Note:   I'm going to focus on the installation process... and then, only on those  NEW  features that Avast8 has added (rather than try to document everything that's carried over from avast7).

First off, for users who have avast 7 already installed, I'd suggest you backup/save/export all your customized settings to have them available, whether you're doing an internal update from 7 to 8, or a complete install of 8 (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.

This post is discussing a COMPLETE install:

The complete installer [for the free version] is 105 MEG.

I don't know if it was a fluke or not, but the setup file downloaded without an extension... I had to add ".exe" to its name :emotion-7:

First step [Product Selection] asked me whether I wanted to install just the free version, or if I wanted to try a 20-day trial of their Internet Security version.   I clicked on the free version.

Second step [Configuration] offered me a choice between the default EXPRESS install or a CUSTOM install.   It also included pre-checked options to install Google Chrome & set Chrome to be my default browser... and to install Google's Toolbar into IE.   I UNchecked both boxes, and opted for the Custom installation [since I'm just testing things here... I have another anti-virus, so I opted NOT to include Avast's resident FILE SHIELD protection.   This was for testing purposes only --- it's NOT something that should be done in general.]

Step 4 [Installation] proceeded.   I received an advisory from WinPatrol that Avast's User Interface had been added to my Startup programs.   I clicked YES on WinPatrol to allow it... which unfortunately crashed WinPatrol! :emotion-6:.  [EDIT:   BillP has now confirmed that something --- likely either a recent Windows or Flash update --- has been causing this problem "widespread".   So it is NOT an avast issue.   He hopes to release a new version of WinPatrol soon.   As a temporary work-around, open WinPatrol, go to the OPTIONS tab, and UNcheck the box marked "Share real-time cloud choices" ] 

Setup also added the WebRep Toolbar & Toolbar Browser Helper to IE (as I had requested Avast's Web Protection module).

As this was a test machine with another anti-virus installed, Avast detected this:   "We have detected a previous antivirus is still installed on your PC.  For the most effective security, we recommend to uninstall your previous software".   Regardless, it allowed me to continue.

I clicked on FINISH to allow Avast to "build the internal scanning database to help keep you safe", after which "the software will scan your computer to be sure there are no risks present".

A reboot was NOT required... at least, not on this particular Win7x64 system.

The orange Avast A-ball appeared in my system tray.   A message popped up indicating that the installation had completed.   And a few seconds later, a voice loudly advised me that the initial scan had been completed.

By this point, Avast had also added its Avast Service (to my automatic startup services).

The Avast User Interface is completely new:

 Despite being listed, two of the features... the Firewall and SafeZone... are available only in the paid version(s).

========================

Looking around various parts of the User Interface, I confirmed that all (requested) shields were functioning:   Web, Mail, Network, P2P, IM, Behavior, & Script.  [Stress that I intentionally did NOT install the resident FILE shield for this TEST].   The CLOUD Services (Reputation, and Streaming Updates) also reported having successfully established a connection.

A new feature is the SOFTWARE UPDATER, which scans your system for a few "popular" programs, advising you whether they're all up-to-date.   Similar to the Secunia Software advisors... but not as comprehensive:

By UNchecking the box (above) to Show (i.e., include) up-to-date programs, you'll see only those programs that actually need an update.

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Another new feature is for BROWSER CLEANUP

It's summary screen "failed to retrieve appropriate data from the Internet.   Please check your internet connection"... which was certainly active :emotion-6:  Despite this fault, I was still able to click on the IE and FF tabs to see a list of the installed IE Add-ons and FF extensions, presenting me with buttons to easily enable/disable them.   There is also a box to check to Exclude add-ons with a good [4 or 5 "star"] rating , so as to focus on [what Avast or its users deem to be] "questionable" add-ons.   By UNchecking this box, you will see ALL add-ons.

