Author Topic: Want download Avast software but having trouble - another method???  (Read 12518 times)

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chewbacca

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My brand name anti-virus software is about to expire and I'd like to replace it with Avast, which has been recommended by more than one friend.  I may purchase the commercial version, but my current at home configuration is making it impossible to download long programs (and even many short programs).  I'll have to locate the problem myself, of course, but meanwhile I need to replace the old anti-virus. 

I'm constantly being knocked off line, either by a bad phone line down the street that the phone company has tried to fix twice, or something is amiss within my computer.  My machine's regularly being disconnected is preventing anything the size of Avast from being available.  Having simple dial up is a major part of the problem, and living in a town not known for good utility maintenance doesn't help.

I'm hoping that there might be a disk version of Avast that I could buy (for a reasonable price), or perhaps I could download Avast with the library's fast broadband and use a disk made from this.  I'm not up to any shenanigans, and can imagine that perhaps Avast is only available as a download to the computer to be used. 

Any ideas?

Offline Zyndstoff (aka Steven Gail)

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Re: Want download Avast software but having trouble - another method???
« Reply #1 on: March 12, 2010, 09:29:16 PM »
You can download the program to any USB-device or on a CD and take it to your PC. No problem.
Use the library, it will work.

It is essential though that you properly remove the old antivirus. There are tools for removal to be downloaded on the vendors homepage, or you may look here: http://uninstallers.blogspot.com/
« Last Edit: March 12, 2010, 09:32:40 PM by Zyndstoff »
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Offline bob3160

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Re: Want download Avast software but having trouble - another method???
« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2010, 10:00:51 PM »
The following link should be of help to you:
http://mysharedfiles.no-ip.org/TipsTricksFreeware/How2InstallAvast.html

Welcome to the forum. :)
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chewbacca

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Re: Want download Avast software but having trouble - another method???
« Reply #3 on: March 13, 2010, 12:35:22 AM »
Thank you both. 

I've had Norton Anti-virus on my machine for two years and will need to Uninstall it just before I add Avast.  I've just downloaded the Norton tool from Zyndstoff's link because it appears simpler - but it should since I haven't seen the specifics yet.  Simpler than the detailed directions from Bob, which seem to refer to Uninstalling Avast Anti-virus.  If there's more that I should know in order to handle this right, I hope someone will pitch in.

Thanks to both of you for quickly getting me straight about the simplicity of applying Avast, via CD, to my system.  I guess I can download the free version and then arrange to pay them soon afterwards for an upgrade.  I've been told two different things about the paid version, though.  One ISP provider (in another small town) said that the paid version offers better protection for users who often use Facebook, Twitter, or look at scanty bods.  Two other experts told me that the protection between free and paid versions of Avast doesn't vary at all, that the paid version only differs by having real time active virus protection that's automatic and doesn't require the user to run the program every so often.

I think I'd pay (what I understand to be about $35) to have continuous protection that starts automatically.  It just sounds more foolproof (that being me, of course).  How do the paid and free version vary, if anyone knows?

Thanks ahead of time.  Dislike being such a newbie, but will use good information wisely, I hope, and not be so new tomorrow or the next day.

Offline Pondus

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Re: Want download Avast software but having trouble - another method???
« Reply #4 on: March 13, 2010, 01:22:49 AM »
Quote
which seem to refer to Uninstalling Avast Anti-virus.
If you have an older avast before you install the new......

Quote
Two other experts told me that the protection between free and paid versions of Avast doesn't vary at all, that the paid version only differs by having real time active virus protection that's automatic and doesn't require the user to run the program every so often.
avast! 5.0 comparison http://www.avast.com/comparison-chart

Offline bob3160

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Re: Want download Avast software but having trouble - another method???
« Reply #5 on: March 13, 2010, 02:13:12 AM »
Quote
Simpler than the detailed directions from Bob, which seem to refer to Uninstalling Avast Anti-virus.
The link I provided covers installation of avast! and steps that need to be taken if you already have an AV program on you system.
Free Security Seminar: https://bit.ly/bobg2023  -  Important: http://www.organdonor.gov/ -- My Web Site: http://bob3160.strikingly.com/ - Win 11 Pro v22H2 64bit, 16 Gig Ram, 1TB SSD, Avast Free 23.5.6066, How to Successfully Install Avast http://goo.gl/VLXdeRepair & Clean Install https://goo.gl/t7aJGq -- My Online Activity https://bit.ly/BobGInternet

Offline Zyndstoff (aka Steven Gail)

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Re: Want download Avast software but having trouble - another method???
« Reply #6 on: March 13, 2010, 07:54:13 AM »
The AV protection between paid and free version is: none.
Free updates as frequently as the paid does, fully automatic.
You don't have a script shield on the free version and no virtualization feature.
It's your decision if you need that.

When using Firefox as a browser, you are doing very well with the free version. I'd recommend trying that first and see.
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YoKenny

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Re: Want download Avast software but having trouble - another method???
« Reply #7 on: March 13, 2010, 12:55:14 PM »
The AV protection between paid and free version is: none.
Free updates as frequently as the paid does, fully automatic.
The free version checks for updates every 4 hours vs the paid versions every hour
Quote
You don't have a script shield on the free version and no virtualization feature.
It's your decision if you need that.

