Experiences of a AOSS newbie

[Stephen]

Hi,

AOSS version: 1.0.0.83
Spyware Doctor version: 4.0.0.2621 (Registered user)
Windows XP SP2 (NTFS)

Downloading the iso and burning a bootable CD was straightforward.

I updated Spyware Doctor and located the file 'refdb.dat' and stored it
on my flash memory.

Without thinking, I inserted the flash memory into my PC prior to booting - this was wrong. But I imagine others might do the same. I rebooted.

PC booted without problems and I selected the partitions I wanted scanned. I inserted my flash memory when prompted. There was a very brief message that said 'Copying...' so I assumed that the latest Spyware Doctor database had been loaded. However, once scanning began I wasn't so sure because the scanning screen said:

Database version: (null)

So was I using the most up-to-date Spyware Doctor database or not?

The scanning screen has two progress bars:

1) Shows scanning progress
2) Shows 'Scanning for malicious files'. Is that different from the first
progress bar? I wasn't sure what to make of this second bar.

The scan completed and didn't discover anything bad. I was able to close down AOSS, remove the CD and reboot to Windows.

[fireman sam]

Scanning without updating the database? The CD contains a database file already. So when you are prompted to insert the USB drive, just press the Skip button. See if that works any better for you.

It worked for me.

[Stephen]

Hi Fireman Sam,

Yes, but surely for really effective spyware scanning you need to use the most up-to-date database available. An out-of-date database may only provide a partial solution.

I would like to know why my scanning screen displayed
Database version: (null)

Did I do something wrong? Is there a bug in the program?
It's still beta software after all.

PS
My son loves your TV show.

[sp00ki]

Scanning your computer with AOSS without the latest definitions is not much use.

I'm still trying to get my USB thumbdrive to update my AOSS definitions successfully, but no luck !

It's got me beat... :(


S.

[Stephen]

Hi Sp00ki,

Do you get the same message when trying to update the database?

i.e. Database version: (null)

I think the development of AOSS would benefit greatly from PC Tools talking to their customers a bit more, but perhaps at the moment they are fully committed with other projects.

AOSS has great potential if PC Tools can iron out the wrinkles.

Stephen

[AChen]

Hi,

The Developers are aware of:

Database version: (null)

This should be resolved shortly.

Cheers

[Stephen]

Hi AChen

Many thanks, and a Happy New Year to all at PCTools Software.

Could I suggest that the AOSS download page include a version number so that users will know when an update to v1.0.0.83 is available.

Stephen

[AChen]

Hey Stephen,

Thanks for the feedback.

Looking into this and will let you know how this goes.

Cheers,
AChen

[AChen]

Hi all,

The AOSS download page has been updated. It contains the version number of AOSS.

http://www.pctools.com/aoss/download/.

Cheers,
AChen