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Avast8 also includes a new  SiteCorrect  Setting, which "automatically fixes spelling errors when you type an address to the browser's address bar".   This can be disabled if you wish.   Additionally, you can specify whether avast should prompt you what to do when it (believes it) finds a typo, or if you'd rather it just automatically redirect you to the "correct" site.

===========================================================================

A full system scan of 67.1 Gig data ( 234,166 files in 26, 437 folders ) took 28 1/2 minutes.   It reported 3 "infections":

One, an alternate HOSTS file I had personally created.   Second, a "high-risk" security tool that I had knowingly downloaded for testing purposes.   Third, a signature file from the other antivirus I have installed/running on this system.  

I consider these findings to be understandable/reasonable.   Knowing the details, I opted NOT to quarantine any of these.

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The UNinstaller offers 4 options:   Update / Change / Repair / Uninstall.   For example, since I opted NOT to include the resident FILE shield in my testing, I could select CHANGE to now include it, if that's what I wished.   Since this was just a (quick) test, I'm uninstalling avast from this system.  I had to reply to TWO prompts, each confirming my intent to uninstall... advising me that doing so would leave my system unprotected.   Ironically, after completing the UNinstall, Avast noted that it detected the presence of another anti-virus on this system, and recommended that I uninstall it. :emotion-16:.   A reboot was required.

The system rebooted, and all seems well.   My original anti-virus appears to be fully functional.

Looking around for remnants, Avast left a tiny (1k)  setup.ini  file in C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\Setup.   I deleted this file, and the directory structure above it.

Not surprisingly, there WERE avast remnants in the registry.   (Most programs don't uninstall everything.)   But I'd advise people against manually editing things out, unless you're absolutely sure you're not gonna mess things up.  

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For additional information, you can consult the Avast8 QuickStart Guide:   http://files.avast.com/files/marketing/materials/documents/v8/quick_start_guide_v8_avast_free_en.pdf 

===========================================================================

Concluding remarks:

I was impressed how easily/smoothly Avast installed... AND uninstalled.    [Note:   Avast has a dedicated removal tool, for those who wish to try it.   I have no way of knowing whether or not this tool would remove any/all of the registry remnants.   Unless I have a conflict/problem with this system, I don't plan on testing that tool.]

I was also pleasantly surprised how well Avast --- with its resident File shield NOT included --- appeared to co-exist with my resident anti-virus.   Nonetheless, I would NOT recommend anyone try this!

Thank you David for a very comprehensible step by step of installing Avast! 8. I would add that most trials done for RC1 and RC2 went pretty well. There are a couple of things that can be ironed out with ad-blocker, but all in all it seems a very stable official release; However, like always, I will encourage to wait one or two more weeks to install Avast! 8, by that time generally Avast! will release an enhance version with most bugs gone.

Excellent and very helpful report, David! 

I'm keeping an eye on the Avast forum (since I did not test things any further than indicated above) ----

I'm seeing reports that updating to v8 gives a flickering green screen on Flash-based videos (e.g. Youtube) with accelerated graphics.   A[n alleged temporary] work-around is to disable hardware acceleration in Flash Player's settings.

Very nice review, ky331!

I'm holding back on upgrading for now, pending more user feedback (and also because version 7 works well). But I've certainly bookmarked this thread.

I'm still keeping an eye on the Avast forum, following what's happening with Avast8.   As is to be expected with any major new version, some people are reporting problems, including reboot-loops, and BSODs.   It may be that particular hardware/software configurations are involved here (e.g., some people assert it may be a conflict with ZoneAlarm).

I decided to risk the update on my older ("backup") XP system, using the internal updater to go from v7 [build 1426] to v8 [build 1482].

First, as noted above, I backed-up all my customized Avast settings.

I opened the Avast interface, and clicked to UPDATE the PROGRAM.   When prompted, I opted for the "Essential" Update of the free version [rather than the 20-day trial of the Internet Security suite].   I have no idea about the size of the file(s) involved for this internal update --- especially since I had not previously updated v7 to its latest build --- but I could see the progress bar moving along.   Despite being on a slow (1 Mb) connection, things progressed quite reasonably.

