replies back to me if it's ok to do so....hate to copy someone's email without their permission.

I guess the thing I hate most about these issues is this: The Lite version is marketed as a "set it and forget it" program. It is MY OPINION that this is not the case if someone has to REMEMBER to open the control panel and click the update button! To me, that's the worst thing anyone can do.............not update their a/v. You might as well not have it installed if you're not going to have updated definitions!!! I was going to buy several licenses of this for family members, but if it doesn't auto update, forget it. I want something that is truly set it and forget it.........they will never remember (not as conscious of these things) to update on a daily basis!

[GuruGuy]

Lisa gave her permission to post her email answer to me
----------------------------------------------------------

The Lite is the budget easy to use package there is no automatic updating -
only Personal/Personal Pro which have the Kav Control Centre to schedule
updates can do this.

It does not detect the internet connection - updates are to be run
manually - it will remind you after a certain number of days to take an
update.

To check the last update open the Lite Control panel, click on ? which opens
the help file, click on + next to Kaspersky Lab, and then click on About
Program.

It will show you your license details and also the last update.

The levels of scanning is really about speed, the Normal level does a quick
scan but doesn't look at your sectors or startup objects or mail databases,
the next level Medium will check files most likely to be infected e.g. exe,
com, doc, xls etc etc.

The highest level will check every file on the system and will take much
longer.

SFX is a packing program.

Regards
Lisa
---------------------------------------------------------

I re-emailed her again about the auto update, because after following her directions, I found that the last update in my program was July 31......HOWEVER, the last time I manually updated the program was July 30th........................waiting on her response.

[Blackcat]

After a few days, does KAV Lite therefore pop up with a message to tell you that your AV definitions are out of date?

AVP 3, 3.5 used to do this when you first booted up without the control centre installed.

Can someone confirm this with KAV Lite?

[GuruGuy]

Lisa and I are emailing back and forth:

Heres the latest from Lisa with my reply underneath:
-----------------------------------------
Lisa:
I don't recall anyone saying it was a "set it and forget it" program - it is
just easy to use, cheap and ideal for novice users

Me:
As to the set it and forget it comments, there are several who have posted in forums that refer to it as that, and also in the "buy" section, click on comments, there is a comment that says it:

03/16/2002
It is one of those products that you just 'install and forget'! Cool program, it does my computer proud

Also, in the same comments section for the lite version, this buyer says that the "new" lite has the auto updater:

04/19/2002
I have been using Lite for already one year, I figure it is all that I need right now: all is laid out simply, without any confusing 'thingies' - all is understandable at first glance! The only thing the program lacked was a planner that would automatically, as scheduled, download virus database updates. Something that the new Lite has! Super!! One more reason to love this anti-virus program

If these comments are not true, then why are they used and posted by KAV in their buy section for those considering a purchase of this product?


Lisa, do you know of a script or command line setting that I could create to do this? What and where in the KAV directory triggers the update module?


Lisa also asked where I'm located at....here's my reply:

Lisa,

I'm located in Atlanta, GA USA. I'm wondering if the update I got lastnight (my time) at 10:00pm on July 30th was 8:00am or after July 31st (your time). If so, then the terminolgy used in the program may be where the confusion is at.........last updated should really read "definitions date" or something to that effect......instead of last updated, which leads me to believe the ACTUAL time and date OF the last update.


Edited:
After reading the "buy" comments several times, I am now wondering if they refer to the previous Lite version? If so, why are they still listed on the KAV site for the version that is CURRENTLY being sold; version 4.5????????

[solarpowered candle]

hey guruguy, Fistly the comments on the kaspersky site refer to the earlier version of 4.0.7.1. If you wish for a kav lite that can preform automatic updates and scheduled scans then that is the version that will do this for you. you need to read the help manual once downloaded though and follow the instructions.
>go to task schedular> ( as an example that is shown in the help manuel )
To set the updating of the anti-virus databases for 19.00 hours daily, specify the following task values:

1.***Set Startup of updating utility as the Type of task.
2.***Assign the name of the task, for example, Daily_updating.
3.***Set Daily as the Frequency setting value.
4.***In the Time field set the value to 19:00.
5.***Press OK.

As a result of the actions performed, a task will be created which will be run automatically by the program: the automatic updating of the anti-virus databases from the Internet will be performed every day at 19 hours.

So it appears that both a scan and update can be preformed automatically.

However if you were to recommend this to freinds who are not able to left click there mouse button on update each day to manualkly do this I really doubt they could read the
help instructions to set up the automatic downloads and scans. you may have to do such for them.

any ways good luck :)

[Lisa]

Hi everyone,
Just popping by as I am looking at Lite45 for guruguy.

Lite 45 has no schedule properties, Lite4071 did, but I am not sure if they always worked hence it was dropped in 45. :-\

Lite is the budget easy to use option, really aimed at OEM market but still popular with novice users, and as it doesn't use as many resources.
If you want a version which has scheduling features then I would advise Personal version, this comes with KAV Control Centre which fully automates all main Kav tasks.

