A friend has recommended I go with Avast after McAfee and I had serious renewal issues. I am not real savvy on computer techno lingo, so am somewhat uncertain about my role in using avast. If it is “easy” and doesn’t require great skill, I’d love to try it.
Does Avast change any windows files? Does the uninstaller remove all Avast files?
I have Windows Vista, the Premium Home Edition. I’ve used Norton, then switched to McAfee for a year.
I don’t think it changes any Windows files or leaves any remnants but I would need someone to confirm that. And it case there are problems with an uninstall, there’s a utility to help with that…
I’ve found Avast “easy”. It also has a good forum, where a fair few very knowledgeable folk are pretty quick to offer help.
I do recommend you run the Norton Removal tool, http://service1.symantec.com/Support/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039 and the McAfee removal tool, http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=107083&lc=1033 before installing Avast. Make sure you download Avast before uninstalling McAfee/running the tool. (Be offline for this, and until after installing Avast.) After running the McAfee tool, run the Norton removal tool. Reboot whenever asked. Then install Avast. Then reconnect.
You’re going to like it, I think. It’s pretty easy to get on with, and has served me well. (+ many others.)
avast! doesn’t change any system files so no issue there. The windows add remove programs usually does a good job of removing avast! but the Uninstall Utility is there as a back-up should it be needed.
The main thing is to ensure you have all remnants of previous AVs removed before installing avast. Download and save the avast installation file to install off-line when the remnants are gone.
Just leave avast set on its default settings, which provides a good balance between protection and performance, at least until you get a little more used to the program.
Browse the forums, especially the sticky topics at the top of each of the forums, not to mention the avast help file. They provide a wealth of information to help you get the best from avast.