Avast WEBforum
Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Beta - Avast => Topic started by: hectic-mmv on September 04, 2018, 04:10:51 PM
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Hi everyone,
new beta version 18.7.2350 (build 18.7.3994) is released.
What's new
- We are introducing new style of our settings. The new settings have fresh and simplified modern look and feel. We reduced the number of items so now the most important ones are visible now. The advanced settings have been moved to a secret section named Geek Area, This secret section is available via search - just fill there "geek:area" - whole string has to be written for entrance to the section. Setting are incomplete, couple sections are still in development. We are hungry to hear your feedback, what do you think, do you like them? All your comments, ideas are appreciated and will be discussed by UI team.
There is a specific thread about new settings (report bugs, suggest improvements, discuss, hate, whatever ;-) - https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=221665.0
What was fixed
- Issues with installation and re-installation of the Emergency Update component
- Installation and update of driver related to the SafeZone / Secure Browser bank mode
Known issues
- DND Mode does not block newest version of Skype
- DND Mode does may not load list of already installed apps when very first app is added
- New settings main issues, what does not work
- The sections "Scan", "Exceptions" and "Firewall" haven't been finished yet. But there temporary is a link to old settings.
- A protection of AV itself by password doesn't work properly
- In section Troubleshooting the buttons "Backu up settings", "Restore settings" and "Repair app" don't work (you can still repair the app via MS control panel → Programs and Features).
- A geek section hasn't been finished yet (there is only a list of settings for DND mode)
- Adding apps into sandbox
Download links:
https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=179943.0
Enjoy this beta!
We are looking forward to your feedback.
AVAST Team.
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Thanks, updating asap... :D
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Please do not rush when releasing to the final stage because there's been another issue with v18.6.2349, I don't care how long it takes, just getting right and fixed way before the final release.
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advanced settings have been moved to a secret section named Geek Area
I assume this is a late April fool's joke rather than a serious attempt to enhance a security tool... >:(
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advanced settings have been moved to a secret section named Geek Area
I assume this is a late April fool's joke rather than a serious attempt to enhance a security tool... >:(
I prefer this way rather than completely removing advanced settings. Browsers (Firefox, Chrome etc.) do the same way.
First impression of new settings:
Looks a bit crowded but important settings are mostly still there, that is a good thing. And there will be "advanced settings" available.
Overall, I feel this a good design :)
More comments will be on separated topic.
P.S.
Screenshot attached for non beta-testers. :)
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Hi @NON.
rather than completely removing advanced settings
Was there a proposal/plan to do this then?
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rather than completely removing advanced settings
Was there a proposal/plan to do this then?
If you mean there was a plan to remove settings from Avast, then I really don't know.
Recent IT trend (which I really hate) is to take freedoms of settings (customizability) away from users and Avast did remove some settings already, so I was a bit worried that Avast might do a drastic removal on this re-design.
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Ah - I understand your thinking now.
Yes - a worrying trend ("software vendor knows best - can't trust these damned users!").
Or even worse: "software developer knows best" (Mozilla, for one). "Take that away from them: they'll only use it to get more out of the product".
EDIT: spelling
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Please do not rush when releasing to the final stage because there's been another issue with v18.6.2349, I don't care how long it takes, just getting right and fixed way before the final release.
For me this is pretty much too damn soon, with only two items fixed
You have a much larger list of Known issues, that were either not fixed in the last beta or regular program update or either weren't listed or have been broken in this beta release.
Seems like this is more of a settings/UI release than anything else.
<snip quote>
If you mean there was a plan to remove settings from Avast, then I really don't know.
Recent IT trend (which I really hate) is to take freedoms of settings (customizability) away from users and Avast did remove some settings already, so I was a bit worried that Avast might do a drastic removal on this re-design.
One of the things that drew me to Avast over 14 years ago was its configurability, dumbing it down is a retrograde step.
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One of the things that drew me to Avast over 14 years ago was its configurability, dumbing it down is a retrograde step.
Hear hear!
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Updating asap. :)
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Thanks, testing it asap...
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The new beta is running smooth here, so far.
Screenshot of Avast Geek Area attached... 8)
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One of the things that drew me to Avast over 14 years ago was its configurability, dumbing it down is a retrograde step.
Hear hear!
