AIS, Windows 8 Developer Preview and Virtual Box

[Nesivos]

I have a Netbook lying around that currently has W7 SP1 and AIS installed on it.  Since the Netbook is not being used for anything I have decided to take Windows 8 Developer Preview out for a test drive, install and run it from a virtual machine using Virtual Box on the Netbook.

I have never set up or used a virtual machine before.

At this time I have two questions regarding avast! and the use of a virtual machine.

Right now I have a 3 computer license for AIS.   Here are my questions, sorry if they are stupid questions but this is all new to me.

1.  When I am running Windows 8 in in virtual machine will AIS be protecting me? 

2.  If not and I want avast! protection for Windows 8 can I download and install avast! Free on the virtual machine that will be running Windows 8 without a conflict between the two version of avast! on the same physical hard drive but on two virtual machines?

Hope these questions make sense given that I really don't know much about virtual machines, setting them up and running them.

Thanks

[Gargamel360]

1.  When I am running Windows 8 in in virtual machine will AIS be protecting me? 

Sure.  I would say you have very little to worry about, using the Win8 preview.  In a worse-case scenario, infections can jump out of a Vbox, though.  Worms that spread around a LAN, for example, as the internet connection between the host pc and whatever OS you are running in Vbox is basically a LAN connection.  Or if you enable shared folders between host and guest.  But again, those are worst case scenarios.  The basic File System shield will still scan the host's HDD.

2.  If not and I want avast! protection for Windows 8 can I download and install avast! Free on the virtual machine that will be running Windows 8 without a conflict between the two version of avast! on the same physical hard drive but on two virtual machines?

Right now, Avast! wont install on the Win8 dev, so that decision is made for you>>http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=81706.msg688489#msg688489, but as far as the usual AV conflict, nothing to worry there, you wont get any conflict between an AV installed on the host butting head with one installed on a guest.