how to utilize AVG update '.bin' files?

[lectrocrew]

I subscribed to "[email protected]" to recieve update files via e-mail and they come in .bin form. I have not worked with these type of files before and don't know what section to download them to nor how to open them ect.
 I realize that by getting automatic updates from AVG, my AVG protection software stays current, but I was interested in knowing some of the ongoing changes that are made to the updates. But I can't even get the files to open. How do I open the files and what do I do with them once I open them?
 I am not real knowledgable about computers so this may be a stupid question. If so, at least I'll be less stupid for asking so thanks for any help!
 Below is a .txt copy of the latest e-mail.

Date: Wed, 14 May 2008 18:04:17 GMT
Subject: [avg8-update] New AVG Anti-Virus 8 Update - AVI 269.23.16 / IAVI 1433 
   
--- AVG Anti-Virus Update ---
(5/14/2008)

********************************
**      AVG Anti-Virus 8      **
********************************

--- information about Update ---

Update Summary:

- added new variants of Worm/Autoit
- added new variants of trojan Patched, Proxy, Downloader.Small


Update file for all Virus Database versions (size 6551189 bytes):
  http://www.grisoft.com/softw/80/update/u7avi1309ww.bin

IAVI Update file for all Virus Database versions (size 23748580 bytes,
 version 1433):
  http://www.grisoft.com/softw/80/update/u7iavi1443f1.bin


All available Update files, including previous versions,
may be found at the following link:
  http://www.grisoft.com/doc/update

--
AVG Technologies


To unsubscribe from the AVG8-UPDATE service, please follow the
instructions at http://www.grisoft.com/ww.avg-update-bulletin-form

[evilfantasy]

Arte you using the free or paid version?

Important notice for AVG Free Users

 The listed program updates should not be used for the AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition. AVG Free users can perform the update directly from within the program, or download updates from AVG Free Advisor website.

[lectrocrew]

Paid version. A paid version key code is required in order to be elgible for this AVG update service mail ist.
 I hope I'm not violating any license agreement by posting the contents of the message on this open forum, if so I certainly did so out of ignorance and will be happy for the text to be deleted or modified. 

[evilfantasy]

Try this.

Make sure your computer date and time are correct (AVG needs to know)

Launch the AVG Control Center, select the Update Manager button,
then press the "properties" button at the bottom of the window

UNcheck the option "do not ask for update source", and click "apply"

Click the Update button at the bottom of the window and find the folder
you put .bin file

Click OK and AVG will update (unless it's already up to date)

[lectrocrew]

I could not find a way to follow your directions in my AVG8 interface, so I went to my sisters computer, which is still running AVG 7.5 free version, and your directions work fine.
But:
You did give me enough information to figure out how it's done in my version of AVG 8 {version 8.0.93}.
--This is how I did it:

1- create a file in My Documents. {I named my file "AVG 8 Update .bin fles"}
2- download the file in the e-mail labled "Update file for all Virus Database versions" to the location created in "My Documents"
3- open AVG "User Interface". {"AVG Overview" screen is displayed}
4- click on "Tools" then select "Update from Directory" in the drop down menu. Then select the file location in the file selection box displayed on the screen {"My Documents/AVG 8 Update .bin files" in my case}.
5- The update progress screen will display then "Update Finished Sucessfully" {in my case a subtitle displayed "New Update Files Not Found" since I already have then latest file downloaded via "Automatic Updates" set to updae every 4 hours.

 That being said, {" I already have then latest file downloaded via "Automatic Updates" set to updae every 4 hours."}, I see no advantage of this portion of the update service in my case. I was hoping the service would give more information about the latest threats such as possible sites that the threats can be contracted from, what e-mail message "subject ect." cantain threats,  and possibly some tips for file names to enter in the "Do Not Alow" box in firewall advanced settings.
I guess I just miss-understood the purpose of the update service.
The webpage says,
"Subscribe or unsubscribe for a free email service, providing you with information concerning the availability of new updates, current virus outbreaks, and other important news concerning AVG products. On average, AVG Update Bulletin is sent twice a week. In case of virus outbreaks it is sent more frequently."

Where is the "other important news concerning AVG products"?

Thanks for your help evilfantasy !

[evilfantasy]

Glad you worked it out.

Install SpywareBlaster and Site Advisor if you don't already have them.

SpywareBlaster - Secure your Internet Explorer to make it harder for these ActiveX programs to run on your computer. Also stop certain cookies from being added to your computer when running Mozilla based browsers like Firefox.
* Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware and Malware

To install Site Advisor, just download the Plug-in for Internet Explorer or the Plug-in for FireFox

Here are some links that will have some of the information you are looking for.
http://free.grisoft.com/ww.top-threats
http://www.ca.com/us/securityadvisor/pest/browse.aspx?cat=adware
http://www.bitdefender.com/syndicate/rtvr/main.html#

Learn more about how to protect yourself while on the internet read this article by Tony Klien: So how did I get infected in the first place?

[lectrocrew]

Thanks for the excellent links. I've had limited time to explore everything but I have installed SpywareBlaster and I have a question about it in a minute.

 1st I'll update you on what I have done.
Tony Kleins page suggested using Firefox browser due to better security features, faster ect. so I downloaded and installed it and  have it set as my default and I locked down ActiveX in Internet Explorer per instructions. I installed Site Advisor for both IE and Firefox, installed Lavasoft's Ad-Aware and Spybot S&D. I already have Malwarebytes {paid version} and Secunia PSI installed as you suggested in a previous topic you helped me with.
 Current scans with AVG8, Malwarebytes, Spybot and Ad-Aware all show my computer to be infection free. 

So far a concern I see is in SpywareBlasters block list in the IE catagory. There are several items that do not have a check in the box and the names are in red letters. They are all listed as type = active x.
Some of the names are as follows:
MoneyTree (2)
VX2 Variant
Spyblast install control
Spyblast iinstall control (2)
SearchWWW
ClientMan Variant
Alexa Variant
CoolWebSearch Variant 00110011-4B0B-44D5-ect.
CoolWebSearch Variant 17DA0C9E-4AZ7----------
IEPlugin {8}
Rank.com Hijacker
CoolWebSearch / Gonnasearch Variant

There are more I can post if you need them.
My question is, should I check all these items and click on the box "Protect Against Checked Items" or are they active x controls that my software needs to function correctly?

BTW My computer passed all security test except it failed the test in the "javascript, cookies and third party cookie" sections of http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/BrowserSecurity/ which I linked to from Tony Klien's page.

Thanks again with your help so far. I imagine I might have some more questions after I learn more about all the cool tools you linked me too. 

[evilfantasy]

SpywareBlasters blocks bad activex objects.

To use it select Download latest protection updates.

Then choose Enable all protection.



[recovering space - attachment deleted by admin]

[lectrocrew]

That did it. Sorry, I missed clicking the 'Enable all protection' button. SpywareBlaster is now working fine and with paid version so it updates automatically.
Thanks again!!!

[evilfantasy]

No problem, glad you got it going!