When using Firefox as a browser, you are doing very well with the free version. I'd recommend trying that first and see.
No browser is secure and using Common sense to not visit bad sites and keeping the operating system up to date is important.
« Last Edit: March 13, 2010, 12:57:53 PM by YoKenny »

chewbacca

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You people have offered just the help I needed to make the switch (from Norton).  I did so today and it seems to be all right.  I was stunned how quickly 43 MB downloaded at the library.  Put it to disc, then transferred it to my computer.  I thought I'd peek at Avast on my CD before committing to uninstalling Norton, but then panicked a little as the Avast installation seemed to be proceeding, instead of just introducing itself, as I'd expected.  I canceled the transfer from CD into my machine while in progress, but it seems to have continued because when I'd uninstalled Norton, there was Avast claiming its wholesomeness in the heart of my computer (I think).

Then, I did a full system scan using the new Avast and it seemed to function as expected.  Over an hour for about 120,000 files.  The lettering on many of the pages I'd wanted to look at is almost whited out on my 'pewter, and I'm not sure whether I'm negotiating through the program very well, but I think it's ok, and know I'll learn what's needed.  Waiting for my registration to show up soon.

I used the free version, which looks like it may lack certain functions.  I don't do financial transactions on line, and will stay away from the limited surveys of porn I've occasionally looked into (I learned more about our species, than anything else!).  It's my understanding that the middle version (Pro) allows users to go onto Facebook and Twitter, and porn, without catching viruses or bugs from any of them.  I don't know when or why Facebook or Twitter will interest me, but I'd prefer not having to pay for them just to experiment around.

One surprise is how fast 24 MB from the CD I made at the library transferred and was installed into my computer.  The Norton, which had come off a store bought Norton disk, had an Uninstall feature attached to the program in my computer and this processed at lightning speed, as well.

So, basically, I was just an extra nervous newbie who needed his durn paw held in order to adventure into really safe-seeming, and well traveled waters.  Thanks for supplying the information that helped it all to happen so easily.

Chewy

On edit (modify):  Received my registration e-mail, and seem to be registered for a year.  If it continues this smoothly, maybe my results are an example of the way things are supposed to work?
« Last Edit: March 19, 2010, 01:07:17 AM by chewbacca »

YoKenny

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Re: Want download Avast software but having trouble - another method???
« Reply #9 on: March 19, 2010, 11:05:29 AM »
Welcome chewbacca

When you get to 20 posts which will not take very long then you could have your own avatar like:
http://www.halloweencostumes4u.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000003/11681%20Chewbacca%20NB.jpg

The free version of avast! is fine for Facebook but stay away from pr0n sites as they are loaded with malware and you will be needing Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (MBAM) to recover.

This is a gentle assist on your paw not a sharp yank on a collar.
« Last Edit: March 19, 2010, 11:35:01 AM by YoKenny »

Offline Zyndstoff (aka Steven Gail)

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Re: Want download Avast software but having trouble - another method???
« Reply #10 on: March 19, 2010, 11:31:52 AM »
Looks like you transferred smoothly.
There is no real reason to switch to the pro, IMHO.
You can use Mozilla Firefox with NoScript Addon + avast5 free + (if you still feel a little unsecure) ThreatFire.

The most important thing however is to use your brain, and by what you wrote I presume you are doing that quite well.
So, have fun!

 8)
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chewbacca

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Re: Want download Avast software but having trouble - another method???
« Reply #11 on: March 20, 2010, 03:51:17 AM »
Thanks to both of you. 

One of the computer guys who'd recommended Avast, also recommended Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and SUPERAntiSpyware, which I'd downloaded successfully at home before getting Avast.  It took a couple of attempts for each, with my questionable connection.  I'm a little too much like a monkey in following directions like these given by my enlightened peers.  I'll just follow them without really knowing much more than I've confidence in the recommending source.

I think I might look a little further into the inventory of avatars, though the kid's cute with his furry attachments.  Not sure how I'll represent myself.  A profile of Chewy might do.

I'll take a look at what is said about ThreatFire.  I'm not sure what FireFox's NoScript Add on is, but will look into it, also.

Thanks for the leads and the encouragement.

Jtaylor83

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Re: Want download Avast software but having trouble - another method???
« Reply #12 on: March 20, 2010, 03:59:58 AM »
Download Norton Removal Tool from Majorgeeks.

Offline Chris Thomas

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Re: Want download Avast software but having trouble - another method???
« Reply #13 on: March 20, 2010, 09:46:11 AM »
You can always download from Download.com safely

I would advise you to use a Download Manager also

YoKenny

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Re: Want download Avast software but having trouble - another method???
« Reply #14 on: March 20, 2010, 10:49:51 AM »
Firefox is no safer than any other browser and they should be up to date.

ThreatFire is OK but with Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (MBAM) and WinPatrol it is not needed.

A Download Manager is good if you have dial-up.