Which is better Antivir/Classic or AVAST "free"

[wildman]

::) OK, lets try and get a consensus on this question. I don't think I have to tell anyone where I stand on this particular question.

Thanks
Wildman
:blink: :gack: :isay:

[The Hammer]

{QUOTE-> ::) I don't think I have to tell anyone where I stand on this particular question.

Thanks
Wildman
:blink: :gack: :isay: <-QUOTE}Just people new to the forum. ;D;) But I'd go for Avast

[hollywoodpc]

Hmmmm .
Good question . I think this will be opinions only as I believe they are about equal on most facets . Looks and features , I think I like Avast! better . Actual things that matter about safety ? Equal I think .

[nicM]

hmmm, good question ;D ...

3 or 4 months ago, I'd have said Avast without doubts. Now, with Antivir 7, choice is more hard; I can't say yet which one I prefer.

Both are very good anyway, so it's only a matter of personnal taste... :)

Cheers,
nicM

[hollywoodpc]

Gee . I agree with nicM .
Oh . WAIT !
I agreed with Nic BEFORE he wrote .;D ;) ;)

[nicM]

{QUOTE->
Oh . WAIT !
I agreed with Nic BEFORE he wrote .;D ;) ;) <-QUOTE}

Lol ;D

...I know, I will edit my previous post to remove it, and then make another one, that's gonna look more real like it ;)

[hollywoodpc]

;D ;D ;D ;D
But , I will then have to remove mine and THEN rewrite to take a poke at you . And then you will remove that one as to make it more real and I will have to remove the new one I made to .blahblahblah........LOL

[nicM]

{QUOTE-> ;D ;D ;D ;D
But , I will then have to remove mine and THEN rewrite to take a poke at you . And then you will remove that one as to make it more real and I will have to remove the new one I made to .blahblahblah........LOL <-QUOTE}

;D ...Hmm, I think I'll just change my opinion on theses two AVs, it's more simple and then you're stuck ;D

Lol

[zapjb]

I've tried both. Albeit a while ago. Never had a problem with Avast. In fact if users I'm fixing their computers have ANY sense I install Avast for them. If they're total idiots I install AVG. But as far as AntiVir. A couple yrs ago AntiVir wouldn't uninstall. I had to rip it out & cleanup with all sorts of registry cleaners etc. Also a lot people including me are still on dialup & afair all the updates to AntiVir were at least 2MBs. Sometimes like 8MBs. And the updates to Avast were usually around 25kbs. And scanning with AntiVir was a pain in the ***. The scans with AntiVir would take up so many resources my computer sometimes locked up. So that's my beef with AntiVir. Have any of those things changed with AntiVir?

[Alphalutra1]

Hard choice. I like them both. Antivir has excellent detection from definitions and heuristics. Avast just offers so much, web scanner, p2p scanner, ids, im scanner, etc. However, if I had a choice, it would be antivir, i just love saying it has the best detection of the free on-access antiviruses :P

Wildman, whats your view on this :P :o ::) Just kidding;)

Alphalutra1

[hollywoodpc]

Ok . If nicM picks one , I will choose the other . That way you are covered .;D

[wildman]

{QUOTE-> Hard choice. I like them both. Antivir has excellent detection from definitions and heuristics. Avast just offers so much, web scanner, p2p scanner, ids, im scanner, etc. However, if I had a choice, it would be antivir, i just love saying it has the best detection of the free on-access antiviruses :P

Wildman, whats your view on this :P :o ::) Just kidding;)

Alphalutra1 <-QUOTE}

:blink: Gee what is it like to be an insomniac? I think you got to be one of them so as to have a fighting chance to obtain the updates, epically if you don't reside in Europe. Oops Version 7 was supposed to have fixed this, oops again Version 7 has all sorts of bugs and isn't working that well. Great detection, if one can keep it update. Does AVAST have any such problems?

Thanks
Wildman
::) :o :P

[metallicakid15]

avast is suposely be ranked advanced in the next av-comparatives according to some avast forum users

[InfinityAz]

Run both on different systems but prefer AntiVir. It runs better for me (and I have not had all the problems people keep complaining about) and from my own experiences has stopped more than Avast.

If either of these were the only choice for a free AV, I would not mind running either as my main form of AV protection on my systems.

[tiagozt]

Viruses that infect brazilian people are detected by Antivir more than Avast.
BUT Antivir update is a problem yet...

[zapjb]

Could someone who is knowledgeable about AntiVir free address my previous concerns. Which I'll restate.

AntiVir free:
1. Does it uninstall cleanly?
2. What are the update sizes? Are they just a few kbs or are they still in MBs?
3. Is scanning on demand resource intensive?

Thanks.

[TAP]

Although, AntiVir currently has a slightly better overall detections (zoo malware) than avast! but when it comes to overall solutions (reliability of updating mechanism, features, etc.) in my opinion avast! home edition is no doubt better than AntiVir Classic.

[PCJohn]

When you set both on high detection the surfing is much faster with Antivir.
Even when i turned off the protection in Avast for p2p and im wich i don`t use.

[RejZoR]

Well i kinda think they are even now (AntiVir 7 and avast! 4.6).
Each has some advantage here and there.

[The Hammer]

{QUOTE-> Could someone who is knowledgeable about AntiVir free address my previous concerns. Which I'll restate.

