Configure Avira AntiVir 2014: The five best tips
The new Avira Antivir 2014 has changed in many areas. In this practical tip, we explain how to configure virus protection correctly.
Open the configuration of Avira AntiVir 2014
- Start Avira AntiVir 2014 by opening the program via the Start menu or by right-clicking on the Avira icon in the task bar.
- At the top of the menu bar you will find the item "Extras".
- There you will see the "Configuration" at the bottom (see picture).
Tip 1: System scanner in AntiVir 2014
On the left in the navigation bar you will find the item "System scanner" under the category "PC security". Here you configure the file scanner, which you can start yourself if required. The following settings should be made in the following three categories:
- Files: Depending on how you use your system, you should choose between the option "All files" and "Intelligent file selection". The scan of all files is definitely safer. Anyone who moves a lot on the Internet and exposes their system to certain dangers should opt for it. The "Intelligent file selection" speeds up the scan, but can also overlook viruses in an emergency.
- Further settings: The settings already set protect your system quite well. For optimal protection, you should tick all but the third and last one. Your system will be checked as best as possible. However, the scan can also take a few minutes longer.
- Search process: You should definitely set "Medium" to the priority. This means that your system is not fully utilized during a scan and you can still use simple programs without restrictions.
Tip 2: real-time scanner
Under the system scanner you will find the "real-time scanner":
- Files: It is best to use the "File Extension List" here. This only scans the potentially most dangerous files. Since the scanner is always running in the background, it works quite slowly. If you select "All files", it would take Avira several hours to scan the entire system once.
- Drives: You should only activate the "Monitor network drives" option if you have integrated one and the files there are not considered to be completely secure.
Tip 3: heuristics
In the "PC Security" category you will find the "Heuristic" for the real-time and system scanner under "Search" or "Scan":
- Macro virus heuristics: Activate this point to make Avira handle files more critically. If the heuristic triggers an alarm, a program behaves conspicuously, but does not necessarily have to be harmful.
- AHeAD heuristic: This function can be used to detect new and unknown pests. If you set the detection level to "Medium", you will receive fewer error messages, but may also have poorer protection. If you surf on unsafe websites or download critical content more often, you should set the recognition level to "high".
Tip 4: Windows Firewall
Under the "Internet Security" category you will find the settings for the "private network" and the "public network" under the "Windows Firewall" and the "Network Profiles":
- You should definitely activate the function so that Avira can set your firewall. The two programs then work better together and you do not have to take care of the firewall yourself. You should also tick the box "Notify me when a new app is blocked". Otherwise, you may miss if a connection you actually want is blocked.
- Check the settings for both networks.
Tip 5: Hazard categories in Avira AntiVir 2014
Under "General" you will find the "Hazard categories":
- Here you should tick the box "Activate all". This way you are protected from all types of malware.
- Then click the "OK" button below to save the configuration.
This practical tip shows you what you should do if Avira finds hidden objects.