WinPatrol detected two new RUN ONCE startups (for aswAhAScr.dll & aswasOutExt.dll), and Avast requested a reboot.  

[Remark:   There was also a new Scheduled Task, for Avast Emergency Update.   However, "Emergency Update" was a feature added in a build of v7 to which I had never upgraded.   So it's likely that this was a v7 feature that I had deferred, rather than a new feature of v8.  Moreover, while this new task was being pointed-out by WinPatrol, it did NOT appear under Windows Task Scheduler!]

I rebooted the system.

A screen came up to COMPLETE the UPGRADE to Avast8.   This screen contained the PRE-checked options to install Google Chrome & set it to be my default browser, AND to install Google Toolbar in IE.   Be sure to uncheck these (unless you actually want them)!!!   I unchecked them, and clicked on FINISH.

WinPatrol advised me that Avast's WebRep add-on had been placed in IE (which I accepted).   [I was actually surprised to see WinPatrol pop-up here, as I had approved WebRep in avast v7.]

Since one of the common problems mentioned in the Avast forum was reboot-loops, I decided to reboot another two times, just to make sure all went well... which it did.  [On the first reboot, I "sensed" the taskbar displaying somewhat slowly, but that's probably because Avast was still adjusting/checking things.   By the second reboot, all appeared to be back to normal.]

Checking around a bit:

1) All Shields [including the resident FILE shield] showed as Running.

2) The internal update from v7 to v8 retained the Shield Statistics (history), Scan History, my [free] license registration,  and customized settings :-)

3) While my customized settings were (nicely) imported, Avast8 adds a few NEW settings, which take on default values.  To mention a few:

Under SETTINGS (in the upper right hand corner), there is a new tab for Software Updater.   By default, it was checked to  Automatically Download Updates if Possible --- When checked, avast will try to download updates silently in the background (if possible) without asking for permission first.  Being a "contol freak", I UNchecked that box.   I also decided to check the alternative box to "Allow update of system-wide products for Adminstrators only".

Under Security / Antivirus / SCAN NOW, consider (for example) the FULL system scan, expand More Details, click on Settings, and then Performance:   There is a new default option to Speed-up scanning by reading (accessing the) files in the order they are stored on disk.   I left it checked.

Under Security / Antivirus / FILE-System Shield / Settings /the Advanced tab, there is a new default option to Optimize Scanning during file-copy operations:   When checked, files are only scanned at the destination location, not at the source.   I also left this one checked.

4) I went to YouTube, to view a Flash-based video, and it played well (Nothing green/stuttering).   However, it's an old machine with a very old graphics card... which does not preclude that newer ones [with enhanced hardware emulation] could be impacted as reported in the Avast forum.

--------------------------------

Finally, I ran a FULL System Scan, which took just under 12 minutes (16.5  GB data:  73,514 files in 4,364 folders).   By comparison, the last full scan I ran on this same XP/Pro SP3 system using v7 took 20 1/4 minutes for 15.8 GB ( 71,572 files in 4,148 folders ).   Pardon the pun, but it's A VAST IMPROVEMENT!! :emotion-5:

ky331,

I do not see the sandbox settings. I used to have it on ask.

Under Software Updater, you can also have it ignore the program.

When I first installed the new version, it detected dds on my desktop and then removed it.

Rick

ky331,

Thank you. I checked and Sandbox remained on ask.

I understand the reason it removed dds. I have dds on a flash drive in case I would need it, along with some other programs.

Looks nice and kept all the settings. I have mine password protected in case something/someone would try to change the settings. Not too keen on having a program of any type update programs automatically, so I choose the manual method.

Thanks for the help,

Rick

Rick: 

"I do not see the sandbox settings. I used to have it on ask."

In avast7, the sandbox settings were located twice... I guess they deemed it redundant, and removed the more obvious of the two!!!  

