Severe Performance Problems in Gorilla When Using SOPHOS Anti-Virus

Severe Performance Problems in Gorilla When Using SOPHOS Anti-Virus

PROBLEM

  • Severe performance problems occur when trying to use Gorilla and SOPHOS Anti-Virus.

CAUSE

SOPHOS anti-virus/firewall combination has a very stringent method of scanning files as they are opened, modified, or created.  This “on-access” scanning happens multiple times per file access.  Unofficial testing has shown that a file may be scanned as many as six times before the file is "cleared" for use.  This, coupled with the way Access creates pre-fetch data points, updates lock files, handles temporary files, and opens databases for use, results in data being scanned thirty or more times before any function in Gorilla can be performed.  This can destroy performance.  Anecdotally, a client's system running SOPHOS took over a minute to open Scheduler; with SOPHOS deactivated, it opened in six seconds.

SOLUTION

The most basic solution is to remove SOPHOS and install another AV package.  However, most offices will likely find this unacceptable as they have already paid for SOPHOS.

Deactivating the active scanning feature of SOPHOS is the next logical solution.  However, it is likely that IT personnel are uninformed when it comes to doing this.  As of this writing, there are no fewer than three places where deactivation must occur in order to improve performance: the folder must be exempted, the files must be exempted, then the Gorilla application must be exempted.  This may change with future versions, but is accurate as of this posting.



    • Related Articles

    • How to Reinstall the Gorilla® 4.x Word Templates

      QUESTIONS THAT APPLY TO THIS TOPIC The Word Templates used by my Gorilla have become damaged or corrupted, how do I reinstall them? The Word Templates Gorilla uses are missing, how can I get them installed? ANSWER On your Gorilla computer click the ...
    • Gorilla® CRM System Requirements

      PREFACE This document is to be used as a guideline for purchasing computer equipment. All items listed are recommended requirements for use with the System (unless the opposite is stated). This document is updated regularly to reflect changes to ...
    • Tech Talks - Reports in Gorilla®

      Running Reports in Gorilla To run any report you will begin in the Reports menu of Gorilla.  When you click on Reports you will see a list of all the Standard reports like Action To Do, Database Analysis, Weekly Statistics, etc.  At the bottom of the ...
    • Installation Instructions - Gorilla® 4.3

      For best results, read through this entire document before you begin. Preparation Before you proceed with the Gorilla installation, answer the following questions and fill in the Installation Checklist. You may want to arrange for your IT to be ...
    • Forgot Password in Gorilla

      PROBLEM I forgot my password in Gorilla. SOLUTION If you are using Gorilla 4.3 and older, please call Software Support at 801-553-9888. You will need to send a copy of your database in so that we can look up the password.  If you are on Gorilla 4.5, ...