AntiVir free:
1. Does it uninstall cleanly?
2. What are the update sizes? Are they just a few kbs or are they still in MBs?
3. Is scanning on demand resource intensive?

Thanks. <-QUOTE}Wildman should comment on this one. After all he's installed/uninstalled more than once. ;) ;D

[Firecat]

Both are very good IMO, though I'd rate Avast! better overall for a free solution.

[Marina Davies]

Both AVG and Avast are very good AVs for free products, I have a preference for Avast. The only problem I find with it , it takes up alot of the resourses. Just a matter of finding what suits you.

[rdsu]

Wildman,

I thought that you already decided for the best free AV, avast! Home...

[Slovak]

Although I have not tried the new Antivir 7, I would still have to say Avast is the better choice for most comsumers looking for a free antivirus. I am on high speed dsl here and absolutely hate Antivir's updater. If it doesen't auto update silently in the background without any user intervention, it does not get my vote.

[ErikAlbert]

The general rule for AV freewares is : run more than one AV scanner.
You can't compare the quality of KAV/NOD32 with AntiVir/AVAST.
So install AntiVir and AVAST, make one active and run the other(s) on demand in order to catch as many threats as possible.

[FastGame]

{QUOTE-> Viruses that infect brazilian people are detected by Antivir more than Avast. <-QUOTE}
I don't understand this ??? so virus attack according to what Country we live ? Hmmm, avast! must be for the USA virus :)

{QUOTE-> When you set both on high detection the surfing is much faster with Antivir.
Even when i turned off the protection in Avast for p2p and im wich i don`t use. <-QUOTE}
AntiVir doesn't have an HTTP scanner, avast! does (WebShield) that may or may not slow down surfing (doesn't for me) The "p2p" module in avast! has nothing to do with "surfing".

Detection ?? oh, yes test have shown AntiVir has better detection than avast!...need I remind all that after such test, which AV had the WMF exploit covered 100% first ?......oh, avast! did :) I guess 100% ITW detection depends on what day the real world test (not lab) takes place.

I think both AV's are very good. I don't like the AntiVir updates (on dialup), even the new version 7 gave me some problems but not as bad as version 6 did.

avast! has pretty much been trouble free for me, updates fast, configuration to your hearts content, catches virus that effect the people in the US (J/K tiagozt ) and great support.

Now a comment on the resource thing...avast! isn't even close to a resource hog, as a matter of fact IMO avast doesn't use enough memory. Memory is fast, real fast and I like fast. I wish ALWIL would make avast! use more memory ;D

[Sputnik]

{QUOTE-> I don't understand this ??? so virus attack according to what Country we live ? Hmmm, avast! must be for the USA virus :) <-QUOTE}
Well he does has a point there. The spreading of viruses is indeed country/region/continent related. Some infections are a big spread in Russia, while they cause only a few infections in the USA. That has to do with where the spreading starts and the time-zones releated with database updates.
(Of course there can be many other reasons, like the usage of particular software. You will see that MSN worms spread faster in countries with a high amount of MSN users.)

[tiagozt]

{QUOTE-> I don't understand this ??? so virus attack according to what Country we live ? Hmmm, avast! must be for the USA virus :)
<-QUOTE}

Yes...
We receive many trojan.downloader and trojan.banker that to bank fraud...
These viruses are specifity of my country...

;)

[FastGame]

{QUOTE-> Yes...
We receive many trojan.downloader and trojan.banker that to bank fraud...
These viruses are specifity of my country...

;) <-QUOTE}
Ok I see your point, I forget that everyone isn't like myself, one who travels all over the world through the net.

@Sputnik, thanks I'll visit Russia less :p

[Sputnik]

{QUOTE-> @Sputnik, thanks I'll visit Russia less :p <-QUOTE}
It's taken for an example of course :P The USA has a way bigger precentage of infected systems...

[ErikAlbert]

Yes, viruses have also nationalities, fingerprints, symptoms, treatments, antidotes, ... ;D

[ellison64]

{QUOTE-> ::) OK, lets try and get a consensus on this question. I don't think I have to tell anyone where I stand on this particular question.

Thanks
Wildman
:blink: :gack: :isay: <-QUOTE}

Avast free.
ellison

[wildman]

{QUOTE-> Wildman should comment on this one. After all he's installed/uninstalled more than once. ;) ;D <-QUOTE}

:) I don't really know what you mean by clean, but the following has always worked for me. Yes I have done this more than a couple of times.

(1) Pause all security related programs.

(2) Use the control panel and the uninstall option to uninstall AntiVir.

(3) Check your program files to determine if the AntiVir folder is still there or not. If it is delete the complete folder.

(4) Use a good registry cleaner to see if any files are still left. If there are any delete them.

That is it.

Thanks
Wildman

[Don Pelotas]

Difficult choice to make....AntiVir because it runs lighter, at least on my system.

[Kerodo]

Seems they both have their +'s and -'s. On my system, Avast ran much lighter on ram, around 16mb or less, compared to the fixed 24mb of the new AntiVir 7. I did find a slight slowdown in the speed of rendered pages in the browser when using the Avast web shield, but you can disable it if desired. Avast certainly has more features and configurability. AntiVir detects well, but I believe Avast is probably good enough in that area too. AntiVir's updating process is terrible, as many have mentioned. Here in the U.S., I can only update for about 12 hours out of each day. So there's no scheduling updates say every 4 hours or anything like that. Just won't cut it. And I won't even harp on that hideous AntiVir nag screen. So, all that said, if Avast can indeed detect as well as AntiVir, then I would have to choose Avast.