Please try the new settings and let us know your feedback. We just moved some unused settings to give more space to settings that users need and use.
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One of the things that drew me to Avast over 14 years ago was its configurability, dumbing it down is a retrograde step.
Hear hear!
Please try the new settings and let us know your feedback. We just moved some unused settings to give more space to settings that users need and use.
Unfortunately that isn't going to happen as the only system I used for beta testing is XP. Since much of this relate to the DND function which isn't compatible with XP and many of those are Known Issues.
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One of the things that drew me to Avast over 14 years ago was its configurability, dumbing it down is a retrograde step.
Hear hear!
Please try the new settings and let us know your feedback. We just moved some unused settings to give more space to settings that users need and use.
Unfortunately, that isn't going to happen as the only system I used for beta testing is XP. Since much of this relates to the DND function which isn't compatible with XP and many of those are Known Issues.
David, it's time for you to say goodbye to XP and move on to another window OS.
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(snip)
Please try the new settings and let us know your feedback. We just moved some unused settings to give more space to settings that users need and use.
Unfortunately, that isn't going to happen as the only system I used for beta testing is XP. Since much of this relates to the DND function which isn't compatible with XP and many of those are Known Issues.
More settings will be available at Geek section later.
A geek section hasn't been finished yet (there is only a list of settings for DND mode)
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<snip quotes>
David, it's time for you to say goodbye to XP and move on to another window OS.
Not a bloody chance, too much software on this that simply won't install in win10.
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<snip quotes>
David, it's time for you to say goodbye to XP and move on to another window OS.
Not a bloody chance, too much software on this that simply won't install in win10.
+1
Know that feeling. :)
In addition: Don't mind the 'new settings' idea however where it goes from here remains to be seen....lots of "coming soon"
I guess what ever is coming will determine folks conclusion. Will it be useful, configurable, and in depth enough to be considered "geek area"? :)
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Now, this is a step into right direction because a lot of settings were totally unnecessary even for advanced users. I really like it now, especially the new unified sensitivity slider so I don't have to do it for each shield by hand over and over.
Just a hint for Ransomware Shield, add way of accessing protected folder list from the new settings as well. I thought for a second that folder selection was gone just to only find it in the Ransomware Shield panel under Protection (but not under settings).
I see Ransomware Shield still has a weird fetish of adding bunch of meaningless folders just because it finds some images in them. Why not stick with Windows "documents" folders only and call it a day and leave everything extra to the users? It keeps on "protecting" bunch of folders from game Penumbra by adding "particles" folders under protection. same for NS2 Combat game with "screens" folder.
Also, it doesn't seem to be aware of moved documents folders. I have all of them moved to D: drive so I don't lose any of it when formatting system drive and it's protecting the old original USERS folder location. It should really read the OS variables and not use hardcoded values...
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Ok so guys I decided to go beta on second W10 machine and had some real quirks it seems.
Firstly, I downloaded 'off line' installer for FREE version.
I then installed over top of latest Stable version, beta came up on GUI however the new settings "look" wasn't showing, I had no search as the page was the old style.
I uninstalled the whole works (programs&features) and then reinstalled the beta download which installed smoothly but didn't ask/require to 'Reboot' (which I thought was odd).
Anyway, Again beta showed up in GUI as i expected, however again no new settings look going through MENU just the old look.
A "Reboot" solved
Thought it was odd when no reboot direction message appeared after initial installation. ???
Edit
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So how are things coming along with next build?
Waiting... :)
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In this version of Avast I am unable to finish a Smart Scan. It always hangs at 96% while scanning for Performance Issues and I have to Stop the Scan. Restarting the PC does not resolve the issue, and I did not have the problem in the last version.
Logs: https://www.dropbox.com/s/s3opxcnmvh1xw01/avast2350smartscanlogs.zip?dl=1
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In this version of Avast I am unable to finish a Smart Scan. It always hangs at 96% while scanning for Performance Issues and I have to Stop the Scan. Restarting the PC does not resolve the issue, and I did not have the problem in the last version.
Logs: https://www.dropbox.com/s/s3opxcnmvh1xw01/avast2350smartscanlogs.zip?dl=1
I cannot reproduce the issue.
(Avast Premier, Windows XP Professional x86 + Microsoft Extended Support):
(https://i.imgur.com/dcobNxT.png)