An introduction to Anti-Virus exclusions

Introduction

IRIS software usually runs without issue on a network or standalone environment. However, in some instances where an Anti-Virus product has been installed a noticeable drop in performance can occur.

Most, if not all, Anti-Virus products have a function known as On Access Scanning (or Resident Shield) depending on the Anti-Virus Product. As the name suggests, when files are accessed, they are scanned.

Due to the way the IRIS software works, this On Access scanning function can scan the IRIS files many times, especially during the report process.

Viruses are often transported within .exe and .dll file extensions and these extensions make up important elements of the IRIS software. For example, the IRIS Main Menu launches using a file called IWINLOAD.EXE.

 

Can I Turn It Off?

It is generally not possible to turn this function off. The Anti-Virus software would have to be turned off or disabled all together, alternatively exclusions can be set up within the Anti-Virus product.

What are Exclusions?

All files should be scanned, however, in some instances where it is known that a file is safe it can be excluded or skipped from the scanning process.

Within Anti-Virus products, there is normally an administrator screen or control panel where files can be selected for exclusion from the Anti-Virus On Access Scanning process.

Which Files do I need to exclude?

IRIS recommends that the whole of the IRIS folder is set to be excluded for example C:\TT or C:\IRIS.

 

Why Can’t I Set Exclusions?

There may be instances when it is not possible to set exclusions correctly. Some free Anti-Virus products such as AVG Free Edition and some products intended solely for use at Home (Budget Anti-Virus Packages) such as McAfee, which is preinstalled on new PC’s, are limited, cut down versions of the full product and as such do not allow the user to fully manage the way they work