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October 15th, 2013 08:00
Avast 2014
Looks like avast! has just released avast! 2014 . Note that they are now using the year for the "version" number (rather than calling it "avast 9").
I have NOT yet tested this product... we'll see when I get around to it. Even though this is an "official" release [i.e., no longer in beta], I would suggest people wait a few weeks, until this new product is fully tested (unless you're intentionally "playing with it" on a non-essential "test box", just to see what happens).
Here is the list of major changes/improvements (copied/pasted from http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=136785.0):
Protection-related features and improvements
•New DeepScreen technology allows avast! to make more intelligent decisions about new/unknown files. DeepScreen is a successor of AutoSandbox, now upgraded with some additional new technologies such as dynamic binary translation and dyna-gen announced earlier.
•New Hardened mode for stricter lockdown scenarios. This is a new mode that is recommended especially for novice users (such as your grandmas): it automatically blocks execution of binaries that would normally be deepscreened (Moderate level) or even allows only execution of programs that are well-known to FileRep (Aggressive level). In a way, it brings the whitelisting concept to the consumer AV space.
•Improved cloud scanning features and crowdsourced analysis of suspicious items. This includes new, optimized mechanism for collecting data from our sensors.
•Continuously streaming update (CSU) technology for up-to-minute detections. This is not entirely new for v2014, but we now have really buttoned up the whole streaming update infrastructure to allow for reliable, uninterrupted service. We’re currently doing 350-400 updates a day, which equals to one update in roughly every 3.75 minutes, 24x7, 365 days a year. Streaming updates can now also carry more types of definitions than before.
•Improved cleaning of malware. This applies to standard malware as well as rootkits and file infectors.
Other new features
•All-new web browser plugins featuring comprehensive security ratings, protection against malware, phishing and typosquatting sites and Do-Not-Track (DNT) functionality for improved anonymity on the Internet. The DNT functionality doesn’t rely on the DNT HTTP headers; instead, it uses a proprietary technology that cannot be overridden by the servers.
•All-new SafeZone for more secure online shopping and banking. Users can now switch back and forth between SafeZone and the regular browser with a single click. Also, online banking sites can be automatically opened in the SafeZone.
•Rescue disk - allow users to create a bootable CD or flash disk with Avast on it. Great for cleaning.
Other improvements
•A new, streamlined user interface for simplified navigation and more user comfort. The new UI is actually much simplified, and it’s probably the biggest change since version 5.0. We have also redefined the shields to the total number of three (File Shield, Web Shield, Mail Shield) and tweaked the action buttons (tiles) on the home page so that they’re now fully configurable.
•Control and manage all protected devices directly from the Avast console. That is, the my.avast.com account is perfectly integrated in the UI to allow for management of all your devices running Avast.
•Dramatic reduction in product size (full installer < 60MB, compared to today’s 120MB) and memory footprint. By default, install is done through a new stub installer though (which has the advantage of always installing the most up-to-date version).
•Faster scanning thanks to optimized scanning engine (raw [in-memory] scans of EXE files are about 2x faster, while scans of text contents (e.g. web pages and scripts) are up to 10x faster).
•Completely rewritten setup/updater that makes the installation and upgrade process faster, easier and more reliable
•Firewall has been redesigned from scratch to allow for better compatibility with latest Windows, better performance and full support for IPv6 (although its UI hasn’t really changed).
•New licensing system allows for much easier management of product licenses. The system relies on activation codes, and these can be added seamlessly by simply clicking a link.
•Various improvement in the Software Updater and Browser Cleanup tool.
It should be possible to install this version on top of your existing avast! installation (all settings should be preserved). Or you can use in-product updater. Regardless, I'd suggest you backup/save/export all your customized settings to have them available, whether you're doing an internal update from 8 to 2014, or a complete install of 2014 (after which you should be able to import those settings back). To do so: Open the Avast interface, click on SETTINGS (in the upper right hand corner), then the Maintenance tab, scroll down to SETTINGS BACKUP, click on Back Up Settings, be sure ALL the boxes are checked, click on Continue, Save the file, and click OK.
