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Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: Algernon on July 15, 2004, 06:36:16 PM

Title: Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: Algernon on July 15, 2004, 06:36:16 PM
I have been searching for a new AV program.  I have used Norton AV for years but have been increasingly dissatisified with their a) performance, b) service, and c) pricing.

After a lot of research into various alternatives, I came to the conclusion that not only were there other AV programs that were a lot better, but even the two main free versions (AVG and Avast!) were just as good as Norton.

Based on the Virus Bulletin results (I know, I know... I've since read a lot about those results here, but I have to say that to an uninformed buyer that Failure carries a lot of clout) I decided to try AVG.  

Well, I had problems installing it (and they don't have a support forum!).  So I decided to take another look at Avast!  Here I am.  :)

I'm running Mozilla Firefox on a Windows XP Professional platform.  My email clients are Outlook and Outlook Express.  I also use AIM to talk to my college-attending kids.  I'd like to have automatic virus definition updates/downloads.

Is Avast! a workable solution to my situation?  Any and all feedback would be appreciated.
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: Staind on July 15, 2004, 07:02:31 PM
Yes. Avast! works fine with all those applications.
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: Algernon on July 15, 2004, 07:10:57 PM
Well, that was an unambiguous response.  :)  No worries I guess.

Thanks Staind.  I think I'll give it a try.  Anything I need to look out for?  Complications?  Complexities?  Other "pot-holes in the road"?

Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: Staind on July 15, 2004, 08:59:05 PM
I don't think you really should, you will have to set up your mail client manually  (you can't use the Outlook plugin) for outlook express, the plugin will work fine with Microsoft Outlook (full).

Firefox works great with Avast! no real problems there. Also, Avast! works fine with Trillian/AIM/ICQ/YIM/MSN since I've used all of them with avast.

If you do have any problems, they will probably be minor things and posting it here on the forum will help you fix it within a short period of time.

Hope this works out for you!
-Staind
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: Algernon on July 15, 2004, 09:06:01 PM
I don't think you really should, ...
Um.  I'm assuming you mean "I don't think you really should worry".  Correct?


(My first interpretation was "I don't think you really should use Avast!"  Then I realized that that statement was a highly unlikely response.)

Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: Algernon on July 15, 2004, 09:12:35 PM
Oh.  One other question Staind.  Can you please tell me where I'd find the instructions to manually set up Outlook Express?  Thanks.
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: Lars-Erik on July 15, 2004, 09:29:54 PM
Don't have manual instrutions for setting up avast with Outlook Express, but these instructions for setting it up with Forte Agent is quite similar. Instead of editing the Agent.ini file you need to set up those things inside Outlook (should be easy to find).

Also I have a very short general how to setup (not that detailed).

Anyway, I'll attach the files for you all :-)
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: Lars-Erik on July 15, 2004, 09:30:30 PM
Hey - where did the file go. I'll try again
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: Algernon on July 15, 2004, 10:35:06 PM
Thanks Lars.  Those instructions look a little intimidating, but I'll give it a whirl.  I know now that if I have problems there is a community of users willing to help out.

Thanks again.
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: bob3160 on July 16, 2004, 12:03:01 AM
Algernon
One other very important thing to remember. You must fully uninstall NAV before you install Avast!.
Go to the Symantec site and get their removal tool. withou it. there will be stuff left in the registry and you'll have a heck of a time.
Good luck   and welcome to the Forums. :)
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: Algernon on July 16, 2004, 12:05:49 AM
Ahhh.  Thanks Bob.  I would not have thought to do that step.

And I appreciate the welcome to the Forum.  I wish every software provider had a message board like this.
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: bob3160 on July 16, 2004, 12:13:22 AM
Algernon,
That's why I'm her.  I also used to use Norton 2004 and Panda etc.
and I started here as a newbie just like you.   It only signifies the number of posts you've made. But I enjoy helping people. Better than a chat about foolish things. Alwil gives you their best Avast! for free and then excellent support to boot. The Alwil team is always monetering these posts incase one of us cant help or, sometimes goof on our advice. :)
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: Algernon on July 16, 2004, 12:22:59 AM
[Newbie] only signifies the number of posts you've made.
True.  But even though I'm a message board veteran at The Straight Dope Message Board (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/) (no, it doesn't have anything to do with drugs; simply fighting ignorance), in here I'm still a Newbie in experience as well as number of posts.

I don't interpret the term "Newbie" to be pejorative at all.   :D

Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: bob3160 on July 16, 2004, 12:51:32 AM
Quote
pejorative
(derogatory,deprecatory,disparaging,deprecatory,negative,unpleasant,
disapproving,mean)
And with a knowledge of words like that, im sure you have no problems fighting ignorance.
Welcome aboard.
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: CharleyO on July 16, 2004, 10:26:16 AM


"... just as good as Norton."

Pah! Avast! is way better than Norton pretends to be!    ;)  

Welcome to the forums, Algernon!    :)  



Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: Algernon on July 16, 2004, 03:15:31 PM
Thanks for the welcome Charly.

