firefox virus checker?

WinXp SP3, latest version of firefox.

How does this virus checker work, by that i mean, what is it checking for?
Is it just known viruses? How does it get updated (automatic with logon or
do we need to go get an updated file each time?). While it runs very fast
(just the downloaded file), what happens if a virus is found?

thanks,
savagcl

 

Sorry savagcl,

What antivirus ? As far as I know, FF doesn't has an inbuilt antivirus.

 

Sorry, should have been more clear.......

When you down a file, after the download is completed (but the download
window is still visable), a scan for viruses is performed. Where does it come
from? Maybe its a new feature of AVG8...........

savagcl

 

I have no idea why, how or what Firefox is scanning for viruses. It is mainly a slowdown of the system.

 

Has to be AVG (free). I dont have it on this system and there is no virus
scan happening.

Problem solved.

Thanks,
savagcl

 

Now, I am confused. What were you saying in your original e-mail? Did you want to know if others, but not you, had a virus scanning of downloads?

 

When i down a file, after the download is completed and the download
window is still visable), a scan for viruses in the downloaded file is
performed. I thought it was something new in FF.
Since i thought it was FF, i was wondering how it got updated and if it was
a [part of FF or not. Apparently it is not a part of FF but it comes from
the new AVG8.

Sorry bout the confusion, Westside.

savagcl

 

If you have an AV installed, Firefox V3 will invoke it after downloads. You can disable this if you choose.

HERE are the details from the source.

 

And HERE is a page that decribes many of the new features of Firefox V3.

 

1.It is not part of AVG8, if I read correctly, but, rather that it is invoking any antivirus.
2. I can't figure out the benefit of having the feature. Isn't the antivirus supposed to scan downloads of any type.

 

Correct. Is is Firefox, and specifically Firefox V3, that invokes any AV that is installed (only if one is in fact installed) to scan the downloaded file

Well, yes, perhaps that is why during the beta cycles of Firefox V3 a method to disable this was implemented as well. If I recall correctly, not all AV programs, very few in fact, will scan a file when it is downloaded. Most only scan on access and a download is more of a transfer than an access. Now, presumably, the file was in fact downloaded with the intent of being accessed, so in most cases the scan will happen twice unless disabled in Firefox.

For small downloads it is hardly noticable; however, for larger downloads it can be quite obvious.

 

AKAJohnDoe,
nice to know. i only have AVG8 so that must be it.

i like it.

savagcl

 

AKAJohnDoe,
thanks for the explanation. Indeed, it is a good idea to scan on download.

 

I left the setting on, that is, "true ", to enable scanning on downloads.

This is an application of a philosophy I adopted several decades ago when I was programming; to detect errors as early as possible in any process. It made sense to me then and it still does today.

 

As an old ex-programmer myself, I agree completey.

savagcl