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RejZoR
September 28th, 2004, 03:00 PM
Download:
www.excessive-software.tk

{QUOTE-> Norton Rapid Updater

Introduction:
Norton Antivirus uses weekly update system which might not be enough for many users.
It was also not enough for me. So, I created this little program that automatically contacts Symantec server, downloads the Rapid Update and applies it.

What is Rapid Release Virus Definitions ?
Rapid release virus definitions have undergone basic quality assurance testing by Symantec Security Response. The primary focus of these definitions are the rapid detection of newly emerging threats and they may be augmented later with more robust detection capabilities. While Symantec Security Response makes every effort to ensure that all virus definitions function correctly, you should understand that rapid release-quality virus definitions do pose some risks such as the higher potential for false positives. Rapid release definitions are most useful for perimeter defenses or for all protection tiers as a means of mitigating fast spreading virus outbreaks.
(Info from Symantec homepage)

Normal usage:
Connect to internet and just double click my Norton Rapid Updater.exe
Everything is fully automatic.

Scheduled usage:
You can also use this program in combination with Task Scheduler (or Scheduled Tasks) function in Windows Control Panel.

Use these parameters:

Schedule Task:
Daily

Start time:
Can be any time you want, but i recommend time which won’t interfere with your work (late hours or while you sleep, if you leave your PC turned on over night)

Schedule task daily:
Every 1 day(s)

This latest version of Norton Rapid Updater also features update status checking to save your and Symantec’s bandwidth. As for now it’s good for another 65.000 Rapid Definition builds :) This is a limitation of my program (for now) :)

Important!
Each update check is 1KB (Kilobyte) and each successful Rapid update is over 5MB (Megabyte) in size!
This is very important for those who pay internet usage per MB.
So don't blame me if you get too high internet bill because of my program. I warned you!

Norton Rapid Updater Silent Mode:
If you don’t want to see any Update check status dialogs and download progress bar, you need to add /S switch to the Norton Rapid Updater.exe (you need to create shortcut with this switch).
This can be useful for scheduled usage where you can directly enter this switch into Run: line.

Norton Rapid Updater working folder:
Norton Rapid Updater uses SymRapid folder located in your Program Files directory (the folder and its content is created by Norton Rapid Updater).
In general it doesn’t take much space since Rapid Definition file is always deleted.
There are only one(two) file(s) left, Check.ini (old definitions info) and sometimes newdefs.txt (new definitions info) which is(are) very small. Do NOT edit or delete Check.ini under any circumstances, unless you don’t want to use Norton Rapid Updater anymore and you want to clean these files forever. After each successful update, these files and folders are recreated.

Norton Rapid Updater Un-installation:
If you don’t want to use Norton Rapid Updater anymore, you just need to delete folder SymRapid located in your Program Files directory.
Be careful, so you won’t delete wrong folder/files :)
You can also do the same if you encounter any problems with checking system (if it fails or gets messed up in any way).


Author: RejZoR - eXcessive Software
Contact: rejzor@gmail.com
Webpage: www.security-ops.tk

Copyright 2000-2004, eXcessive Software
Symantec Norton Antivirus trademark and logo are property of Symantec Corporation
www.symantec.com <-QUOTE}

bch
September 29th, 2004, 05:43 AM
I just have to say what a superb web site security-ops is. I have only been using the internet since January, based in the UK, and am very interested in the security side of things. Your site is really marvellous!

Unity
September 29th, 2004, 06:28 AM
Very nice apps Rejzor. :)

Can you tell me where it stores the virus definition exe ?

RejZoR
September 29th, 2004, 08:21 AM
The file is downloaded to:
%WinDir%\SymRapid\

But its deleted after updating is completed,so you will only see it in WINDOWS folder when its downloading (when you see that progress bar).
After update is completed,you won't find any traces of update process in WINDOWS folder. Norton Rapid Updater can be also executed anywhere. There is no limitation. The only problem might be if you use some kind of proxy. I currently don't know how to impliment support for this without breaking this fully automated process...

Oh and thanks for the comments about webpage :) I'll improve it even further :)

gkweb
September 29th, 2004, 09:04 AM
Hi,

your website is a very good security ressource, I should add it to my website links when I will redone them.
BTW I noticed that in your firewall security check list, you include the leaktest page of Gibson's website, but not mine, may be you could if you want :)

Regards,

gkweb.