[PCJohn]

{QUOTE->
AntiVir doesn't have an HTTP scanner, avast! does (WebShield) that may or may not slow down surfing (doesn't for me) The "p2p" module in avast! has nothing to do with "surfing".

Detection ?? oh, yes test have shown AntiVir has better detection than avast!...need I remind all that after such test, which AV had the WMF exploit covered 100% first ?......oh, avast! did :) I guess 100% ITW detection depends on what day the real world test (not lab) takes place.

I think both AV's are very good. I don't like the AntiVir updates (on dialup), even the new version 7 gave me some problems but not as bad as version 6 did.

avast! has pretty much been trouble free for me, updates fast, configuration to your hearts content, catches virus that effect the people in the US (J/K tiagozt ) and great support.

Now a comment on the resource thing...avast! isn't even close to a resource hog, as a matter of fact IMO avast doesn't use enough memory. Memory is fast, real fast and I like fast. I wish ALWIL would make avast! use more memory ;D <-QUOTE}


I tried Avast, now and a few years ago.
Like the frist time it did make my Pc and surfing slow.
Because my system is old and budget limited therefore i prefer freeware.
(English is not my native language so i might not explain it like i would in my own language).

[wildman]

{QUOTE-> Wildman,

I thought that you already decided for the best free AV, avast! Home... <-QUOTE}

:) Yup I have made up my mind, and think I have stated the reasons for doing so. Just wanted to hear the rationalism of others, and perhaps get some to rethink their options.

Thanks
Wildman

[zapjb]

So the biggest & most important difference between the 2. Has been reconfirmed. AntiVir updates still are terrible. Available only at certain times & require user action.

[rdsu]

The only thing that AntiVir is better than avast! is that have heuristics, the rest avast! can offer much more protection, features and support...

[pcontour]

More info on memory usage for Antivir

I am running Antivir right now and it is using 8,650 k for two processes. Now I got my scheduled update and the 2 processes are running at 21,400 k. That is pretty fishy.

[pcontour]

{QUOTE-> Could someone who is knowledgeable about AntiVir free address my previous concerns. Which I'll restate.

AntiVir free:
1. Does it uninstall cleanly?
2. What are the update sizes? Are they just a few kbs or are they still in MBs?
3. Is scanning on demand resource intensive?

Thanks. <-QUOTE}

1. Not quite.
2. Don't know
3. No - it doesn't impact performance on my machine.

You can run updates minimized and it will show a small box a the top right of your screeen. It's not intrusive.

[Kerodo]

{QUOTE-> More info on memory usage for Antivir

I am running Antivir right now and it is using 8,650 k for two processes. Now I got my scheduled update and the 2 processes are running at 21,400 k. That is pretty fishy. <-QUOTE}
Version 7 has run a rock steady and consistent 24mb total here since I installed it. Never budges a drop.

[pcontour]

{QUOTE-> Version 7 has run a rock steady and consistent 24mb total here since I installed it. Never budges a drop. <-QUOTE}

So mine is down to 10, mb now. It has been dropping gradually. It does keep scanning perfectly. Even though I said it was fishy, it's a good fish like Salmon, not a bad fish like a flounder. If is was growing instead of shrinking I would have some concern.

[RejZoR]

If there is memory why not use it? I know avast! does that quiet often.
When on Desktop with plenty of free memory it uses up to 25MB, but if you play some game and return to desktop you'll see it using as low as only 2,5MB of memory (all processes together) and then slowly return back to ~15-20MB (though this isn't the rule so it may differ when enlarging back).

[solarpowered candle]

{QUOTE-> The general rule for AV freewares is : run more than one AV scanner.
install AntiVir and AVAST, make one active and run the other on demand in order to catch as many threats as possible. <-QUOTE}

Thats what I would do too. I would clean up my system and load up one of them and run with it for a few days so that I got comfortable with it and the pc got use to it Then load up the other as an ondemand and run it once a week. Also once and a while I would take atrip through Bitdefender online scan or Kaspersky just to make sure all was well.

[StevieO]

After numerous attempts trying to get my reinstall of AV6 to update the virus signatures properly, and also getting sick of the constant large AV7 unasked for DL that automatically is included once again every time, i took the plunge and uninstalled AV6 and reinstalled a fresh copy of AV7 from the website the other day.

Apart from a couple of failed updates this latest version seems ok so far. I just hope it doesn't go t**s up again like before.

What i don't like is the program wanting to update on it's own as soon as you go online. I tried disabling schedm.exe which worked, until i went to update manually and couldn't as schedm.exe wasn't running ! So i had to re enable it and have to cancel the attempted auto updates along with avnotify when they launch. Once again inconvenience built in.

The option to shut down the AV has dissapeared from the right click on the tray icon. I presume this is to stop kids etc from killing it by accident or otherwise.


StevieO

[LambChop]

{QUOTE-> After numerous attempts trying to get my reinstall of AV6 to update the virus signatures properly, and also getting sick of the constant large AV7 unasked for DL that automatically is included once again every time, i took the plunge and uninstalled AV6 and reinstalled a fresh copy of AV7 from the website the other day.

The option to shut down the AV has dissapeared from the right click on the tray icon. I presume this is to stop kids etc from killing it by accident or otherwise.


