Avast 8

[deya]

Thanks J_L, I see it now. It's at the side of the browser icons with an option to install, along with the option to install the security plug-in.

I'll take your advice and leave it out, AdBlock Plus is working fine so no need to change it and risk any slow downs. The machine is running really well now.

Thanks again.

[George.J]

From GHacks website: http://www.ghacks.net/2013/02/28/ava...been-released/

It is necessary to pay attention to the installation dialog, as it includes an offer to install Google Drive on the computer system by default. Make sure you select custom install in step 2 and uncheck the Yes, install Google Drive box to avoid this from happening.

Custom installation also ensures that you can select the components that you want to install on your PC. The program makes available two profiles and a custom option. It is recommended again to select custom from the options to uncheck the items that you do not want to install on your system.

[eyeb]

I was able to install from avast 7 using the program update

[Anupam]

Just for information, Avast provide uninstall utility, which is used to clean up leftovers, and the registry entries. They also keep updating it, and they have updated it with the release of the latest version too.

It can be downloaded here:

http://www.avast.com/en-in/uninstall-utility

So, in case you uninstall Avast, or uninstall old versions to install newer versions, use this utility after uninstallation, to clean up any leftovers.

[Anupam]

Avast 8 now updated to 8.0.1483. It fixes a few bugs that were encountered in the previous version.

http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=117113.0

Updating from within the program, for those who have already installed Avast 8, will do well.

[Anupam]

I installed Avast 8 today. Did a fresh install, after uninstalling Avast 7, and then running the Avast Uninstall Utility in safe mode.

The install process of Avast has always been easy, and I find that with Avast 8, they have made it even more easier, and clearer, with a step by step installation. The steps are very clearly laid out, and bundled extras like Google Chrome, etc. can be easily avoided.

I chose not to install the extras like browser integration, or browser cleanup too, or avast remote assistance, or software updater. I don't really need these things.

The installation was quite smooth, and fast, as usual.

The interface of Avast has changed. I am not very much impressed with the interface, although it does look nicer. First thing I dislike is that there is no maximize button, and you have to work in a fixed size window, which on certain screens can be a problem. The interface contains several tabs, with a home tab as the main screen. It's not much useful screen IMO, but rather it showcases Avast's features present in commercial versions, like the firewall, which is certainly no there in the free version, but still it shows up there, or the SafeZone, another commercial feature. Market is also not which will be used by anyone, atleast frequently. The only useful thing on that home screen is the Scan button.

The other tabs are for Security and Maintenance, from where different settings can be changed. Nicely and clearly laid out, but as I wrote earlier, it feels cramped up at places, and I tend to look for the maximize button, which isn't there. The thing is liked in this version is the Support tab, which contains various links from where users can look for support, like FAQ, User Forum, Manual, Help, etc.

The settings can be accessed from a different button, like before, and it remains the same.

As usual, on my Windows 8 PC, Avast runs great, without any problems. Always happy with that.

Overall, it's a good release. New interface good, but could have been better.

[eyeb]

anupam you can resize the window if you need to, drag it out by corners. Not going ot make it full window but it might help.

also on windows 7 and 8 (not sure about vista) if you drag the window up to the top, it will maximize screen. Left/right for a 50/50 split. Anyways because of the drag to top in windows, I don't think any software needs the maximize button anymore. I never use it now. I either double click title bar or drag to top

[Anupam]

Originally Posted by eyeb

also on windows 7 and 8 (not sure about vista) if you drag the window up to the top, it will maximize screen.

Great! That's a cool tip eyeb, and it worked with Avast 8 too.. thanks

[George.J]

Installed Avast 8 through program update. Certain things that I didn't like: 1. Software updater is set to automatically dowload updates, which must be selectively disabled, if you're not interested with the feature. 2. Not a fan of the new interface. Just thinking why many softwares are trying to emulate the "Metro (Win 8)" look and feel.

By the way, which software updater is Avast using? Is it their own?

[Taurus]

Installed Avast 8 just to give it a try and see what has changed with it. What a monster this antivirus\antimalware has become. I can't imagine an average Windows 7 PC user understanding and configuring all the different modules that come with this program now. I really wish Avast would just take a step back develop a good basic, antivirus\antimalware and keep it simple.

Advanced users, as previous posts to this thread indicate, quickly learn to install only the modules and components they deem necessary.

I'd much rather spend the time teaching an average user how to configure and use Sandboxie and pair it with a simple antivirus\malware like MSE even though detection and protection rates with MSE may not be as high as with Avast. Proper use of Sandboxie compensates for what MSE lacks, IMHO.