Quote
"... just as good as Norton."  Pah! Avast! is way better than Norton pretends to be!
 Apparently true.  I installed Avast! last night and ran a QuickScan as kind of a dry run.  It found a trojan that Norton had not found.

I like it already.

(And I like you guys too.  I appreciate the warm welcome.)

Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: Lisandro on July 16, 2004, 08:04:22 PM
Algernon, you discovered the paradise  8) Wellcome  ;)
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: Algernon on July 16, 2004, 08:09:41 PM

Quote
...you discovered the paradise.
 

So... when do the gorgeous, female sycophants arrive? Aren't they supposed to be feeding me juicy grapes as I lie back in blissful pleasure? :D  :D

Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: bob3160 on July 16, 2004, 11:26:08 PM
Algernon
I didn't see that as one of the options in it's ini file. Sorry :)
Title: Re:Avast! re-oulook express scanning?
Post by: deep purple on September 01, 2004, 01:04:38 AM
hi,just read your message,i have just installed avast 4.0,how do i set up avast  to scan my incoming/outgoing messages with outlook express?,is it automatically set up in th eavast set up or do i need to set avast up to do this or outlook express itself,hope for your advice.

best regards

deep   ???
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: deep purple on September 01, 2004, 01:34:51 AM
Don't have manual instrutions for setting up avast with Outlook Express, but these instructions for setting it up with Forte Agent is quite similar. Instead of editing the Agent.ini file you need to set up those things inside Outlook (should be easy to find).

Also I have a very short general how to setup (not that detailed).

Anyway, I'll attach the files for you all :-)
Hi Lars,can you help me too,i have just downloaded avast 4.0 and do not know how to set up avast or outlook express 6.0 to detect in/out going mail virus detection?,i previously had NORTON 2003 and it done the scanning automatically,i am a bit worried i am not being protected by avast?,hope you can help.


best regards

deep purple
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: bob3160 on September 01, 2004, 01:49:19 AM
Hi deep purple
I'm sorry, but you can't post in all different threads the same question. I believe you have a thread started for this problem.
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: SUSZANNAH on September 01, 2004, 02:03:05 AM
Algernon the females are here, but as for feeding you grapes no chance, rofl ! wait till cojo and Judith reads this!! Welcome to the best forum around!!!!!  :)
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: inthewildteam on September 01, 2004, 02:06:37 AM
I believe there is an option to have your grapes peeled automatically!
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: SUSZANNAH on September 01, 2004, 02:10:50 AM
lol! I'm sure Avast will find a way! I peel grapes regularly, for me (dont like the skin) makes your fingers very dry !
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: inthewildteam on September 01, 2004, 02:13:04 AM
 ;D
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: Algernon on September 01, 2004, 04:06:15 PM
...the females are here, but as for feeding you grapes, no chance...


I come from frozen tundra with a need for my PC;
I found avast! and saw that it was just the thing for me.
From friendly folk, some grapes I asked,
For that I'd surely vie,
And it seemed to be a simple task;
Suszannah won't you try?

Oh Suszannah, why won't you peel for me?
I come here seeking wisdom
So that I can be carefree.


(with sincere apologies to Stephen Foster)

 ;)
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: bob3160 on September 01, 2004, 04:54:40 PM
Algernon our newest poet
He made the words rhyme and didn't even know it.

I like your words they made me smile
Come back and do it again once in a while.

Maybe we should start a thread of rhyme and reason
We could start a new one for each season.

If I do any more of this you'll think I'm cool
even if im just acting like a fool.

This is the last little ditty
cause this poem is really kind of witty.


Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: Algernon on September 01, 2004, 06:17:21 PM
I like a little bit of frivolity,
And I'm honored to have received your little ditty.
Though Bob, the last part,
It gave me a start,
Yet was relieved to see the last word was "witty".



(as opposed to... well... you know...)
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: bob3160 on September 01, 2004, 06:25:37 PM
I like a little bit of frivolity,
And I'm honored to have received your little ditty.
Though Bob, the last part,
It gave me a start,
Yet was relieved to see the last word was "witty".



(as opposed to... well... you know...)


I wrestled very hard with the alternative. Since changing diapers was never one of my favorite things to do and that reminded me of it, I took the less pungent route. ;D :) ;D
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: Algernon on September 01, 2004, 06:41:52 PM
As long as I have your attention Bob, could you tell me where to go to obtain the flag icons that many of you have placed into your signature line?  It's kind of nice to be able to place the geographic location that way.
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: bob3160 on September 01, 2004, 07:00:55 PM
Algernon
I suggest you post a request in the Off - Topic forum and ask  Craftec
who is one of our members and the official Avast! Skin Master and Avatar maker.
You can either direct a New request to him or, use this LINK (http://forum.avast.com/index.php?board=9;action=display;threadid=6913)
 
The flags in my signature came from Craftec and are stored on photobucket.com and the actual link is compressed using snipurl.com.

I hope I didn't throw to much info at you all at once.
 
Title: Re:Avast! questions from a Newbie
Post by: Algernon on September 01, 2004, 08:54:18 PM
Good advice.  Thank you.