On an old system running Windows 98 SE, I use currently with satisfaction the antivirus Avast 4.8.1368.
Previously, I was using the high-performance ESET NOD32 2.70.39 anti-virus for years but this software support ended in January 2012 and the following versions are not compatible with Windows 98 SE.
I’m looking to whether future versions of Avast (5.x, 6.x, 7.x), which are indicated on the official site of avast as compatible with the OS from W2K, can function reliably under Windows 98 SE using KernelEx latest version.
The reason of this research is that support for Avast 4.8 stop end of 2012 and that I need to use Windows 98 SE again for some time.
I did research on compatibility between KernelEx and avast on the Web but I did not find the desired responses (Avast is not cited in the list of applications compatible with KernelEx)
Thanks to the experts who could provide me informations on this subject or who have feedback of users of Avast 5.x and later with KernelEx under Windows 98 SE.
Kind regards
I’m quite sure it won’t, sorry.
It’s one thing to make ordinary user-mode applications work - which in some cases might KernelEx be able to do by implementing the missing API functions, but an antivirus is a program with drivers, and that’s a completely different area.
Thanks for your response.
But bad news anyway !
Acording to your explanations, I understand that no AV will work under Windows 98 SE after the installation of KernelEx for a matter of driver. Damage.
My problem remains therefore unresolved.
I would’nt have more security software on my system in 6 months unless avast decides to extend still somewhat the availability of updates of virus definitions.
It’s sad.
Kind regards
I really wouldn’t be worried about not having AV on Win98 nowadays. The system is pretty much extinct and as a result completely ignored by virus authors. Get a basic firewall (for ex. Kerio 2.15, old but perfect for 98) and you are golden.
Thank you for your response.
I know the existence of ClamWin which, indeed, has the great disadvantage of not having a scanner in real time. Its second disadvantage is that it does not support Outlook Express mail client.
About AV compatible with W98 SE, avast 4.8 is the latest antivirus resident protection in this case and to receive updates of virus definitions (again, it does support OE). I’ve been around the question. There are none others.
Kind regards
It is true that the number of virus targeting W 98 is decreasing with time.
But the situation still does not exempt to protection : I still had malware alerts in recent months with avast 4.8, including on some sites (where the interest of the avast Web Shield !) and earlier, with NOD32.
It is also possible to be victim of infections through the mail channel.
I use a good firewall (Outpost Firewall Pro 4.0) but it cannot do everything.
I need to use Windows 98 SE for about 18 months.
Then, I would like to another system.
Kind regards