Go to the SECURITY tab / AntiVirus / File System Shield / click on Settings ; and you'll see AutoSandbox in the left-hand column.  Hopefully it's still set to ASK --- if not, just change it per your preference.

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 "Under Software Updater, you can also have it ignore the program".

Absolutely correct.   I just couldn't cover every point in my summary.   To the right of each program listed, click on MORE DETAILS, and you'll reveal the option to ignore that program.

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"When I first installed the new version, it detected dds on my desktop and then removed it".

As noted above, when I ran the first complete scan on the Win7x64 system, it detected another "security tool".   I consider this a reasonable detection, as if these tools were somehow downloaded without the knowledge of the user, it could have been with malicious intent.   It's an issue that we have to be aware of, that legitimate security tools --- particularly powerful ones --- can be detected by antivirus programs.   In my case, I opened avast's report/log, which suggested I quarantine the program.  I chose not to.

Assuming it was actually removed from your desktop, it should be in avast's quarantine:   Click on the MAINTENANCE tab / Virus Chest.   If there, I believe you should be able to RIGHT-click on it, to RESTORE it to its original location.

If you want to prevent avast from finding this again, go to SETTINGS (upper-right-hand-corner) / Global Exclusions , and browse to add the file there.

Under SETTINGS (in the upper right hand corner), there is a new tab for Software Updater.   By default, it was checked to  Automatically Download Updates if Possible --- When checked, avast will try to download updates silently in the background (if possible) without asking for permission first.  Being a "contol freak", I UNchecked that box.   I also decided to check the alternative box to "Allow update of system-wide products for Adminstrators only".

I was waiting to see how long would take Avast! new feature " Software Updater " to alert me of an out of date program. After 2 VPS  it finally adviced me that my Java version was out dated. Not bad if you count that Java new version was released midday yesterday. These are some images.

If click for "...more details", it takes you to the Java site where the update is explained. If click " Fix now ", in my case I chose to deny " Automatically download updates "  and to let me " Allow update of system-wide products for Adminstrators only" , took me to java download site. After installing the new version and rescannig with Avast! Software Updater, Avast! notified me that all was 100% GOOD

Hernan,

Great information there.   While I had reported that avast now HAD a Software Updater module, I hadn't put "two and two together" to realize that the "automatic background install" option referred to THIS... the auto-installation of NON-avast programs.   I think the potential here is wonderful --- that avast is trying to keep its users secure even in terms of non-avast updates --- but I'm also all-the-more glad I've opted NOT to have this done automatically in the background.

Just to make sure I understand... you had also unchecked the automatic/background box, AND checked the Administrator box... and were presented with this update information?   Or did you configure anything differently?

Hi David.

Like you I opted for the first option;  I rather install a program myself than let it be installed automatically.

Two things to remember.

One. Avast! Software Updater comes by default, as you said above, set to install outdated programs automatically, and it works rather well. I tried it in my sister laptop running XP and Avast! 8 Free and it updated Java without problems.

Two. Remember it took 1-1/2 days to update the new version of java so if one has any of these programs, be it java, Reader, Flash, or whichever set to automatically update by themselves, I think Avast! Software Updater is going to be late announcing and outdated program :emotion-12:

Initial impressions, using XP/SP3 and a downloaded installer:

Installation went smoothly, although it seems more complicated than previous versions.

Took the previous advice to disable the automatic Software Updater. (Also disabled the eMail shield, as unnecessary).

Initial Quick Scan took about 15 minutes (no quicker than avast 7). A second Quick Scan, performed immediately, was no faster. Nothing detected. No slowdown of my system or browsers noted. No conflicts with my other security programs so far.

In short, this version works as well as v. 7. New GUI and more complexity/settings are the only obvious differences I see.  

If you already got some kind of ad blocker or using FF adblocker deactivate it first. I have not tried it yet though.

I think I was checking out some spelling and we both posted at the same time LOL

:emotion-2::emotion-2: