Downladed Avast Free yesterday, and did the install, configuration. (From CNET downloads.)
Win XP, SP3, other anti-malware installed for doing the realtime web monitoring, so I configured to not use Avast for it, but other functions are used. Did the definitions and program updates from UI, no problems. The UI is very intuitive, which is why I picked Avast over other free products.
Did an overnight full scan. Quick, in that some overnight scans with other products are still at it next morning. A qualitative speed endorsement.
I presume from the update list's noting fixing issues with WebRep that it's new, and a work in progress.
I have chrome, Firefox and IE8 installed [for windows update primarily]. Besides chrome I have SRWare Iron and Comodo Dragon in the chromium family - all intended to be able to mix and match.
WebRep loaded fine and without any perceived slowdown, in Comodo Dragon, latest update of it. In Firefox 3.6, latest update, and Aurora channel, latest. All okay, no slowdown.
Two problems - feature design - others may agree or disagree.
First, the green popup has a bunch of icons at the bottom - what means what, where is it documented? It looked really "busy" to me. If I wanted to evaluate a site, and add it to the database, how?
Second, in a new release, could UI design people consider making the WebRep popup configurable (it could be a feature from the page where it can be activated for the three browser groups [chrome, IE, and Firefox - not Opera/Safari??])? I would like to see a toggle there where a user could choose hover/click/disable for the popup, in any browser. The three bar display in search return lists pretty much gives the community-safety rating info, while the popup if you move the mouse while reading the returns, is a big-time distraction in hover mode. It can even cover part of what is being read.
Generally, I think popups should be restrained. Others may feel differently.
Is it just me, or do others feel that a next release might look at adding such WebRep configurability? Especially if it could be implemented without sacrificing speed in the browser. Either that or base the functionality on a CLICK on the three bar item, rather than HOVER-to-pop as default?