Unity
September 29th, 2004, 09:19 AM
Thank you RejZor it's even better than i thought ;D

RejZoR
September 29th, 2004, 09:20 AM
Thanks :) I'm redesigning the page as we speak,so your Leaktester will be included on next page update :)

I need to seperate Security-Ops (security site) from my eXcessive Software part (all my apps still on Sec-Ops),so i'll have more space to work with apps descriptions and easier update process.

jon_fl
September 29th, 2004, 09:34 AM
I had responded on your other thread about Norton Rapid Updater. I've been to every forum out there trying to find the solution to more than once a week virus defs updates. I liked NAV 2005 a lot but was thinking of switching to another AV because of the lack of updates. I tried your app and I'm staying with NAV 2005. Your app worked flawlessly and easily. It works with Task Manager and it makes daily updating a snap. Thanks!! ;D

richrf
September 29th, 2004, 09:50 AM
Hi,

Great program and great site. Thanks much.

Rich

Shaker
September 29th, 2004, 05:18 PM
I also commented on your Rapid Updater app in that other thread...........

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=49249


But I will say it again..... Thanks for the great program.


I have your site saved in my favorites.

se7engreen
September 29th, 2004, 05:28 PM
RejZoR-
Sounds like a cool app...does it work with Symantec corp versions? I don't use norton but that would be very usefull with SAV if it uses the same update process.

RejZoR
September 29th, 2004, 05:35 PM
My Norton Rapid Updater supports following products:

Norton AntiVirus 2000 for Windows 9x/NT/2000
Norton AntiVirus 2001 for Windows 95b/98/NT/2000/Me
Norton AntiVirus 2002 Professional Edition
Norton AntiVirus 2002 for Windows 98/Me/NT/2000/XP Home/XP Pro
Norton AntiVirus 2003 Professional Edition
Norton AntiVirus 2003 for Windows 98/Me/2000/XP Home/XP Pro
Norton AntiVirus 2004 Professional Edition
Norton AntiVirus 2004 for Windows 98/Me/2000/XP Home/XP Pro
Norton AntiVirus 2005 for Windows 98/Me/2000/XP Home/XP Pro
Norton AntiVirus 7.x Corporate Edition Client
Norton AntiVirus for Microsoft Exchange (Intel)
Norton SystemWorks (all versions)
Norton Utilities for Windows 95/98 (all versions)
Symantec AntiVirus 3.0 for CacheFlow Security Gateway
Symantec AntiVirus 3.0 for Inktomi Traffic Edge
Symantec AntiVirus 3.0 for NetApp Filer/NetCache
Symantec AntiVirus 3.1 for SMTP Gateways for Windows
Symantec AntiVirus 8.0 Corporate Edition Client
Symantec AntiVirus 8.1 Corporate Edition Client
Symantec AntiVirus 9.0 Corporate Edition Client
Symantec AntiVirus/Filtering 3.02 for Microsoft Exchange 2000
Symantec AntiVirus/Filtering 3.1 for Domino
pcAnywhere32 7.5 and higher for Windows NT

RejZoR
October 2nd, 2004, 05:28 PM
I'm working on an improved version that checks if you already have the same update. This will remove need to download same definitions if you already have them. Checking will be most probably done by MD5 hash check as Symantec offers it to verify downloaded definitions.

I'm still thinking if i should store the value to INI file or registry? What do you think? Registry can be messed up by Reg Cleaners,so INI should be better option i guess.

RejZoR
October 2nd, 2004, 06:55 PM
Ok its really late today... i'll finish the testing process tomorrow.

RejZoR
October 3rd, 2004, 09:00 AM
Ok i finished testing and i think its working ok. If you encounter any problems you can simply delete working folder and start from scratch.

I also recommend that you read included readme file for more details on new features :)

You can get this new updated version here:
www.excessive-software.tk

Shaker
October 4th, 2004, 03:24 AM
Hi RejZoR. I just installed your new version of Norton Rapid Updater. After I ran it for the first time, and since I already had the rapid update for today, it stated Rapid Update>None. So I guess it's working like it should.

Thank you once again.

RejZoR
October 4th, 2004, 07:05 AM
You mean it said you already have the latest?
Or you mean that the Status was: NONE -> [Some number] ?

First is a new checking implimentation,and second one is when you use it for the first time (the new version). Thats because it doesn't have the defs build number stored locally. After first successful update it will show:
[Some smaller number] -> [Some larger number]

Shaker
October 4th, 2004, 03:11 PM
{QUOTE-> You mean it said you already have the latest?
Or you mean that the Status was: NONE -> [Some number] ?