StevieO <-QUOTE}

The tray icon should still be there:
I had to uninstall twice before I got it to stay -- tip - for some reason, I could only get a good download from the 'main' download -- which takes mega time!

[nicM]

{QUOTE->
The option to shut down the AV has dissapeared from the right click on the tray icon. I presume this is to stop kids etc from killing it by accident or otherwise. <-QUOTE}

I don't know how it was for version 6, but with 7 you can suspend the guard, with a mouse clic on "activate antivir guard", to uncheck it in the systray icon menu: processes are still running, but disabled. Isn't it what you want?

Cheers,
nicM

[StevieO]

LambChop

Yes the tray icon is always there, but compare to AV6 the option to shut down the AV has dissapeared from the right click options.

nicM

With AV6 i could both suspend the guard and shut down the AV, but not in AV7, only suspend the guard, i was hoping for both. I did suggest last week in another thread that passwording things like these two options might be a good safety feature to have, but got no response !

Thanks to both of you


StevieO

[LambChop]

:-[
Sorry StevieO!
I misunderstood you - my bad.

As of today, I have gone back to AVG - I really hate to -- but, I have to.
I just cannot get the hang of the AVAST program - because of my old system AVAST just is not for me as near as I can figure out.:'(

I have been to the English section of the AntiVir support page and the overwhelming feeling I got was -- 'the free program does not pay the bills - so, stop telling us about your problems with it -- we do not care!'
::)

So, if and when I get enough money to upgrade my system and purchase new software -- you can bet your bottom dollar, that I will not be purchasing anything from AntiVir! :thumbd:

I will just have to make do with AVG free until the aircraft industry gets back on its feet -- or until I learn a new trade -- which ever happens first! :dry:

Best of Luck to you!
:)

[aigle]

I wil vote for Antivir
have a look on this.

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,124163,00.asp

this review I think is for older version,the new version is now in and moreover another heruistic scanner for it is in beta.

[LambChop]

{QUOTE-> I wil vote for Antivir
have a look on this.

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,124163,00.asp

this review I think is for older version,the new version is now in and moreover another heruistic scanner for it is in beta. <-QUOTE}

I am afraid that AntiVir 7 has turned most of us OFF!
Many of us just got sick of the P**S poor attitude and the impossible update problems!
An antivirus program that you cannot update is WORTHLESS!

And having a 'free' program that the authors state outright -- 'does not pay the bills, and is therefore of little concern' -- just about says it all!
IMO :(

Add to all of that, the darn 'nag screen' -- and you have a package that belongs in every File 13 and not on my computer!
Antivir has yet to learn -- what the folks over at Opera browser had to learn about 'nag screens'.

I vote for AVAST! even though I cannot use it!

[pilotart]

Had been a Loyal NAV subscriber since it was $3 per annum (9 years ago),
and after earlier jumping from a paid-up NPF to ZoneAlarm and seeing how much better it was than Norton's,
switched to AntiVir (6) one month ago.

I was just lucky that when I saw that the VDF update wanted to load an 11MB UpGrade on me,
that I stopped the process.
We can thank their "NagScreen" for this, as I had jumped to the conclusion that they were
"upgrading" me to the "Pay Euros" version.

Lucky again that H+BEDV pulled (7) from the Server long enough for me to get totally scared and enlightened
by all the posts on their and other Forums.

Following all the advice gleaned from this (including at least):
1. Download whole Program from Main Server in wee hours German time.
2. Make sure that it was "Build" 125, (not 124, that was buggy).
3. a. Turn off "Tea-Timer" (took that to mean SpyBot's 'Immunize') as well as AV Guard and ZoneAlarm.
3. b. Completely UnInstall Version (6) used the Program's Uninstall which had just been updated during a failed VDF load.
3. c. And I also used Norton CleanSweep to assure that all Registry items were removed and save the recommended REGEDIT.
3. d. Since I had unzipped the package, I used Setup.exe from the "basic' Folder.
4. Keep ZoneAlarm turned off (and turn-on CleanSweep8) ) denied "Internet UpDate" until after rebooting.

:-[ (major screwup was that I had unzipped the installer and renamed its Main Program, but install still seemed perfect??? )

I had considered Avast, even downloaded its install program (10.3MB)
but a quick read of their Forum was enough to get me to try AntiVir (7).;D
_________________________________________________
For me, AntiVir (7) seems like a great improvement over Version (6) which slowed Norton's Speed Disk.

I have experienced none of the issues that others have complained about, the auto-update is working well,
it catches Email attached virus (if attempted to open)
and has a much simpler, cleaner Console than before.

One of my concerns with AntiVir (6) had been that it would do a complete computer scan in two to five minutes (including Documents).

AntiVir (7) has put that to rest, first scan was six and a half hours, second was four and a half hours and I need that much sleep:dry:

I would suppose I could speed it up, if I could configure it not to unpack and scan every CAB on my system:)

My system is a Dell D800 WinXP(SP2) with 30+GB (60'GB' HD), ZoneAlarm and Norton Systemworks minus NAV.

