Avast Blog: Windows 8 developer conference

[Airbot]

On Tuesday Microsoft unveiled more details about the next operation system Windows 8 at BUILD developer conference in Anaheim, California and we could not miss out this event!

Avast was always able to fully operate on every next Windows OS starting its public Beta version and our users can rely on us regarding Windows 8.

They will ship only one Windows version which will run on all Windows 8 PCs. Desktops, laptops, tablets, cell phones, big screens, small screens. No more separated OS versions like in the past (see Windows and Windows CE/Windows Phone variants). Every desktop application should now support both interfaces – so will avast!

more..

 

[Dwarf]

Thanks, Aaron. I had a feeling that Avast! would soon be on the case of developing a compatible AV with this OS. I hope that they're still considering making a free option, just as we have for Vista and Windows 7.

 

[TimK]

I have always liked Avast, but after the latest program update I had to go back to version 5 because it won't run or let the machine run and has to be uninstalled from safe mode. Also tries to install Google Chrome without asking. Also Avast no longer seem to reply to queries.
As you can maybe tell I'm very disillusioned with Avast.

 

[SIW2]

it won't run or let the machine run and has to be uninstalled from safe mode

Can you be more specific.

Never heard of that before.

Something highly unusual about your machine perhaps?

 

[Arpan]

They will ship only one Windows version which will run on all Windows 8 PCs. Desktops, laptops, tablets, cell phones, big screens, small screens. No more separated OS versions like in the past (see Windows and Windows CE/Windows Phone variants).

Do you mean there will be no windows phone 8? New phones which were supposed to run windows phone, from now on will run windows 8 ?

No more phone version of windows?

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Do you mean there will be no windows phone 8? New phones which were supposed to run windows phone, from now on will run windows 8 ?

No more phone version of windows?

You got it! Not really a trifecta. It's an All-Fecta!

 

[davehc]

TimK.
I have recently installed, and uninstalled, the latest Avast. I had no problems either way. "Chrome" was an install option, which you did not need to install.

 

[TimK]

Strange, I got the latest version via the Avast site (I've tried twice with the same result). (This is with XP by the way). During the custom install I get a message that Google Chrome is installing, no option not to. Then a message saying Google Chrome installation failed.
Then, when XP has loaded and I'm logged on, the Avast icon comes up in the system tray and everything stops. I can't run any programs, can't do anything. The mouse still works and icons highlight etc., but nothing runs. I have to switch off with the power switch, reboot into safe mode and uninstall Avast and then everything's fine. I've tried this twice and there's nothing unusual about my machine that I can think of. I use HyperOS to switch systems, that's all.

 

[davehc]

OK. I assumed, as you are on a Windows 8 site, that you were referring to installation on Windows 8. I have not tried to install Avast on XP.

 

[TimK]

Yes, sorry, I should have been clearer. I mentioned it to explain why I'm using Avast 5 and won't update to the latest version.

 

[Mike Lonewolf]

Tim? Did you check compatibility with the latest Avast, and Windows XP? Seeing that XP isn't supported by Microsoft anymore, I have a feeling these FREE Anti-Virus programs took them out of their list to be upgraded/updated. You can verify that statement by trying to run it in Windows ME. Won't work with that O/S either. NOW if you want to get a paid for version of a protection software, go with Bull Guard, they are now beta testing their latest version and upon final, you will get a full free version for the time you put in testing it. NOT to worry either, although it is a beta you still have protection. Bull Guard allows you to upload an image onto their servers for YOUR protection.

*EDIT* Don't want to make this look like a cakewalk. TO qualify for a free retail version, YOU have to WORK for it. Meaning be active in the testing, not just sticking it on your computer(s) and doing updating of the protection files, you have to. I had a lot of people complain to me when they didn't get the free full version of Nortons 360, that is because they didn't do anything to earn it. Beta Testing a product MEANS you put it thru it's paces. Someone (not saying names) said they didn't think it was a good idea to risk their PC(s) by taking them into areas on the internet that are already known to cause people to have issues with viruses, Trojan, etc. BUT this is the MAIN purpose of testing out security suites. What the H-E double Hockey Sticks good is a security suite if YOU can still get infected by being SCARED of taking the testing to there? To me, I beta test so that I can find as many bugs as I can, it is fun for me. Like an Easter egg hunt. The more I find, the less the Info World has to worry about. Two major problems I have discovered using Bull Guard were addressed and FIXED! Just that Fast. I love it.

 

[TimK]

I was under the impression that XP is supported until April 2014.
But I think I'll look for one of the other free programs thanks.