Author Topic: Avast 4.8 expiration issue  (Read 5553 times)

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uscert

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Avast 4.8 expiration issue
« on: December 09, 2010, 02:30:21 AM »
I’ve been contemplating this Avast 4.8 expiration issue and I have concluded it to be dangerous, unethical, and even an environmental risk.

Since there are no other “real time” free 9x alternatives, and only a few paid ones left starting at $40 U.S., many will choose to go without this protection on the Internet or chuck their machines into the landfill since many machines this dated are likely worth $100 or less.. While the data may be worth more than that the hardware it  just isn't worth the yearly shell out.  Linux is a nice alternative,  but I know very few folks who know what version to choose, how to download and burn an ISO, or know how to configure the drivers and modem.

Secondly, without real time protection I can think of many exploits for the coming army of unprotected Avast 9x Internet users including bots designed specifically for 9x that could be written to target NT and above, DDOS, you name it.

Thirdly, Avast claims 130 million users of its product.  Assuming that’s true, let’s suppose 10% are 9x users, or roughly 13 million left unprotected when Avast stops sending signatures.  Many of those 13 million may not even notice the updates have stopped and will continue using Avast believing they are protected.

Lastly, those who opt out of a paid AV solution and decide to “toss” their machines out (no one recycles chipsets that old and usually charge for disposal) will be adding lead and mercury to their local landfills.

In summary, if Avast is the last “real time” free alternative for 9x users on the block, why not just continue sending automatic signature updates to their 9x clients and simply end the “program updates” and cost/overhead of 4.8 engine development?  While that may not sound like a perfect solution, some protection is better than no protection.  Besides, in my opinion, being the last one on the block supporting 9x users is good PR for Avasts present and future client base.

Jeffrey Brown
IT Security Specialist
« Last Edit: December 09, 2010, 02:41:35 AM by uscert »

Offline DavidR

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Re: Avast 4.8 expiration issue
« Reply #1 on: December 09, 2010, 02:43:16 AM »
There are already cost/overheads as the 4.8 signature stream is different to the avast5 virus definitions so there is a dual development/testing before VPS/Signature updates are released.

You might not have noticed but the last program update 4.8.1368 (or 1386 I can't recall) was some time ago. You might also have noticed that support for win9x/winME was meant to cease at the end of 2009.

The fact that avast 4.8 and not win9.x/winME got an extension after avast5 was released giving time for those on it to update to avast5, that effectively extended support for those old OSes, so effectively that has given them an extra year already.
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CharleyO

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Re: Avast 4.8 expiration issue
« Reply #2 on: December 09, 2010, 03:22:13 AM »
***

I am surprised that an IT Security Specialist would still be using W-9x in any version.

As they say ... each to his own.


***

uscert

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Re: Avast 4.8 expiration issue
« Reply #3 on: December 09, 2010, 05:59:18 AM »
There are already cost/overheads as the 4.8 signature stream is different to the avast5 virus definitions so there is a dual development/testing before VPS/Signature updates are released.

Thank you for that David.  This is indeed sad to hear, apparently unavoidable, and I was unaware.

uscert

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Re: Avast 4.8 expiration issue
« Reply #4 on: December 09, 2010, 06:12:11 AM »
***

I am surprised that an IT Security Specialist would still be using W-9x in any version.

***

I never implied that I did.  If you'd read the post closely you'd have gleamed my concern for "Avasts clientele" when "their" day comes. 

CharleyO

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Re: Avast 4.8 expiration issue
« Reply #5 on: December 09, 2010, 06:16:05 AM »
***

OK, I'm sorry. I misread the post.


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Offline igor

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Re: Avast 4.8 expiration issue
« Reply #6 on: December 09, 2010, 12:25:13 PM »
Well, your "let's suppose" number is completely wrong - the ratio of Win9x users is currently 0.07% (and decreasing, of course), certainly not 10%.

