Avast! questions from a Newbie

[Algernon]

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.

[Staind]

Yes. Avast! works fine with all those applications.

[Algernon]

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"?

[Staind]

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

[Algernon]

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.)

[Algernon]

Oh.  One other question Staind.  Can you please tell me where I'd find the instructions to manually set up Outlook Express?  Thanks.

[Lars-Erik]

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 :-)

[Lars-Erik]

Hey - where did the file go. I'll try again

[Algernon]

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.

[bob3160]

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.

[Algernon]

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.

[bob3160]

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.

[Algernon]

[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 (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.  

[bob3160]

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.

[CharleyO]

"... just as good as Norton."

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

Welcome to the forums, Algernon!