I am persuaded that we tend to get sidetracked in such threads as this one.
The real question is, "Does Avast update regularly, and does it include latest malware in the updates on the first day or if not when?"
There seems to be a defensive attitude when one's AV is criticized. But the way to solve problems is to admit they exist and attempt to solve them or get those who can solve them to do so.
The fact that one has not been infected in years does not prove that they are not at increased risk due to slow updating, and lack of detection.
Sometimes the criticism is rather harsh, but if it is legitimate then take it for what it is.
If in fact Avast has not updated today or for several days, then that is putting users at increased risk. I do not want an AV that does not update every day, and that includes week-ends. F-Secure doesn't update on week-ends unless there is an outbreak. I do not expect to keep it, plus it scans much slower than KAV.
It is a fact that safe users do not get infected very much, and so that only proves that the AV is adequate for your use. That is what each of wants, but some are at higher risk, and need an Av with top detection rates, and frequent updates.
Most I know use AVG free, which has some of the lowest detection rates, but it evidently does a good job on email scanning, and I do not know of anyone who has gotten infected as long as they kept progams updated.
I am a very safe surfer, and never visit risky sites. However, as I have read and talked to some who have been seriously infected, I have concluded that the $25 - $50 bucks for a top AV is worth the money. Many will not agree, and that is OK.
If I am going to pay, then I want the best detection rates along with good support and smooth working on my systems.
I will probably settle for KAV on both computers, and will have confidence that I am as secure as I can be. For now, I do want to watch reports regarding Avast and a couple of others for the next few weeks or months.
Regards,
Jerry