Offline PTRPRO

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Re: Avast 4.8 expiration issue
« Reply #7 on: December 09, 2010, 06:39:41 PM »
The real problem will be robot machines spreading more malware to newer OSs. Yes, I'm an ME user. I let my wife use the Vista unit most of the time, but prefer 9x systems for their simplicity. I've never been unable to fix a problem on this unit in the 10 years of daily use ownership. I like Avast, but I guess in a few weeks it will be Bye-Bye.
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Offline scythe944

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Re: Avast 4.8 expiration issue
« Reply #8 on: December 09, 2010, 07:19:11 PM »
Why is it that you feel compelled to rant and rave to "the last A/V company that supports win 9x" and just expect them to keep those operating systems safe, just because the rest of them don't?

It's not Avast's responsibility.
« Last Edit: December 09, 2010, 07:28:01 PM by scythe944 »
For generic computer (not avast) problems, you can also visit my forum for help: http://www.jacobytech.net/forum

uscert

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Re: Avast 4.8 expiration issue
« Reply #9 on: December 10, 2010, 06:08:56 AM »
the ratio of Win9x users is currently 0.07%

I've looked, and even Googled myself, hehe, and I can't find that one.. I'll bet Avast knows, in fact they do, so let's see them publish the OS's they support here and now!

uscert

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Re: Avast 4.8 expiration issue
« Reply #10 on: December 10, 2010, 06:12:08 AM »
Why is it that you feel compelled to rant and rave to "the last A/V company that supports win 9x" and just expect them to keep those operating systems safe, just because the rest of them don't?

It's not Avast's responsibility.

Who's ranting?  Let's protect the Internet first and rant later.

Offline scythe944

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Re: Avast 4.8 expiration issue
« Reply #11 on: December 10, 2010, 06:31:09 AM »
I’ve been contemplating this Avast 4.8 expiration issue and I have concluded it to be dangerous, unethical, and even an environmental risk.

Since there are no other “real time” free 9x alternatives, and only a few paid ones left starting at $40 U.S., many will choose to go without this protection on the Internet or chuck their machines into the landfill since many machines this dated are likely worth $100 or less.. While the data may be worth more than that the hardware it  just isn't worth the yearly shell out.  Linux is a nice alternative,  but I know very few folks who know what version to choose, how to download and burn an ISO, or know how to configure the drivers and modem.

Secondly, without real time protection I can think of many exploits for the coming army of unprotected Avast 9x Internet users including bots designed specifically for 9x that could be written to target NT and above, DDOS, you name it.

Thirdly, Avast claims 130 million users of its product.  Assuming that’s true, let’s suppose 10% are 9x users, or roughly 13 million left unprotected when Avast stops sending signatures.  Many of those 13 million may not even notice the updates have stopped and will continue using Avast believing they are protected.

Lastly, those who opt out of a paid AV solution and decide to “toss” their machines out (no one recycles chipsets that old and usually charge for disposal) will be adding lead and mercury to their local landfills.

In summary, if Avast is the last “real time” free alternative for 9x users on the block, why not just continue sending automatic signature updates to their 9x clients and simply end the “program updates” and cost/overhead of 4.8 engine development?  While that may not sound like a perfect solution, some protection is better than no protection.  Besides, in my opinion, being the last one on the block supporting 9x users is good PR for Avasts present and future client base.

Jeffrey Brown
IT Security Specialist


Sorry, looked suspiciously like a rant to me.
For generic computer (not avast) problems, you can also visit my forum for help: http://www.jacobytech.net/forum

Offline PTRPRO

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Re: Avast 4.8 expiration issue
« Reply #12 on: January 07, 2011, 03:55:45 PM »
Well it's January 7th, 2011 and my Avast 4.8 virus definitions are still updating daily (sometimes twice daily)on Windows ME. I'll hang on for as long as the ride lasts.
Packard Motorcars said "Ask the man who owns one". They're not in business anymore.

Offline DavidR

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Re: Avast 4.8 expiration issue
« Reply #13 on: January 07, 2011, 05:09:02 PM »
Yes, but you have to be making plans for when the switch is thrown as you don't want to wait to find an alternative until it happens.
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Offline PTRPRO

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Re: Avast 4.8 expiration issue
« Reply #14 on: January 07, 2011, 07:09:09 PM »
I do have an alternative. My multi license on a paid AV, but I like Avast better on ME. I won't uninstall until the bitter end.
Packard Motorcars said "Ask the man who owns one". They're not in business anymore.