Alternative to Avast Anti-virus for Vista?

Tek7

Tek7

CGA President, Tribe of Judah Founder & President
Staff member
Can anyone recommend a good alternative to Avast Anti-virus for Vista? Avast is pegging my hard drive almost non-stop and my hard drive indicator light flickers almost constantly, even while browsing the web and listening to music on Winamp.
 
my hdd lamp flickers on a regular basis with no a/v that's vista. if you want a/v though the only other free one i know of is avg.
 
Definitely Avira AntiVir, better then Avast and AVG

and to disable the nag screen when updating :

.: Disable the Avira AntiVir avnotify nag screen :.

Windows 2000/XP: (2000 & XP Pro do not require you to boot into safe mode)

1. Boot into Safe Mode (tap F8 repeatedly after you restart the computer)
2. Log in using the Administrator account
3. Go to C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avnotify.exe
4. Right-click avnotify.exe-> properties-> security-> advanced
5. Under the Permissions tab click on SYSTEM under Permission entries:
6. Edit-> locate Traverse Folder / Execute File-> deny-> ok ->apply-> yes -> ok-> ok
7. Reboot the computer into Normal Mode (start-> shutdown-> restart)

Windows XP Pro & Vista Business/Ultimate/Enterprise

1. Start-> Control Panel
2. Administrative tools-> Local security policy
3. Click on Software Restriction Policy-> Action (at the top)-> create new restriction policies
4. Right-click additional rules (on the right side)-> new path rule
5. Click Browse and navigate to C:\Program Files\(Avira)\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\ and double-click avnotify.exe
6. Set the security level to Disallowed-> apply-> ok

Windows Vista Home Premium

- Method 1

1. Go to C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avnotify.exe
2. Right-click avnotify.exe-> properties-> security tab->
3. Under the group or username SYSTEM click edit
4. Put a checkmark under the DENY column for "read and execute"

- Method 2 (in case Method 1 causes you to reboot after each update)

1. Go to C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avnotify.exe
2. Right-click avnotify.exe-> properties-> security tab-> advanced
3. Under the permissions tab highlight SYSTEM-> edit-> locate Traverse Folder / Execute File-> deny-> ok -> ok-> yes-> ok-> ok

*Note: Avira changed the path in version 9 to C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop

.: Disable the splash screen :.

1. Open regedit and navigate to [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
2. In the right pane double-click avgnt and add /nosplash at the end of the path (ex. /min /nosplash).

*Note: Avira changed /nosplash to /ns for version 9.
Click to expand...
 
Hescominsoon said:
my hdd lamp flickers on a regular basis with no a/v that's vista. if you want a/v though the only other free one i know of is avg.
Click to expand...
I had really hoped the problem could be solved by removing or replacing Avast. ;_;

Since I have other issues with Vista and it looks like uninstalling Avast may not fix them, I created this thread rather than go off-topic on this one.

XionTawa said:
AVG...hands down...
Click to expand...
I used AVG before I used Avast and I uninstalled it because it was such a resource hog (as of version 8.x). I doubt they've fixed that problem in the last few releases, but I could be wrong.

ewoksrule said:
Definitely Avira AntiVir, better then Avast and AVG

and to disable the nag screen when updating :
Click to expand...

Cool_Hand_Luke said:
http://download.cnet.com/Avira-AntiVir-Personal-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10322935.html
Click to expand...
So that's two votes for AntiVir. I'll check it out.

Xion: In your opinion, what makes AntiVir better than AVG or Avast?
 
i have ben deploying avg to clients due to it's light usage, highly efective detections and costs for paid clients is much lower.
 
HUZZAH! I've installed AntiVir and I can still right-click files without Explorer locking up.

The AntiVir process is currently using 1,256K RAM. I don't recall how much memory Avast occupied, but I'm going to go out on a limb and guess AntiVir uses less.

EDIT: To be fair, it's possible that updating to the latest version of SetPoint may have fixed the "right-click locks Explorer" problem. (I have a Logitech MX518 and a Logitech Marble Mouse both attached to my system. I have the Marble Mouse configured as a left-handed device.)
 
Last edited:
I run Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 and don't even notice it is there.

I should mention, I run Vista Ultimate64
 
Norton 09 Gaming Edition... I've already decided I'll renew my subscription next year, finally Norton got something right.
 
Hescominsoon said:
I never use setpoint(or ms mouse software) as they don't give any real additional functionality.
Click to expand...
This one does. I can use a Logitech trackball in my left hand and a mouse in my right hand (not at the same time, of course) without having to switch from left-handed to right-handed controls every time.

I don't know if it's strictly necessary, but it keeps things simple and gives me full functionality on all mouse and trackball buttons.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top