about_activeupdate

About ActiveUpdate

ActiveUpdate provides the latest downloads of all ScanMail components over the Internet. ScanMail components include pattern files for viruses/malware and spyware/grayware.

ActiveUpdate does not interrupt network services, or require you to reboot your computers. ScanMail can receive updates on a regularly scheduled interval or through manual updates.

Incremental Updates of the Pattern File

ActiveUpdate supports incremental updates of the pattern file. Rather than download the entire pattern file each time, ActiveUpdate can download only the portion of the file that is new, and append it to the existing pattern file. This efficient update method can substantially reduce the bandwidth needed to update your antivirus software.

Configure ScanMail to use ActiveUpdate and incremental updates to decrease the time spent updating.

Using ActiveUpdate with ScanMail

You can configure ScanMail to use the ActiveUpdate server as a source for manual and scheduled component updates. When it is time for the component update, ScanMail polls the ActiveUpdate server directly, ActiveUpdate determines if an update is available, and ScanMail downloads updates if they’re available.

 

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