Avast Antivirus - 2.74

1. Can't update (or takes forever)
2. Takes alot of CPU
3. Can't run i background (the program need to be "started" in window mode)
3. Can't understand what to do with the scanned files that get err 13 or other errors (alot of files, and also ordinary systemfiles, they say no permission), and even if you just ignore them they come up on the next scan again
4. Even scans it's own program (that is good) but put the application in list does not get a good expression
5. No help what so ever what to do with files in lists
6. When you get a virus, trojan, or other, you don't get a list what to do to remove it. No cleaning. No link. You can email it to avast, but not with any questions. You can delete, carantene (most trojans, worms needs more than delete to remove it from your system). I thought cleaning was included.
7. I have parallell desctop (bootcamp) with an WinXP and installed professional edition of avast (antivirus for mac + pc). Okey it warns that a trojan starts when i use IE, but it does not get an message to clean it.

Okey i'm not a professional, but I can't recommend people to buy this. I have already bought it but it goes into the trash for the mac part.

So in my confusion over how to install the license key for the "free" home edition that is linked to on the Macintosh page, I finally contacted their support, which to their credit, responded quickly.

Apparently there's no free home edition for Macintosh users -- only Windows users. Why then have a link to a "free" edition for home users on the Macintosh page, and then not to anywhere specify that no such thing exists, is confusing and misleading. It's also Mac-unfriendly.

Hate to say it, but this is yet another example of a Windows bias. This will turn a lot of Mac users off I'm afraid, and with a growing marketshare (who would have ever thunk?) it's not a "friendly" position to take.

Another thing I also noticed upon dis-installing it (something there is also absolutely no adequate support on how to do) is that my machine (which is a very fast RAM heavy final generation Power Mac G5), suddenly ran much faster again -- noticeably so. I had no idea it was avast that had slowed things down so much.

Also, once up and running for whatever grace (test drive) period was allowed, avast kept starting my email application without me asking. I have one "utility" account that has no email associated with it and to have avast constantly open it only for me to have to shut it down is a pain. No matter whether or not the mail support is checked or not this happens.

Overall there is no help for Mac users other than to say "you can download a free edition" that is non-existent.

Thanks, but I'll go back to using my trusty ClamXav. It doesn't provide much support either but it's free and it works like a charm and doesn't slow my system down at all. You set it to monitor email and choose a few folders (desktop, downloads etc.) to monitor and forget about it.

Sorry avast guys. You're on the right track but give it another shot.

I have not tried the Avast! anti-virus yet, but thanks to them just for taking notice of Mac users, whether viruses abound in the Mac arena or not! There may come a day that anti-virus is extremely pertinent in the Apple atmosphere. Avast! will have a head start in an area where user options are puny. We NEED more competition in this area, which should ultimately lead to high quality, efficacious programs and effective vendor support. Again, Avast! deserves applaud for simply stepping in.

Whether you need or not, it is very good happening on OS X scene. Some other company looks like finally getting competition with a engine which is built with multithreading.

They should add "Don't scan for Windows viruses" option for Mac only homes, companies. For some it is really waste of CPU for nothing.

Important thing is, heuristics. On a scene with no known self replicating worms or trojans asking for admin password (!!!) to install, you have to watch "what is going on" if you promise user to have advantage from future threats. That of course should be done without killing CPU or user experience.

I have checked the Package, it seems as a complete product inside .app package which can be dragged to trash.

At least some other company will have to think twice before offering an upgrade for $50 ;)

Like another user, I refuse to pay the Norton extortion price. Gee, they give away the Window's version at CompUSA. Never the Mac version. And then when it expires, after not having had anything to do for a year, they expect you to pay $50 more. I'll try it and report back if anything bad happens.