freshclam - update virus databases

freshclam [options]

freshclam updates the virus database. It's a part of the Clam AntiVirus package. It requires an Internet connection.

Freshclam reads its configuration from freshclam.conf. The settings can be overwritten with command line options.

-h, --help

Output help information and exit.

-V, --version

Print version number and exit.

-v, --verbose

Be verbose. This option causes freshclam to print many additional informations.

--quiet

Be quiet - output only error messages.

--stdout

Write all messages to the standard output (stdout), instead of the standard error output (stderr).

-l FILE, --log=FILE

Save download report in FILE.

--datadir=DIRECTORY

Install new database in DIRECTORY. The directory must be writable for the 'clamav' user or unprivileged user running freshclam.

-u USER, --user USER

Run as USER. By default (when started by root) freshclam drops privileges and works as the 'clamav' user.

-d, --daemon

Run in a daemon mode. This option requires --checks. -p FILE, --pid=FILE Save daemon's pid in FILE.

--no-dns

This option forces old non-DNS verification method (without a TTL delay).

-c #n, --checks=#n

Check #n times per day for a new database. #n must be between 1 and 50.

--daemon-notify=/path/to/clamd.conf

Notify the daemon about the new database. By default it reads a hardcoded config file but you can use an another one. Both local and TCP sockets are supported.

-a IP, --local-address=IP

Use (local) IP for HTTP downloads. Useful for multi-homed systems. If binding fails for whatever reason, a warning is issued and freshclam behaves like without this flag.

--on-error-execute=COMMAND

Execute COMMAND if error occurred. Remember, that virus database freshness is the most important thing in anti-virus system. With this option freshclam can alert you (eg. send SMS) when something is going wrong.

--on-update-execute=COMMAND

Execute COMMAND after successful update.

--on-outdated-execute=COMMAND

Execute COMMAND when freshclam reports outdated version. In the command string %v will be replaced by the new version number.

(0) Download database to default directory:

freshclam

(1) Download database to current directory:

freshclam --datadir=.

(2) Run as a daemon and check 2 times per day for new database:

freshclam -d -c 2

0 : Database successfully updated.

1 : Database is up-to-date.

40: Unknown option passed.

50: Can't change directory.

51: Can't check MD5 sum.

52: Connection (network) problem.

53: Can't unlink file.

54: MD5 or digital signature verification error.

55: Error reading file.

56: Config file error.

57: Can't create new file.

58: Can't read database from remote server.

59: Mirrors are not fully synchronized (try again later).

60: Can't get information about clamav user from /etc/passwd.

61: Can't drop privileges.

62: Can't initialize logger.

/etc/clamav/freshclam.conf

Please check the full documentation for credits.

Tomasz Kojm <tkojm@clamav.net>

clamd(8), clamdscan(1), clamscan(1), sigtool(1), clamd.conf(5)