Question for Raven about Avast anti-virus

5 years ago

Raven, I want to get rid of Avast (paid versions) anti-virus. Do I need to do anything besides uninstall it, like you told us we needed to for Norton? Avast is causing me to many issues to keep. Going to PCmatic. I appreciate your advice!

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Comments (7)

WalnutCreek Zone 7b/8a
5 years ago
I, too, did not care for Avast, @tami_ohio, nor Norton or that other one (the name eludes me right now). They are detrimental to computers IMO. Now pay for Malwarebytes Premium and absolutely love it. It does a wonder job of keeping my computer clean of bad stuff. I believe @ravencajun Zone 8b TX, is the one who recommended it.
Richard (Vero Beach, Florida)
5 years ago
I'm not a Windows user so this might not mean anything to you...

Since I had never heard of PCmatic, I did a quick search.

First, their site's WOT rating, not scientific but... their site is rated 1.5 out of 5. Not good. Yet reading a few reviews leads one to believe their software is the most marvelous thing since butter. Clicking on some of those reviewers, I found their glowing review of this one software to be their only review ever. Which makes me suspicious that their review and probably many of the others are fake. That causes me to lose respect for the company. (that they would use/encourage/buy/whatever fake reviews) (But maybe I just didn't check enough reviewers?)

But despite likely fake reviews, it could still be good. Is it? Maybe. I don't know. It seems safe and at least "okay": https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/pc-pitstop-pc-matic

As to uninstalling Avast, I don't know but they do offer a special uninstall utility: https://www.avast.com/en-us/uninstall-utility
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the key last about a year then you just have to do what you did and get a new key and insert it, it does get the virus definition updates automatically daily, it can be set in the settings to also auto update the program too other wise it will pop up saying there is one and she has to ok it, now with a big version update like the current one from 4.8 to 5 that has to be done manually by going to the site and downloading the new one and installing it just like it was done originally and a new key will have to be installed. However you do not have to rush and get version 5 because they will continue support for 4.8 for quite a while. to change the settings in it to have it get everything she can automatically go to the avast ball in the systray right click and select settings in teh avast settings box click on update(basic) on the left that will open your options in there you want to set both of those options to automatic, virus database and program then click ok. Now you do have to do a full scan manually but with avast that is not really as needed as other programs since it scans everything continually. But what I do is set the screen saver up in scan mode and leave my computer setting with the screen saver running and just let it scan, to do that go to the desktop and right click choose properties and go to the screen saver tab, look through the list of options and select avast then you can click on settings to select which screen saver to set for avast to use just pick a simple one so it won't use much resource (I use starfield i think) leave everything else as it is set, you can change how long to wait till the screen saver comes on if you want. click ok apply and now anytime the pc sits long enough for the screen saver to come on it will automatically begin doing a scan and will continue till done if un interrupted, if interrupted it will begin from where it left off the next time. there is a method to set up the windows task manager to run a scheduled scan also if you want those directions let me know I can link them
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This is the link to Avast's own home page download. Be sure to choose the free version. With ALL downloads, even from the manufacturer's home page (like this one), click slowly and read each page to see if you need to uncheck unwanted add-ons. They nearly all try it these days it seems... Here is a link that might be useful: Avast
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try using this program to uninstall it then install your proper version of MSE (be sure you get the one for your version of windows) free AppRemover utility since it is an xp computer you will need to be sure you do not get the 64 bit option. Security Essentials 4.2.223 XP Please check to make sure he is able to get windows updates and also he is able to create restore points. There is an infection we have seen that causes you not to be able to and it also disables the antivirus so just want to make sure. I would also install and run the free malwarebytes and run a full scan just to be sure. It is a program I think everyone should have on their pc, update an run the scan every couple of weeks. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (Win) - Detecting and Removing Malware directions Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.70.0.1100 Download download it from this link.
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ruthie, your question is not unlike asking "Who makes the best washing machine", or "What's the best vacuum to buy", etc. Meaning, what you'll hear most often is that people will recommend what they've chosen for themself. Because unless their choice turned out to be a mistake, no one ever admits to making a poor choice. So in that vein, I've used Norton for a long time (perhaps not quite 10 years) and I think it's great. The Norton security system is effective, unobtrusive and comprehensive. I've had no problems with it or with any infection of any kind - but another factor is that I try to be a careful and thoughtful internet user. If you're have any performance or running issue with Norton, try their free tech support. I've used them a few times (I remember once was because of a file corruption matter that can happen with any software) and they were great. They do support by remote connection and you just sit back and watch them work. I've included a link to reviews of most AV products done and periodically updated by Neil Rubenking, a very well respected PC Industry expert of long standing. Here is a link that might be useful: Reviews of Antivirus programs
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pudgeder
5 years ago
Richard, are you a Mac user?

If so, what do you suggest for a mac?
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
5 years ago
I agree Richard, I am not a fan of PCMatic. I currently have AVG on my windows laptop. Malwarebytes is an excellent program.

Use the tool Richard posted for removal.
Richard (Vero Beach, Florida)
5 years ago
"Richard, are you a Mac user?"

No, I use Linux.
Elmer J Fudd
5 years ago
PCmag, a trusted and independent magazine now website, has been around for decades. It rates Free and Not Free antivirus programs based on its own use and testing by multiple independent testing labs.

About Malwarebytes, it says "It earns excellent scores in some of our hands-on tests, but still doesn't rate well with the independent testing labs."

Note that in the Not Free category, both McAfee and Norton are highly rated. I've used both very successfully over the past several years and I like them both. Both have a light presence and are nearly invisible. Between the two, I like Norton better. There are other top choices too. It's always a puzzle to me why some people dislike Norton and McAfee, they've been leaders for a long time. If you want to talk about dislikes, I've had poor experiences with both Avast and AVG and won't consider using them anymore.

Ratings of free programs

Ratings of not free programs
tami_ohio
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you.

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Question for Raven about Avast anti-virus

Comments (7)

WalnutCreek Zone 7b/8a

Richard (Vero Beach, Florida)

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ravencajun Zone 8b TX

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Question for Raven about Avast anti-virus

Comments (7)

WalnutCreek Zone 7b/8a

Richard (Vero Beach, Florida)

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pudgeder

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

Richard (Vero Beach, Florida)

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tami_ohio
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