The complete installer [for the free version] is 81.3 MEG. Download location:
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup.exe
avast! cleaner (removal tool):
http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avastclear.exe
For more information, keep an eye on http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=136785.0
There is also an ongoing discussion of Avast 2014 at Wilders: http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=354637
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ky331
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October 28th, 2013 10:00
WOW! -- If anyone is still using avast version 4, 5, or 6, I'd definitely advocate upgrading to at least 7... preferably 8. The difference in protection is immense.
ky331
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October 28th, 2013 13:00
Joe wrote: "avast Online Security toolbar... For some reason, it was listed twice".
This is normal: If you check the details, one time is for the toolbar itself, the other is for a "Browser Helper Object".
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As you noted, an internal update should preserve one's customized settings --- there should be no need to import them afterwards; as well as maintain one's existing registration. I chose the complete update to play it "extra cautious"... and also, so as not to subject myself to the download time necessary on my slow 1Mb DSL connection [since I already had the complete installer available for use].
joe53
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October 28th, 2013 13:00
Well, armed with all the info in this excellent thread, I finally made the plunge and upgraded to Avast 2014 on my old XP/sp3 Dell Dimension 9100. I took the precaution of imaging my C drive to an external HD first.
I chose to use the internal program updater. It took about 15 minutes, including a re-start. All my personalized setting were retained. No need to re-register, or to do a custom install. A quick scan took a bit under 17 minutes to scan about 20 GB (of the 75 GB on my C drive).
As noted before, IE 8 slowed to a crawl, but disabling the avast Online Security toolbar (via Tools>Manage add-ons) solved that problem. For some reason, it was listed twice. Opera and FF were not affected.
So far, so good. Hopefully this version of avast will last the 6 months left before MS pulls the plug on XP support!
iroc9555
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October 29th, 2013 19:00
joe53
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October 30th, 2013 18:00
[/quote]
I re-activated Online Security yesterday, and indeed it seemed to be fixed. Tonight however IE8 was again slowed to a crawl, so I disabled these add-ons again, which fixed the problem.
iroc9555
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November 1st, 2013 17:00
Avast! just released AVAST 2014 program update (build number 9.0.2007).
Fixes ( Copy/paste from its site ). http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=138753.0
Here is the list of major fixes:
* Fixed connection issues from Java applets
* Fixed issues with Security Center registration
* Fixed problems with non english languages in RescueDisk
* GUI fixes
* Firewall fixes
* Fixed issues with WinDVD and SQL connectors
* Fixed issue with non-refreshing Metro apps in Win 8.1
I did the upgrade from avast! > Update > Program . It asked for reboot when finnished and then it presented a window to whether accept Google Chrome browser and main page. I denied it and continued to a succesful installation.
catilley1092
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November 9th, 2013 17:00
I've used Avast since back in 2005/2006, when it had that car stereo look, it's potent protection. The only one that I know of that has a boot-time scanner, which is effective at finding bad code that would be overlooked if scanned when Windows is running. For a couple of years, the 64 bit version didn't offer that option, now they do. Use it monthly to help to keep your computer free of potentially serious malicious code. Any type of bad code is unacceptable on a computer.
Though I use Avast on a limited number of installs, I do highly recommend it for those who are looking for a Free AV app. And though I do run paid apps, I don't endorse them, as on some forums, it makes the member look bad when someone purchases it & has issues.
Another thing that Avast Free offers is a limited amount of free support with 24/7 access, plus a forum to turn to for assistance when needed.
As others has already mentioned, the default install will try to get one to install Chrome, if it's not wanted, make sure to clear the check boxes. On the paid versions, Chrome is used as the "sandbox" browser for secure transactions, if the user decides to accept the 20 day trial, this will be an option to use.
Cat
iroc9555
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November 11th, 2013 14:00
Avast! just released another program upgrade for version 2014. Build number 9.0.2008
Fixes ( Copy/paste from its site ) http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=139606.msg1018608#msg1018608
* Fixed issues with Metro apps (after update to Win 8.1)
* Fixed occasional problem with playing sounds on the VPS toasters
* Fixed issue with Outpost FW warning („unsigned“ driver)
It can be updated through the UI update program or install it on top of it.
