Hi everyone. Question: Can updates for free apps like AVG Anti-Virus and Firefox (extensions/themes) get around proxy servers? A colleague works in a government agency that uses a proxy server to connect the agency's PCs to the Internet. Just this week, the agency installed a new server supposedly to prevent viruses from being downloaded. Unfortunately, it also prevents automatic updates for AVG and even Firefox extensions.

I already talked to the folks at the IT, they just said they'll "look into it." The thing is, my colleague's freaking out because AVG won't update. Manual updating still works, but it's hard for my colleague to teach his non-techie officemates how to download what file, where to place it, etc. Besides, he just taught them to set their AVG to download/install updates automatically upon Windows startup.

The PCs in the affected office run WinXP SP2, generally have between 128-256mb ram (though i don't think this is a factor), and have been downloading/installing AVG/XP updates regularly before the new server was installed. They also use Firefox 1.0.7, with extensions Gmail notifier 0.5.2.1 and Reminderfox 0.5.8.2. Firefox's update mechanism can still detect updates, but when it tries to download the updates, the error message "Not a valid install file" appears.

Btw, when the new server was installed, all downloads (even PDFs) will go through a filter of sorts. Before the download window opens, the browser will display a progress bar of the download, and the text inside the window reads 'secure download.' When download is completed, the status bar will indicate the downloaded file is being scanned by Kapersky and BitDefender. Only after the double scanning will the user be prompted to save the file to disk. If the save option is selected, only then will the download window appear.
Funny thing is, email attachments thru yahoo/hotmail/gmail still manage to get in, even if they contain viruses. My colleague found this out when he already downloaded an attachment - and his AVG antivirus sounded off, warning him the attachment was infected.

Barring the improbable prospect of an early solution from the IT folks, I would now have to ask if there is any way to get around the proxy. How do I tweak port settings, etc.? Much as I don't like breaking rules, the new "security" system at this government agency is beginning to stink.
I'm really open to suggestions. Thanks.