freshclam updates the virus database. It's a part of the Clam AntiVirus package. It requires an Internet connection.
OPTIONS
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 writeable 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 occured. Remeber, 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 succesful update.
EXAMPLES
(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
RETURN CODES
0 : Database succesfully 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.