I am waiting to upgrade through avast! UI to preserve my setting. At the moment there seems to be some issues with backed up servers so may be tomorrow.
ky331
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November 11th, 2013 16:00
just did the internal (UI) update to build 2008 on my XP system. Took a long time to logout/reboot, but hopefully, it's only the once. (We'll see).
Remark: I was not experiencing any of the issues fixed that were fixed by this build... just figured I'd keep things up-to-date regardless.
ky331
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November 12th, 2013 05:00
Since Avast 2014 has been running smoothly on my XP system for a few weeks now, I decided it was time to upgrade (from v8) on my main Win7x64 PRO SP1 system. I tried doing so, but the program wouldn't install successfully :emotion-7: . Seems some other people are having the identical problem... Details have been posted in the avast forum http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=138599.msg1018610#msg1018610
One difference between this system, and the Win7 system I used for my initial testing/evaluation, is that I'm running MBAM PRO on my "main" system [but not on the "test" system]. Could that be the impediment? I would hope not... just mentioning what some people have speculated in the avast thread. [Another difference to contemplate: My main system is 64-bit, while the test system was 32.]
At this point, I plan to wait until at least Thanksgiving weekend, when I'll have lots of time, to consider "contortions" that I might attempt to install 2014 on this system... assuming I still want to.
ky331
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December 3rd, 2013 07:00
A cautionary note/warning to Avast 2014 users (and potential users):
It seems that Build 2009 (currently in "Release Candidate" status) automatically includes a new "module"/"component" called GrimeFighter.
GrimeFighter -- performs a scan to identify ways to speed up, clean up, and better protect your PC. GrimeFighter will run the scan and show you where you can improve the performance of your PC. It then sedates your PC and performs all of the cleaning functions. This need feature is a result of our acquisition of Jumpshot earlier this year. It is an early stage integration into our user interface and we really need your feedback on it :-)
IMPORTANT NOTE: DON'T RUN GRIMEFIGHTER ON WINDOWS 8/8.1, ENCRYPTED OR RAID DISKS!
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=141747.03
Reaction in the avast forum seems to be universally negative.
If avast keeps this "feature" in the actual release, and/or continues to add-on such bloat, it may be time to abandon ship.
Bugbatter
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December 3rd, 2013 09:00
Yikes!
ky331
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December 3rd, 2013 10:00
It looks like avast might have gotten the message:
In response to reply #9 (in the above avast link): "GrimeFighter should only run on the instructions of the user. GrimeFighter has to be a tool/option in its own right in the avast install which can be deselected on a custom install or subsequently uninstalled in the same way as other objects, SecureLine or avast! Remote Assistance for example. If it isn't installed or enabled, then it should NOT run scans."
VLK (the Chief Technical Officer) responded (reply #10): "And that's exactly how it (the GF connector) is going to be starting with the next beta refresh..."
Let's hope!
dalem29
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December 3rd, 2013 11:00
And I was going to install the latest version of Avast on my backup computer with Windows 7 in the next few days while in the deep freeze out West here. It has an older version that works quite well.
No thanks to the new one, if this goofy add-on is mandatory!
And it used to be such a good product. :emotion-6:
Avira Free + Windows Firewall + MBAM Pro seems to keep me out of trouble on my main computer. Weekly scans by WD, SAS, and Hitman Pro come up clean. Have Win Patrol, Spyware Blaster, and Spybot S&D for whatever protection they provide.
Took the Dell All-in-One back to the store after a few days...didn't want to deal with Windows 8 until I absolutely have to.
joe53
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December 3rd, 2013 11:00
"Bloat" is exactly the right word to describe the way avast! is evolving. I don't want my PC to be "sedated", while yet another module cleans it! I don't want an emupdate foisted into my program startup list, with virtually no explanation or answers from avast! after 10 days and 150 posts in the avast! forum. The silence from avast is deafening, and smacks of arrogance.
That said, avast! 2014 Free continues to work well on my XP/sp3 system. I have no intention of trying GrimeFighter or upgrading avast before I retire XP next April. At this point, I see no compelling reason to install avast on any of my Win 7/sp1 PCs.