11 replies to this topic

[marko]

File Name: avast! Free Antivirus
File Submitter: marko
File Submitted: 16 Nov 2007
File Updated: 08 Sep 2010
File Category: Antivirus, Spyware, Firewalls & Security
Version No: 5.0.677
Will Run On: 9x/ME/NT/2K/XP/Vista/7

Antivirus and anti-spyware engine
State of the art scanning engine provides reliable protection against viruses, spyware and other forms of malicious software.

Real time anti-rootkit protection
Unique "on access" technology checks all kernel-mode drivers that the operating system is loading for signs of rootkit behavior. This enables even unknown rootkits to be detected and stopped before they can do any damage.

avast! Community IQ
Most samples we process come from sensors deployed throughout the avast! community in the Behavior shield and anti-rootkit modules. This is a unique source of data made possible only thanks to our huge user base. Most of the collected samples are analysed by a number of automated processes and only a small fraction of the samples need to be processed manually by our virus analysts.

New Code emulator
When a suspicious executable is encountered (during both on-demand and on-access scanning), avast! is able to emulate the program’s code in an isolated environment. The code emulator is used for two purposes. First, it is used for generic unpacking. Secondly, it is used in the heuristics engine. Technically, this is done using dynamic translation, a method much faster than traditional emulation techniques.

New Heuristics engine
Starting with version 5.0, avast! features a new heuristics engine designed to proactively detect malware undetectable with normal definitions. The heuristics engine is able to cover both binary (executable) and script malware.

Potentially unwanted programs detection
New in version 5.0, avast! now detects potentially unwanted programs, such as remote admin tools and commercial key loggers. Custom rules can be set for dealing with these types of programs.

Features

• Antivirus and anti-spyware
  
• Ensures all mails sent and received are clean
  
• Keeps you protected from "chat" infections
  
• Stops attacks from hijacked websites
  
• Compatible with Windows XP, Vista and 7
  
• For non-commercial use only
  
• avast! Intelligent Scanner
  
• New Silent/Gaming Mode
  
• New Behavior Shield
  
• Real time anti-rootkit protection
  
• Smart virus updates
  
• avast! Community IQ
  
• Behavioral Honeypots
  
• Green computing
  
• avast! iTrack
  
• File System / Mail Shield
  
• Web Shield
  
• IM / P2P Shield
  
• Network Shield

Click here to download this file

[marko]

Is it just me, or is anyone else noticing issues with the latest version of Avast?.  Normally, I wouldn't notice any slow down using Avast, although with the latest version it would appear that on downloading 3 or 4 files simultaneously things get real slow and jittery on the PC.

Whilst downloading 4 large test files, I disabled Avast and everything went back to normal, re-enabled the scanner and everything went pear shaped again.   There is something definately amiss with the new Avast, I've already reported it to the developers so may hear something back from then, until then it's the next best for me, AVG Antivirus!.

[google]

marko, I couldn't replicate the issues you describe - I too downloaded a few large files simultaneously but no change in the performance of my machine - what's your PC spec?

[marko]

Currently using HP business machine, Intel Core 2 CPU - 1.86Ghz with 2Gb RAM.   Probably not the best machine in the world but it ain't broke yet so I'm not fixing it!!   To be honest, I can't see my machine being a problem as most antivirus scanners should be designed to use minimal resources, I know of old Avast was great for this but I can't help feeling they've somehow changed the realtime scanning.

[James (Jim) Hillier]

"until then it's the next best for me, AVG Antivirus!."


Marko, that is sacrilege mate.....surely the next best would be Avast Home v4  

Seriously mate., I reckon AVG would have to be third best anyway, AntiVir has to be right up there. At least that's what most test results are showing, nothing much between Avast and AntiVir with AVG a distant third (of the big 3 that is).

My mate in Melbourne also had issues with Avast 5, can't remember the exact details now but it was bad enough that he uninstalled and went back to older v4.

Cheers...JIM

[marko]

I know Jim, can't believe I've actually had to uninstall Avast to be honest, never thought I'd see the day! - my plan was only ever to wait until Avast sorted the new version out, what exactly the problem is I don't know to be honest, but I think I'll try again just shortly and report back, hopefully all is well now!
Marko

[marko]

OK, got Avast back on the PC and all seems well so far, downloaded a few files simultaneously and no issues! Crossing fingers
Marko

[James (Jim) Hillier]

marko, on Feb 12 2010, 03:03 AM, said:

OK, got Avast back on the PC and all seems well so far, downloaded a few files simultaneously and no issues! Crossing fingers
Marko

Good one mate!!!

I think I might leave it just a bit longer though, before trying out the new version.

Cheers...JIM

[poolnet]

I am running a p3 slot 1 550 mhz with 760 mb pc 133 ram. I love this new avast! In my opinion, it knocks the socks off avg. Everything works better since upgrading. I'm no expert, but I have to give 2 thumbs up to avast.

[Information Overload]

Is there still this problem? I just switched to Avast! and I haven't taken it on a test run yet. If this problem is still around I might switch to AntiVir then. I felt naked with no internet security suite so I came straight here and downloaded Avast! as fast as my internet connection would go. I still feel partially clothed though because I just went from security suite to only antivirus protection.