First is a new checking implimentation,and second one is when you use it for the first time (the new version). Thats because it doesn't have the defs build number stored locally. After first successful update it will show:
[Some smaller number] -> [Some larger number] <-QUOTE}


I had the second one last night: NONE -> [Some number]

It ran today on schedule and it showed: Rapid Definitions Updated
36821 > 36841

I ran it again manually a few minutes later and it showed: You alread have the latest Rapid Definitions. No Update Required.


How often do you have it set to run in your Scheduled Tasks? I have it set to run every 3 hours.

RejZoR
October 4th, 2004, 03:49 PM
I have it set to check every 6 hours. I think thats enough.

Yup,thats the checker in action :) It will take some unneccessary load from Symantec servers and users too. Its not the best,but its better than nothing.
I thought they release these defs daily,but they release them more often than Kaspersky ;D

Shaker
October 4th, 2004, 03:56 PM
Thanks RejZoR.

se7engreen
October 4th, 2004, 04:02 PM
You should try to sell your app to Symantec before they get smart and integrate something similar into their prog. :)

VikingStorm
October 4th, 2004, 04:44 PM
{QUOTE-> I have it set to check every 6 hours. I think thats enough.

Yup,thats the checker in action :) It will take some unneccessary load from Symantec servers and users too. Its not the best,but its better than nothing.
I thought they release these defs daily,but they release them more often than Kaspersky ;D <-QUOTE}
They must have changed that recently (also noticed that on the site), since I've noticed the beat defs weren't out so often a few months ago, sometimes 1-2 days without a beta release.

RejZoR
October 10th, 2004, 09:25 AM
10.10.2004

I have released new Norton Rapid Updater. Symantec has changed some of the URL addresses so local version checking failed with /EN string as version number.
This is now fixed. I also tested with this corrupted entry and its self fixed. Just run this new version of Norton Rapid Updater and it will automatically repair the /EN string with the correct version number instead.

You can get this new release here:
www.excessive-software.tk

Regards
RejZoR

jon_fl
October 12th, 2004, 01:36 PM
RejZor, can you give version numbers to make sure that we have the most current app? ;)

RejZoR
October 12th, 2004, 02:16 PM
Ok i'll try,but program itself is running in silent mode or its done very fast,so it won't be visible so much. Maybe in Readme file or in Status dialog. That should be ok i guess :) I was thinking about auto updater system too hm... (update would update the updater lol ;) )

jon_fl
October 12th, 2004, 04:55 PM
You can post it on your site and the read me file. ;)

RejZoR
January 3rd, 2005, 11:34 AM
Ok,i have finally added version number and a small bugfix.
If you want you can download latest version from www.excessive-software.tk , but it's not neccessary. Unless you want to see version number after each update (which is currently v1.0 dated 3.1.2005). It's small anyway ;)

infini
January 4th, 2005, 03:25 PM
Does this version also works with norton corporate client?

Unity
January 4th, 2005, 03:27 PM
yes :)

RejZoR
January 4th, 2005, 03:28 PM
Supports the following versions of Symantec antivirus software:

Norton AntiVirus 2000 for Windows 9x/NT/2000
Norton AntiVirus 2001 for Windows 95b/98/NT/2000/Me
Norton AntiVirus 2002 Professional Edition
Norton AntiVirus 2002 for Windows 98/Me/NT/2000/XP Home/XP Pro
Norton AntiVirus 2003 Professional Edition
Norton AntiVirus 2003 for Windows 98/Me/2000/XP Home/XP Pro
Norton AntiVirus 2004 Professional Edition
Norton AntiVirus 2004 for Windows 98/Me/2000/XP Home/XP Pro
Norton AntiVirus 2005 for Windows 98/Me/2000/XP Home/XP Pro
Norton AntiVirus 7.x Corporate Edition Client
Norton AntiVirus for Microsoft Exchange (Intel)
Norton SystemWorks (all versions)
Norton Utilities for Windows 95/98 (all versions)
Symantec AntiVirus 3.0 for CacheFlow Security Gateway
Symantec AntiVirus 3.0 for Inktomi Traffic Edge
Symantec AntiVirus 3.0 for NetApp Filer/NetCache
Symantec AntiVirus 3.1 for SMTP Gateways for Windows
Symantec AntiVirus 8.0 Corporate Edition Client
Symantec AntiVirus 8.1 Corporate Edition Client
Symantec AntiVirus 9.0 Corporate Edition Client
Symantec AntiVirus/Filtering 3.02 for Microsoft Exchange 2000
Symantec AntiVirus/Filtering 3.1 for Domino
pcAnywhere32 7.5 and higher for Windows NT