My backup is a '97 Dell Latitude LM Win98 that I have also loaded with AntiVir6,
(AntiVir9x) I will paste the VDF files from AntiVir7 to it, as Version (7) is for Win98SP+:wacko:

[acier]

I used to use Antivir v6 and was quite impressed with the free product, however, with the release of v7, I have had nothing but grief with it - installation issues, sytem hangs, update failures etc. This on more than one pc and using Win98SE and XP Pro. I made the decision to move to Avast and have found the product to work very well. Depending on which test results you believe, the two products are relatively close performance-wise. Avast is doing essentially what I need a free a/v to do, kudos due.

This page has some interesting results:
hxxp://www.virus.gr/english/fullxml/default.asp?id=72&mnu=72
(replace the "xx" of course)

[rdsu]

Today we don't have to much virus, but a lot of trojans, worms and spyware, and since the free version of AntiVir doesn't protect us agaisnt spyware, why use it when we have a much better option out there that is avast! Home...

[Kerodo]

Given the reported issues many users are having with the new AntiVir 7, I'd have to vote for Avast at this time also, at least until some of the problems are worked out of AntiVir. Both are good IMO, but Avast is certainly clean and tight at the moment, where AntiVir is not. And there is certainly no comparison on updates, Avast wins hands down with ease there..

[PCJohn]

They may win the prize for worst product introduction but a vast number of people still like antivir because its light and does its work well.
When they fix the updating and popup they will make many friends again.

[PCJohn]

{QUOTE-> Today we don't have to much virus, but a lot of trojans, worms and spyware, and since the free version of AntiVir doesn't protect us agaisnt spyware, why use it when we have a much better option out there that is avast! Home... <-QUOTE}

For that you have to change your settings in the expert mode.
Expert settings/general/extendedthreatcategories/select all/ok

[TOOEVL]

There's only one choice here,and thats AVAST

Antivir-- 1)updating is nonfunctional,which leaves a computer unprotected
2)adware
3)poor customer support

Avast-- 1) updates fast and trouble free!
2) no ads!
3) good customer care on their website and also email

[ellison64]

{QUOTE-> They may win the prize for worst product introduction but a vast number of people still like antivir because its light and does its work well.
When they fix the updating and popup they will make many friends again. <-QUOTE}

Im a premium user , and they havent listened (or rather replied) to any of my concerns regarding version 7 ,including the configuration screen being too big for a 98 0S on 800x600 ,which i regard as a fault ..bug call it what you will.In fact from being very happy with version 6 and thinking that i will quite happily use this AV for the forseeable future ,ive gone to looking for a replacement.Yes its light ,and detection is good ,but the support is crap ,and the lack or customer concern leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.In view of this i really do not believe that antivir people at present really ,gives a toss ,about free users concerns over the notifier or the updating ,and that wildmans posts concerning this and other topics are in reality ,not that far off the mark.
ellison

[wildman]

{QUOTE-> Im a premium user , and they havent listened (or rather replied) to any of my concerns regarding version 7 ,including the configuration screen being too big for a 98 0S on 800x600 ,which i regard as a fault ..bug call it what you will.In fact from being very happy with version 6 and thinking that i will quite happily use this AV for the forseeable future ,ive gone to looking for a replacement.Yes its light ,and detection is good ,but the support is crap ,and the lack or customer concern leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.In view of this i really do not believe that antivir people at present really ,gives a toss ,about free users concerns over the notifier or the updating ,and that wildmans posts concerning this and other topics are in reality ,not that far off the mark.
ellison <-QUOTE}

Thank YOU!

Thanks
Wildman

[Kerodo]

I have to agree also, so there's another vote for you Wildman.. :)

It's very disappointing that an otherwise good product seems to be going down the drain unnecessarily. I myself have removed it now and am using something else. And to be honest, just the notifier irritation alone is enough for me to drop it on principle, if nothing else.

[ghodgson]

Another one here, had antivir ver 6 on my wifes puter which ran fine --no probs until the ver 7 update when all hell let loose, several bugs-- wouldnt update etc etc. now just uninstalled the bloody thing. Glad to see the back of it.
On my PC I have Avast home which runs trouble free.

[aigle]

I want to ask, if anybody knows for sure, that out of Antivir classic and Avast which one can additionally protect somewaht against spyware and trojans.

[rdsu]

{QUOTE-> For that you have to change your settings in the expert mode.
Expert settings/general/extendedthreatcategories/select all/ok <-QUOTE}
The free version of AntiVir doesn't have Adware/Spyware detection.

[stefan_c38]

Corect.The button is there but is not making any diference in antivir personal.

[dylanfan]

{QUOTE-> Another one here, had antivir ver 6 on my wifes puter which ran fine --no probs until the ver 7 update when all hell let loose, several bugs-- wouldnt update etc etc. now just uninstalled the bloody thing. Glad to see the back of it. On my PC I have Avast home which runs trouble free. <-QUOTE}
If you wanna go for Avast, be my guest.

I think AntiVir 7 should have stayed beta for some further time.

Having said that, I'd like to emphasize that lots of good companies, when going for improvement, may not quite hit the bull's eye directly every time. See what just happened to the otherwise excellent Agnitum's Outpost, with the current 3.5. Nobody would dare say that company is crap just because this particular version is buggy. Acronis's past months's products line may be another spectacular example.

AntiVir 6 (free edition) served me VERY well for years. Still does today, and will until version 7 has reached full maturity. Just give those guys some slack. For my part, I regularly download the static updated signatures from http://www.free-av.com/antivirus/allinonen.html and paste them into the program's folder, then delete the previous incremental .vdf files. That's all. AntiVir 6 running as smooth as ever.

