Latest version of Avast Antivirus

Thank you Aaron. First post updated. :)

Beta 5.1.857 available.

   Information

we have just released another avast beta refresh (build number 5.1.857). Compared to the previous beta build (5.1.849), it's supposed to solve these issues:

- system lockups, especially after the avast service crashes
- intermittent boots in Windows Classic theme, with some servicing failing to start
- crashing of the registration screen
- other stability issues related to the Behavior Shield
- high CPU usage e.g. when disconnecting a network

Furthermore, this version contains extensive logging inside the webshield module which was designed to help us track down the remaining crash conditions of the AvastSvc.exe process. This can cause some extra slowdowns while browsing (hopefully not too noticeable though). We are explicitly looking for people for whom this new build crashes (i.e. AvastSvc.exe crashes/disappears) -- sending us the contents of the avast log folder would then be very helpful.

One thing that is probably not fixed is the issue described by Sparxx here -- Multiple problems with build 5.1.849 -- this is most likely related to the antirootkit scan (possibly a conflict between our new MBR rootkit detection algorithm and the Windows 7 BitLocker feature).


As always, your feedback is very appreciated.

YET ANOTHER Beta refresh [5.1.857]

Thank you Aaron. First post updated. :)

5.1.861 Beta available.

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Hi again,

we have just released yet another avast beta refresh (build number 5.1.861). Compared to the previous beta build (5.1.857), it's supposed to solve these issues:

- the Behavior Shield related issues (typically on 64-bit OSes)
- HTTP pipelining support in Web Shield (Opera users will appreciate this)
- a possible race condition in aswSP.sys that could lead to a system hang
- an Outlook antispam plugin problem
- removed limit on the number sites in the Site Blocking feature (AIS)

To me, this build feels like it's in a really good shape and I wouldn't hesitate calling it a "release candidate". Our plan was to release v5.1 before the end of the year, so we still have some 27 hours to make this happen... hopefully, if you guys confirm that this beta works OK, it will go live tomorrow as an official update.

The only thing that we know is not fixed is the issue described by Sparxx here -- Multiple problems with build 5.1.861 -- this is most likely related to the antirootkit scan. But this can be solved by a subsequent VPS update (as the antirootkit engine is located in the VPS).

** NEW (FINAL?) BETA REFRESH 5.1.861 IS HERE **

Thank you Aaron. First post updated.

December 31, 2010


5.1.864 Released. Final (non beta) version.

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I'm glad to announce the general availability of avast 5.1. After almost a month-long beta testing marathon (and 3 beta refreshes just in the last 24 hours), I sincerely hope this new version will serve you will. Even though avast 6.0, equipped with even more features, is coming relatively soon, still is a very important update for us. Most of the new stuff is hidden under the hood.

The most notable improvements are:
- boot-time scanner now available even in 64-bit Windows
- big improvements in the Behavior Shield
- improvements in the antirootkit engine
- improvements in the cleaning module
- stability/performance improvements in the Web Shield
- CommunityIQ improvements
- added support for sound packs
- minor improvements in the user interface
- minor fixes in the firewall

I'd also like to take this opportunity and thank all our beta-testers for a job well done. Without you, we couldn't make this happen.


BTW it takes a few days for download.com (and other local download servers) to update their bits. If you want to download the full installer now, use the following direct links:

INTRODUCING: New avast program update 5.1.864

Thank you Aaron. First post updated.

Thanks for posting the new version :)

Thank you for keeping us posted Airbot, having suffered incident with this during beta testing there seems to be a lot of confusion about the introduction of Behavior Shield settings in the wider www communities.

I found a post by DavidR a senior member at Avast Forums that explains this introduction very well, but in keeping with our forum rules in regard to the posting of links to other tech sites i have posted a screenshot of his post.

I do hope it is readable if not maybe with the permission of Admin i can post a link to the thread at Avast Forums?

EDIT; if you click on the picture to enlarge it i can easily read it on my laptop so it should be OK

Link to thread added below

http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=68568.0


Attachment 128326

I can see the pic but there's no problem in posting the link.