Avast 5.0 Free AV - First Beta [version 5.0.70]

[Vlk]

Hi all,

here's the first beta of the long-awaited avast antivirus version 5.0. So far, we're only releasing a beta of the Free Antivirus (successor of avast 4.8 Home Edition). The betas of the Professional AV and the Security Suite will follow.

How to get it
The installation package can be downloaded from the following location: http://files.avast.com/files/beta/5.0/setup_av_free.exe

It should be possible to do the installation over existing v4.8, but this feature is still somewhat experimental so my suggestion would be to do a clean install (i.e. remove the current version of avast, reboot, and then do the install of v5 beta).

Limitations and bugs
This first beta still has some limitations/bugs/problems. To name the most important ones:

1. it currently doesn't contain the most up-to-date defs. That is, part of the defs are somewhat outdated as we're still making changes to the infrastructure. Hence, it is not recommended to use this beta as a tool to protect your system. Also, it is probably too early to do any detection tests at this time.

2. the Behavior Shield is not yet fully connected (has very limited functionality at the moment - is just a skeleton, really)

3. the antirootkit component is not connected

4. there is no licensing component in this version; i.e., no registration, no activation... however, there's a hard-wired time bomb that will disable the program in about 2 months (there will be multiple beta refreshes before that happens, and hopefully even the final product)

5. the sounds are missing. We plan to have sounds in the final product (and later betas) but they're not there now.

6. the design will likely change a little bit still... some of the corners will be rounded etc...

7. some of the Web Shield settings are missing

8. some of the Shield settings actually require the Shield to be restarted to become effective (Actions, Alerts, Report file, Packers, ...)

9. the GUI sometimes doesn't get refreshed automatically (i.e. you change something via the tray icon, and the main dialog doesn't update itself to reflect that change)

10. the iNews, Community and Event log pages are just placeholders atm

11. the Scan Result window still needs some changes

12. the built-in program updater doesn't ask for a reboot when it's done (even if it's necessary in order to apply the new update). Also, the update, when initiated from the main UI, may end up in an unexpected state. As an alternative, we recommend using the updater in Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs -> avast! Free Antivirus -> Change/Remove -> Update.

13. context-menu scan in Explorer doesn't work.

Disclaimer
This is beta software. Use at your own risk.

BTW we plan to have roughly two beta refreshes a week until the program settles little bit. Then roughly one refresh a week.

If you encounter any crashes/bugs/problems or would just like to share your impressions, please start a new thread (don't write to this one as it would soon grow too much).

I think we'll also reopen the Beta subcategory of the forum soon, so this will be the place to write.


Thanks much
Vlk

[Vladimyr]

Thanks Vlk for the list of "known knowns".

Now to enter the labyrinth and discover the "unknowns". 

[Sammo]

Can't run it. My computer won't boot up once I installed version 5 (after uninstalling version 4) 

Went back to version 4.

[Abu Mojahed]

  great

[sooners2win]

I am loving the whole "look" of it. 

[RejZoR]

Vlk, it would be nice if you guys could open the BETA subforum. Also clear all the old threads as they don't serve any purpose and make room for avast! 5 beta testing by doing that.

http://forum.avast.com/index.php?board=15.0

[Vladimyr]

Can't run it. My computer won't boot up once I installed version 5 (after uninstalling version 4) 

Went back to version 4.

Hmm.. I'm using an XP SP3 machine, removed CA IS 2010 Beta, ran PC Tools Registry Mechanic 4.0 (found plenty of CA stuff left behind) and rebooted before installing 5.0.70 but haven't rebooted yet.  Hope your experience is not typical.

[RejZoR]

If avast! Free will remain in the exact functionality state as it is now, we are looking at the most powerful free antivirus.
Everything that avast! 4.x free lacked is available in this version. Except, well, the Professional only features that offer even more settings and protection features (exclusive fast pulse updates, script shield).

[Jagacermat]

1) I would like to congrate avast! team on the release on 5.0 beta. 

2) I would like to suggest that maintain the word "Home" rather change to "Free" version. 

3) I would like to suggest that all post regarding 5.0 beta to move into "Beta Child Board" in avoid the mess with current stable version 4.8 posts. 

May avast! long live. 

[Vlk]

Can't run it. My computer won't boot up once I installed version 5 (after uninstalling version 4) 

Can't boot? I'd be interested in finding out more about this problem.
Could you please start a new thread in the Beta subcategory?

Vlk, it would be nice if you guys could open the BETA subforum. Also clear all the old threads as they don't serve any purpose and make room for avast! 5 beta testing by doing that.

Sure, that's what I was saying in my first post. Edit: The BETA subcategory is now open, and I've moved all the relevant threads there...

If avast! Free will remain in the exact functionality state as it is now, we are looking at the most powerful free antivirus.
Everything that avast! 4.x free lacked is available in this version. Except, well, the Professional only features that offer even more settings and protection features (exclusive fast pulse updates, script shield).

Yes, we tried to juice it up little bit. I suppose the flexibility of "hands-free scanning" (automatic actions etc) will resonate with many existing (and new) Home Edition users.

We're still not sure about all the scanning options - but generally, we have no problem leaving them even in the Home Edition...

2) I would like to suggest that maintain the word "Home" rather change to "Free" version. 

Sorry, but the name is changing, we needed to make the change to position the products and make it clear for newcomers with each of the editions is. See, a product name "avast! Home Edition" doesn't even tell you that it's an antivirus program (not to mention that it's free), but if it's called "avast! Free Antivirus", it's all clear...

Please note that the new name is not something like "avast! Basic Antivirus" as the word Basic has some negative connotations... the word Free is +- neutral, and no one can really question is (as that's what the program is).


Thanks
Vlk

[RejZoR]

Vlk, thats good to hear. I mean about the functionality part. With the current feature set, avast! 5 Free Edition will be hard to match.
Also i don't mind the name changing. avast! 5 Free Antivirus or avast! 5 Antivirus Free reflects the program itself much better than Home Edition that doesn't mean anything by titself /until user learns what Home Edition really is functionality and license rights wise).

@Vlk
I can't write into any of my threads about this beta anymore (since you've moved them into BETA section).
I also cannot post any new threads inside BETA child forum.

[al968]

Ok, it seems to be working on my Windows XP SP3 Proffesionnal (French edition)
However I don't know if the "Fix" button" is supposed to work but in my case it isn't working nor is the real-time shields's "turn on button"

And one more thing, I can either create a new thread or respond to an existing one in the Beta sub-forum.

Al968

[Genoardi]

For now no problem on my xp sp3 italian version; only a freeze on reboot the first time after i have installed it.

[Gap51]

After installing Avast 5 Beta, Windows 7 notify me that no antivirus software installed on my computer.

[igor]

As written by Vlk, new thread should be started in the Beta forum about problems.