37 MB virus db update? Is this legit?

[kalirion]

Avast 4.8 Free is attempting to download a 37MB iAVS update (vps-10052300.vpu, 39,196,023 bytes).

Considering the updates are usually a few hundred k, is this real?

Thanks in advance!

[YoKenny]

Welcome kalirion

avast! has updated to V5 from V4.8 that is much better:
Avast! Version 5.0 is here!!!
http://blog.avast.com/2010/01/19/avast-version-5-0-is-here

[Lisandro]

Depends on how old was your avast 4.8 installation...
But, why not version 5?

[kalirion]

Well, i just haven't upgraded to v5 yet.  Is it any less resource intensive?  I'm tired of my startup times being up to 5 minutes (probably a combination of Avast, Zone Alarm, and SpyBot teatimer).

My current "VPS file" stats in the About menu:
Compilation date 5/22/2010
File Version 100522-1

So that doesn't seem that old.  Is the system trying to download Avast 5 under the guise of a virus db update?

[Lisandro]

kalirion, seems that the full virus definitions are being downloaded in some 4.8 systems. I'm not sure.
I think version 5 has quite some improvements.
But look, there is always the problem of the boot: antivirus and firewall are "problematic" applications during the logon... they use quite some resources. Do you have many programs being auto executed in logon?

[zfactor]

avast 5 imo is way better all around the 4.8 was. and i feel it uses less resources and runs lighter personally

[kalirion]

kalirion, seems that the full virus definitions are being downloaded in some 4.8 systems. I'm not sure.
I think version 5 has quite some improvements.
But look, there is always the problem of the boot: antivirus and firewall are "problematic" applications during the logon... they use quite some resources. Do you have many programs being auto executed in logon?

I just tried a manual update for the 2nd time, and it downloaded the standard small size update, so I guess its all good.

As far as the startup programs, aside from AV / firewall I have:
Nvidia stuff
Creative Sound Blaster stuff (using SB Live card after onboard sound died)
Logitech stuff (for mouse and webcam)
Microsoft Intellitype Pro
rthdcpl.exe (realtech hd sound driver I should probably disable since I don't use realtech hd sound)

All other stuff like Quicktime junk I have disabled.

For services aside AV, and Firewall related ones I have (after checking "Hide All Microsoft Services"):
InstallDriver Table Manger
Windows Cardspace
Process Monitor
nHancer support
Nvidia Display Driver Service
Microsoft Office Diagnostic Service
Office Source Engine

[Lisandro]

Try Startup Delayer.
This freeware controls the windows startup (Windows 98\Me\2k\XP\Vista) that does not follow a strict order.