The Lite program should remind you every 14 days to update, it is agreed that this is too long for today's updates, but there will not be any further development on 4.5, it will be fixed in v.5.0.

[solarpowered candle]

some of the qualities of the older 4.0.071 are real good and better than the later 4.5 ( i feel) the ability to run 4.0.07 as a back up scanner . where as the 4.5 one cannot. The ability to set up scans and updates . where as the 4.5 cannot. I wonder is the lessening of these qualities , which is a shame , a deliberate way of incouraging purchasers into the more expensive versions .

[FanJ]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Lisa link=board=24;threadid=11899;start=15#msg76841 date=1059653756]
Hi everyone,
Just popping by

" }-

Hi Lisa,

Welcome !
Thanks for coming here ! :)

Best regards, Jan.

[Lisa]

Thanks Jan,
SPC,
I believe the reason 4.5 was brought out was to reduce the amount of drag in previous versions, and to fix an error in 4071 where it sometimes crashed when opening the report file.

They also incorporated everything into one interface.

I guess we can't please everyone ;D ;D ::)

[solarpowered candle]

well i hope the 5 is a vaste improvment over the 4.5. :)
the 4.5 does appear to have less drag than 4.0.7.
however being a dedicated lite user of both i feel that there have been good things dropped , which make the lite unusuable or increasingly so for the average user.whomay not wish to spend the amount that the personal or pro cost . which is a shame.

[GuruGuy]

Hi Lisa,
Got your last email. Thanks for the quick replies. The "last updated" message is still puzzling though.......are my assumptions as listed in your email and also quoted above correct?

[GuruGuy]

Where can I download the KAV regcleaner at.......?


Edited: Nevermind.............found it here:
http://www.kaspersky.com/go/install_uninstall_kav.pdf

[GuruGuy]

Said by Solarpowered Candle:
However if it does concern you then download the 4.0.7.1 which can provide all these things for you ftp://ftp.kaspersky.com/products/release/4.0/English/HomeUser/KAVLite/
---------------------------------------

When I click the link you provided, I get a proxy message saying it is read only. Don't know if it's my work computer or if the link is bad..........how did you find this "older version's" location on their website? I'm not an idiot, but I consider the KAV site to be difficult to navigate and find info. Did you find it from within their site or did you have "knowledge" of the files location?

Thanks!

[Lisa]

If you go to the UK site www.kasperskylab.co.uk/files/homeuser/ you will see all Home users versions there ready to download, many include a trial key tho' won't run as a trial if you have already got a registered version on the pc or have used one previously.

As to time zones, looks most likely explanation as to what the time differences are - I have No idea too confusing to work out whilst doing 20 zillion other things!!!

[GuruGuy]

Thanks Lisa!

[GuruGuy]

Edited to rephrase my question:

Other than what we have discussed here, what are the differences between the older version of lite and the new 4.5 version of lite? Are the unpackers the same, better detection abilities, worse, etc.?????????

[Lisa]

I'll see if they have all this data at HO. I'll let you know.

protection will be the same as they all use same updates.

[GuruGuy]

I found this "Kaspersky General Release" on the ice forum:

Here's the link: http://forums.useice.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?s=3f295e151badffff;act=ST;f=1;t=21
--------------------------------------------------------
Here's the quote:


from kaspersky general news

1. Kaspersky Anti-Virus Lite 4.5 - More Convenient, More Effective, Easier
Kaspersky Labs releases a new version of its Anti-Virus Lite software.

Kaspersky Labs, an international data security software developer,
announces the commercial release of Kaspersky Anti-Virus Lite 4.5,
designed especially to defend home computers and beginner users.

When compared with its predecessor, the just released Kaspersky
Anti-Virus 4.5 includes a slew of significant internal architecture as
well as external changes that substantially enhance the software's
functionality and which make it easier to use.

A completely re-worked program interface makes Kaspersky Anti-Virus Lite
more ergonomic, with the buttons placed more logically, and with a more
attractive new design and color set. Convenient controls and indicators
deserve special note. The interface includes only the most necessary
buttons and indicators: the level of protection, help features,
anti-virus database updates, scan results reports, scan status
indicator, and the 'start scan' button. This simple interface combines
both the anti-virus scanner and the anti-virus monitor, which allows the
simultaneous management of all program elements from a single point of
control.

For maximum comfort, Kaspersky Anti-Virus Lite offers three
pre-established scanning levels: Low (checks only the main computer
components), Medium (optimal level in terms of time to thoroughness
ratio) High (full check). Choosing which level to use is made by
pressing the corresponding button, once done the program automatically
alters all internal settings. Users receive a reliable, convenient and
very simple-to-use tool for virus protection that requires no extra
knowledge or time.

Besides the improved look of Kaspersky Anti-Virus Lite, the new version
contains an array of technical enhancements. Firstly, users will notice
the increased speed, almost three times faster than the previous
version. When running it decreases overall performance only 8% while the
majority of other anti-virus products cause, on average, a 25% slowdown.