Why always go for the newest version of a product just because it's "brand new"? I think it's a ridiculous reflex. Just give things some time to reach maturity. No special need to fix that which ain't broken, either.

As far as many users's exaggerated/infuriated reaction to this bugged version 7 not performing up to their desire, remember that if those same users 'd been somewhat consistent over the past years, they'd dropped M$ OS's a million times and gone for Linux long ago...

Just my few thoughts.

Cheers

[pilotart]

{QUOTE-> For my part, I regularly download the static updated signatures from http://www.free-av.com/antivirus/allinonen.html and paste them into the program's folder, then delete the previous incremental .vdf files. That's all. AntiVir 6 running as smooth as ever. <-QUOTE}Yes, but that is the URL to Download the Version 7 Program.

I used: http://dl1.avgate.net/upd/vdf/

Index of /upd/vdf
Icon Name Last modified Size Description[DIR] Parent Directory -
[ ] antivir.vdf.gz 22-Nov-2005 14:27 4.5M
[ ] antivir0.vdf.gz 16-Feb-2006 18:09 4.1M
[ ] antivir1.vdf.gz 16-Feb-2006 18:09 1.1M
[ ] antivir2.vdf.gz 16-Feb-2006 18:09 95K
[ ] antivir3.vdf.gz 16-Feb-2006 18:09 27K
Icon Name Last modified Size -
____________________________________________

Just UnZip to your AntiVir Program Folder and they will replace existing files of same name,
most often only need 2's & 3's:)

_________________________________________________

Not wanting to Bash H&BEDV at all (with such a fine free product!!) but it seems that what got a lot of users
into serious trouble with Version 7 was that Automatic Upgrade that snuck in with an update of the virus sigs..

As a fairly new user of Ver.(6), I was just lucky that it followed the first NagScreen I had seen and I assumed
the 11MB Download was the Pay Version and halted it. this gave me the time to sort it out and do a clean install.;D

{QUOTE-> Why always go for the newest version of a product just because it's "brand new"? I think it's a ridiculous reflex. Just give things some time to reach maturity. No special need to fix that which ain't broken, either. <-QUOTE}For sure, Microsoft may introduce a new OS this year and it will be difficult but very worthwhile to wait another six months.

[dylanfan]

{QUOTE-> Yes, but that is the URL to Download the Version 7 Program.
I used: http://dl1.avgate.net/upd/vdf/ <-QUOTE}Right :) Sorry, I gave the wrong link... ::) Buggy me ;)
Cheers

[ellison64]

{QUOTE-> If you wanna go for Avast, be my guest.

I think AntiVir 7 should have stayed beta for some further time.

Having said that, I'd like to emphasize that lots of good companies, when going for improvement, may not quite hit the bull's eye directly every time. See what just happened to the otherwise excellent Agnitum's Outpost, with the current 3.5. Nobody would dare say that company is crap just because this particular version is buggy. Acronis's past months's products line may be another spectacular example.

AntiVir 6 (free edition) served me VERY well for years. Still does today, and will until version 7 has reached full maturity. Just give those guys some slack. For my part, I regularly download the static updated signatures from http://www.free-av.com/antivirus/allinonen.html and paste them into the program's folder, then delete the previous incremental .vdf files. That's all. AntiVir 6 running as smooth as ever.

Why always go for the newest version of a product just because it's "brand new"? I think it's a ridiculous reflex. Just give things some time to reach maturity. No special need to fix that which ain't broken, either.

As far as many users's exaggerated/infuriated reaction to this bugged version 7 not performing up to their desire, remember that if those same users 'd been somewhat consistent over the past years, they'd dropped M$ OS's a million times and gone for Linux long ago...

Just my few thoughts.

Cheers <-QUOTE}

Many people had no choice upgrading to version 7as it was in the download ,and then had a hell of a time uninstalling it ,having to delete a registry key etc ,to reinstall version 6.That is riduculous.You are correct...there is nothing wrong with version 6 and most people (apart from those with update issues which were quite considerable) were very happy with it.Your quite happy to download manually and paste ,and delete the previous .vdf files ,however that is no solution for a first time computer user ,and personally i dont think you should have to do that if the version that was released was acceptable ,and had an update function.As for not fixing what isnt broken...tell that to HBEDV....in fact they ve gone the other way with version 7 and broken what was an excellent av.Even the antivir splash when clicking the tray icon 9on premium ...i guess on classic too?) is pissing me off latley.Why is that there for gods sake?.Fair enough at system boot up ,but when its loaded i dont really want a splash ,opening the damn programe.Version 6 didnt have it .I think its time for me to have a good drink and forget about avs for the weekend ;)
ellison

[LambChop]

{QUOTE-> Yes, but that is the URL to Download the Version 7 Program.

I used: http://dl1.avgate.net/upd/vdf/

Index of /upd/vdf
Icon Name Last modified Size Description[DIR] Parent Directory -
[ ] antivir.vdf.gz 22-Nov-2005 14:27 4.5M
[ ] antivir0.vdf.gz 16-Feb-2006 18:09 4.1M
[ ] antivir1.vdf.gz 16-Feb-2006 18:09 1.1M
[ ] antivir2.vdf.gz 16-Feb-2006 18:09 95K
[ ] antivir3.vdf.gz 16-Feb-2006 18:09 27K
Icon Name Last modified Size -
____________________________________________

<-QUOTE}

Gee that would be so great -- the only problem is -- access has now been withdrawn!

