The agent.exe file is also called the Install Shield update service agent and it is connected to the Internet to search for updates of software. Most of the updates are related to the service of FLEXnet connect.
It behaves like a windows update by checking for available revisions on the Internet and then informs the user of the same. Updating one’s computer can be done either manually or automatically. When done manually, one uses the control panel in the application called software manager. In the manager, the user chooses the software that will receive the updates, leading to automatic installation.
It accesses particular information in the updated software from the Internet and then sends a notification to the user informing the person of the changes and the properties of the update. Other information that is collected by this program is the name, language and version of the software. One can set the frequency of the updates so that they only appear after the period set. If the updates are frequent and distracting, the user can set a long update period. This setting is done by default. One can also alter the settings of the application in the control panel in the update manager file.
Agent.exe gives three types of updates and the first one is the recommended update for the software. The second is the update message that is meant to inform the user that there is a software change and that he or she needs to upgrade. The third is the message from the software provider that is meant to give the user any important information about the software. The provider message does not have any updates.
Since this software does not contain any windows files, it is important to take note of any windows based file that presents itself as agent.exe. This is likely a malware in camouflage. A true file will be located in either “C:\Program Files\Common Files” or “C:\Documents and Settings” and is used as a protection for one’s PC. Therefore, anything presenting as “c:\windows” should be seen as a threat and immediately done away with.
The application is not malicious though it is important to boost the RAM, CPU and the Internet settings when it is in use. This reduces chances of an attack. It is free of spyware, Trojan and viruses. Agent.exe could carry out some background processes though they do not affect the user’s work at all.
Tags: agent, agent.exe, installshield