The new version supports more objects in which it can not only detect
but also delete viruses. In particular it fixes Microsoft Outlook
Express email databases and Zip archives. Therefore it enables viruses
to be deleted from the email storage of one of the most popular email
programs (Outlook Express) as well as the effective restoring of the
original contents of Zip files, regardless of the number of times a file
has been archived. Meaning users get enhanced features for the detection
and deletion of malicious programs while also benefiting from
significantly improved performance.

"Kaspersky Anti-Virus Lite 4.5 is a universal means of protection for
personal computers in which simplicity and convenience are effectively
combined to battle viruses with minimal influence on computer
performance. The program is foremost intended for the defense of
personal computers and fits the needs of those who need the most
required collection of virus counter measures", commented Alexey Kalgin,
Kaspersky Labs product development manager.
Registered users of previous versions may download and install Kaspersky
Anti-Virus Lite 4.5 free @
------------------------------------------------------

So it would appear to me from this release that this version DOES HAVE better detection, scanning, support of more object scanning, etc.

[GuruGuy]

Question about uninstalling 4.5 and installing the "older" version.........if I decide to go this route:

After I follow the uninstall directions (listed here: http://www.kaspersky.com/go/install_uninstall_kav.pdf) and delete the files from explorer, then delete the install shield file that starts with "7F5E2", and reboot..................

Upon installing the older version, will it prompt me to enter the key that I already have. I'm assuming that the old key would have been deleted by following all of the uninstall steps above.

[solarpowered candle]

Hi Guruguy. I Live in opposite timezones so Its not that I am being rude lol in replying to your earlier question :)
I do not wish to say anything out of line here either as the lovely Lisa is kind enough to pop in here and help out . I do suggest you join up at the ice forum though as its a daily wealth of interesting info on Kav products and we are all cruising along on a interesting learning curve.
You asked about the download link for the 4.0.7.1 . You might try copying and pasting the link onto a new page ,or use the link that Lisa provided ,I agree the kav labs site is rather awkward to find anything. the link I posted comes from a very interesting contributer at the ice forums ( R.L ) who is always worth keeping an eye out for his most excellent early postings regarding beta and trial releases that seem to come way before any one else seems to release them any where else on the net . I have found it rather difficult to find info and they seem to release it once some one else has done so in my experience anyways
If you uninstall the kav 4.5 and use the reg cleaner , you will be prompted at the instalation of the 4.0.7.1 to add a key file . Im not sure but were you given a key file in the new down load ? If you have too you coukd write to service @kaspersky.com or Lisa at the kav UK and ask for a key if you cannot locate your key or such . It pays to save it and make a copy of it ie in a safe location like documents . Then when you click on "add" when loading up the 4.0.7.1 it will open up your files and either go straight to where you have saved it in documents or where ever or you need to find it , then double click on it ( the key ) and it will load it into the kav lite . and then carry on with the instalation . Im running on memory here so I hope i got that generallyin the right steps lol .
The Kav 4.5 is indeed a nice version and Im sure the kav lite 5 will be real good as there are a few bugs in the 4.5 that need sorting out . If they can keep some of the earlier good points of the 4.0.0.7 and intergrate them into the 5 it will be unbeatable as a anti virus for its price and abilities
but for now the versions give the same protection really

[GuruGuy]

I have the key number....copied it out of the "about" text within the 4.5 program. Question is, can I just TYPE it into the place that the 4.071 version is requesting it, or does it need some sort of "key file". The download I got from the website had just one zipped installed program so I assume that the key file was already inside that package.

[solarpowered candle]

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=11931
William was talking about a similar issue . to save retyping have a looksie at this thread

If you load 4.5 up after deleting 4.0.71 you will find the key in your kaspersky folder some where . copy that to documents or somewhere . then go thru the long process as on that thread . It works . I now am back with my kav lite 4.0.71 running only as an on demand scanner and my e trust promo as my monitor .

[GuruGuy]

Stupid question, but the key file is the one that is letters/numbers .key

Right?

[GuruGuy]

Actually an easier process for me is to just copy that key file, uninstall 4.5, clean up and delete any other files leftover, reboot, AND THEN install 4.071 and point to the previously saved key file. Right?

[GuruGuy]

I was reading the user manual for version 4.701 and it actually had some command line switches, etc that could be run. It's ashame that that even though there is no auto-updating from within the new 4.5, that a command line switch can't still be run to make this work.

[solarpowered candle]

yea I agree guruguy, The kav lite had so much going for it . They for some reason , have decided to simplify it so much that the excellent options (auto update/auto scan / are no longer available .Saying that there were a few bugs with it all . However in my opinion if they had of carried on and ironed out these so called bugs . the lite would be the very best anti virus scanner for low cost available . There is a place there in the market for such and it will only be filled by some one else . Its a shame i feel . obviously there isnt enough money in it for them. when they can sell another product for $50 or even $100
I would never pay that much especially as there are products as good if not better for far less cost.

[Tinribs]

Now you know why I had resorted to v4.0.7.1 some while back now SPC (as we discussed over at kav forums)
I wondered then why the latest version seemed far too simplistic, I tend to agree with your comments.


Kev
:)