Do you think they -- don't want us to be able to get our own updates?
???

[LambChop]

Question for pilotart
Since I was able to access the update server, parent directory etc. the first time I read your post -- but, now it is not available -- could you tell us whether you are still able to get it?
and
Are you located in the USA?
Perhaps location has something to do with it?
:o ??? :(

If there is not a problem on your end, I will have to check out what has taken place since earlier this AM -- when I was able to get through, and now -- which produced the "Forbidden" message I posted?

I really want to have Version 6 back up and running If I am able to keep it updated!:dry: :-\

[ghodgson]

Quoted by Dylanfan
{QUOTE-> Why always go for the newest version of a product just because it's "brand new"? I think it's a ridiculous reflex. Just give things some time to reach maturity. No special need to fix that which ain't broken, either. <-QUOTE}

I didnt go for it because it was new, I got no choice in the matter with the new update.!!! Plus if version 6 wasnt broken why did H+BDEV try to fix it ??
Quoted by ellison
{QUOTE-> Many people had no choice upgrading to version 7as it was in the download ,and then had a hell of a time uninstalling it ,having to delete a registry key etc ,to reinstall version 6.That is riduculous.You are correct...there is nothing wrong with version 6 and most people (apart from those with update issues which were quite considerable) were very happy with it.Your quite happy to download manually and paste ,and delete the previous .vdf files ,however that is no solution for a first time computer user ,and personally i dont think you should have to do that if the version that was released was acceptable ,and had an update function.As for not fixing what isnt broken...tell that to HBEDV....in fact they ve gone the other way with version 7 and broken what was an excellent av.Even the antivir splash when clicking the tray icon 9on premium ...i guess on classic too?) is pissing me off latley.Why is that there for gods sake?.Fair enough at system boot up ,but when its loaded i dont really want a splash ,opening the damn programe.Version 6 didnt have it <-QUOTE}
I wholeheartedly agree.
As for downloading .vdf files --which would be the answer temporarily.......... as Lampchop states

{QUOTE-> Gee that would be so great -- the only problem is -- access has now been withdrawn! <-QUOTE}

Gordon

[pilotart]

{QUOTE-> Question for pilotart
Since I was able to access the update server, parent directory etc. the first time I read your post -- but, now it is not available -- could you tell us whether you are still able to get it?
and
Are you located in the USA?
Perhaps location has something to do with it?
:o ??? :(

If there is not a problem on your end, I will have to check out what has taken place since earlier this AM -- when I was able to get through, and now -- which produced the "Forbidden" message I posted?

I really want to have Version 6 back up and running If I am able to keep it updated!:dry: :-\ <-QUOTE}

Just tried it and saw the same

"Forbidden You don't have permission to access /upd/vdf/ on this server. " 403 message as well,

I am located in Eastern USA and it is now 9:15PM in Europe.

My Version 7 updated automatically about two hours ago and it took longer than usual (was six minutes+ twenty seconds).

It looked normal yesterday, when I posted the link, although I had not tried to download from there.

It sure looks like H&BEDV is blocking manual updates for loyal users with version 6:(

If I read any more on the subject, I will post it here.

[LambChop]

{QUOTE-> Just tried it and saw the same

"Forbidden You don't have permission to access /upd/vdf/ on this server. " 403 message as well,

I am located in Eastern USA and it is now 9:15PM in Europe.

If I read any more on the subject, I will post it here. <-QUOTE}

Thanks for your reply pilotart!
At least I don't feel like it is just me now!
Eventhough you are on East Coast & we are in Midwest -- there should not be that much of a difference -- especially since our broadband provider seems to 'own' the entire map! :)

I sure do wish I had taken German instead of Spanish now -- I would be able to use the free bitdefender 8 -- but, there seems to be an 'anti-english' going at the moment!
>:(

Please post again if things change or you get any new info!

[MojoWorkin]

I personally would choose Avast, (from the choices given) for I have used it in the past. But I have went different routes now: (Spysweeper, CA Assoc.A.V., AdAware SE (paid), MS BETA and AShampoo)

I saw this in PC World's magazine:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y99/drwngflies/PCWorld_AV_Review.jpg

[waters]

Latest avast update is 16th thursday.Do they update at weekends.All other antivirus i know of has updated since then ,so without heuristics isnt this a problem?.

[kalpik]

Avast normally does not update on weekends. But if urgent, they would update many times a day! So need not worry, you are well protected..

[pilotart]

{QUOTE-> Gee that would be so great -- the only problem is -- access has now been withdrawn!

Do you think they -- don't want us to be able to get our own updates?
??? <-QUOTE}
Still no change on that "Access Forbidden..." message on the AntiVir FTP site.

This was on the AntiVir Forum as a source of updating:

http://www.free-av.de/down/vdf/vdf_h.zip

It starts a direct download of one ZipFolder that UnPacks into one antivir.vdf of
5,781KB (+/-) and one setup.fu0 of zero KB.

I have AntiVir (7) on this WinXP System and the AntiVir (6) Win9x varity on other system
that almost never connects except for NavData UpDates,
I keep it up to date by copying the VDF's 0-3 from this (7) to it.

Structures are different, (7) is all in one folder and (6) has six folders within a folder,
one named "UpDate" has some smaller ZipFolders within it
and my *GUESS* would be to put the downloaded ZipFolder in there.???

This I have never done, I had never seen AntiVir until one month ago,
so research for the best way to use this tool.:-\

Usual "I don't know much about what I am telling you???
so use at your own risk".:o

Art

PS: ANYONE with any knowledge of this, please chime in:)

_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

More from AV Forum--"if your updater doesn't work try the Direct download .

http://dl.antivir.de/down/vdf/fusebundle_de.zip

unzip to Folder.

Then Insert in Antivir by Choosing Update VDF in the main Window.
browse to Directory and choose antivir.vdf"
___________________________________________________________
edit; this one comes with a "read-me" in English, to tell you how to do it!!!
This contains the same two files plus two 'dll's one 'vxd' and the 'txt' 6877KB.
___________________________________________________________

Some of the above ought to work, lots easier if you can get (7)up:-*

[LambChop]

Thank you for all the info pilotart!
:)

You are more than kind to give the links and all the info -- perhaps someone else will be able to use it -- I have just given up on these cheeky folks!

There was NO call to do the things they have done -- so, I want no more to do with it!
>:(

I dare not say anymore -- I am older than dirt, and getting one's buns in an uproar is just not a good idea anymore!
It sure has no impact on the matter -- other than to some how make those 'in charge' of the mayham -- "Glad all over"!
Which makes me wonder if the average age around there is 2?

Well, enough said -- no sense beating a dead horse as they say!

Thanks again for your efforts!
Take good care and have a safe and warm weekend!
:)

[Stefan Kurtzhals]

You still can directly download the single VDF files:

http://dl1.avgate.net/upd/vdf/antivir0.vdf.gz
http://dl1.avgate.net/upd/vdf/antivir1.vdf.gz
http://dl1.avgate.net/upd/vdf/antivir2.vdf.gz
http://dl1.avgate.net/upd/vdf/antivir3.vdf.gz

Also important parts of the scan engine:

http://dl1.avgate.net/upd/engine/avewin32.dll.gz
http://dl1.avgate.net/upd/engine/nt/avpack32.dll.gz
http://dl1.avgate.net/upd/engine/nt/avrep.dll.gz

dl1 is not the only available server, plus the bandwidth was increased so the servers are accessible all the time now.

BTW, I had a look at lots of HijackThis and Autoruns log of people who have problems with upgrading to AV7 or using the AV7 guard. Almost every single one of them had two or more antivirus guards active at the same time and those with problems upgrading had registry access controlling programs installed, such as Spybot Teatimer who simply blocked AntiVir from correctly upgrading.

But yes, there are still quite a lot of issues with AV7. :-|

[pilotart]

{QUOTE->
Thanks again for your efforts!
Take good care and have a safe and warm weekend!
:) <-QUOTE}I can understand how you feel and just feel kinda guilty that it was
reading about all those troubles (first) that kept me 'out-of trouble':-[
but, that's what forums are for...) Art (from the Thunderstorm Corridor of the World ;D )
__________________________________________________________________

Stefan Kurtzhals,


Thank you for posting all those working links as well as the advice, there are no doubt,
lots of users who can use those until H&BEDV gets things fixed for all.
________________________________________________________________
Just spotted this post on AV Forum:>-http://forum.antivir-pe.de/thread.php?threadid=3584->.
______________________________________________________

"Hello,

there were some problems with registry-entries encountered.
Try my little RegPatch to solve the problems.

Here you can download that patch:

http://tomtoms.org/AntiVirPatch.reg

you have to doubleclick the file (needs admin-rights) and add the contents to the registry,
after reboot all should work fine."
______________________________________________________________
{I have not used (or needed) the above Registry FIX, use caution by first backup your Registry!!!
______________________________________________________________
(BTW sure lots of users never heard of "Teatimer" :) they call it Immunize now.
_________________________________________________________________

My WinXP's AntiVir {7} Classic is functioning perfectly (auto-update and all)
so for me to keep current my AntiVir {6} that is still on my old Win98,
I have been 'copy/pasting' the 'VDF's 0-3 directly from my auto updated {7} into the old backup box.

Should I also be pasting copy's of those 'dll's and 'search engine' as well?

AV {7} has everything in one Program Folder, AV {6} has seven Folders (most empty) under Program Folder.

One of them is named "FAILSAVE" and contains the four 'VDF's and the AVWIN32.dll & AVRep.dll and an AVGUARD.VXD.

All of the above plus the AVPack32.dll are in the main folder, should replacements go into both folders or does one 'feed' the other?
(It looks like 'FAILSAVE' took copies of what I pasted before.)

When I copy/paste, I copy to a FAT32 external HD, NTFS files won't work.

Will that work for that 'AVRep' and the AVPack ?

Art

[Stefan Kurtzhals]

Actually, the new DLLs from the free edition server will not be compatible with AntiVir 6 as they are designed for Unicode and AntiVir 6 doesn't support that.
So you only can update the VDFs, which works for the moment.

[gnwd]

antivir before, but when it updated to ver.7, some update problem occured on one of my PC ( the other is fine), so I decided to give the avast! a try. In fact, excepting the non-silent update of antivir, antivir are still good, I am waiting to see if the future version of antivir would solve my update problems and then turn back to it as it has a bit more detection rate.

avast! has excellent auto-update feature.