Newbie Interested in Avast Free

Hello Avast Aficionados!

I would love an installation/configuration tutorial with screenshots!

In the Webshield section of Avast.com site FAQs it’s unclear to me if everyone or just those with certain circumstances ie, ZA FW, win95…should I follow the steps in the Proxy server setting for IE/FF tutorial videos-- the title of the tutorials implies the steps disable a feature of webshield, “transparency”. I would assume it protects the PC & should be used–or is it necessary to implement these steps in order to enable the AV to function properly? (me: winxp, undecided FW, cable) (Ques 1)

If I use Gmail without Outlook Express, but keep the program enabled, will there any email settings to do? (Ques 2)

Are there any known issues with Avast & Comodo FW? (Ques 3)

Thank you for your time & expertise.

in xp, webshield is transparent, see Teck’s post
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=24178.0

as for gmail and comodo, use the search feature at the top of the page, you will find your answers.

hth

LaFemmeMichele,
Welcome to the forums.

Most, if not all, of your questions should be covered by the ecxellent help file (manual) that comes with avast. Please read it carefully. If you still have questions un-answered then, feel free to ask again.

Are there any known issues with Avast & Comodo FW? (Ques 3)
No.

Hi,
So a manual downloads with the program? (Ques 4) I will be offline while exchanging one security setup for another! I’d prefer to not be choosing parameters before I’m able to get a look at it! I’ve been doing a bit of reading of Tech to Foreign(to me) to English to Newbie! I froze (not my PC) when I got a look at Nod! I really want to do this myself. It would be so easy to do otherwise or throw on another big commercial name.

I’m interpreting Old Man’s response to my 1st question to mean I do not follow the Proxy server settings steps in the tutorial videos. That the transparent feature is something I won’t need to bypass because in winxp you can see through it, hence its name. Correct? (Ques 5)

After looking at the Gmail threads is there an option to allow Gmail site’s AV contend with it? (Ques 6)

I have a bit more time to decipher the FW. I just want to know before I’m back on the net that the AV is installed correctly. The Avast forum seemed the place to ask.

It’s a wise decision. avast is a very configurable antivirus. So it will be better if you come here in forums, ask your questions and get familiarized with it. Sorry if we write that much technical :-[

With Windows XP you don’t need to change ANY setting to have WebShield scanning your Internet traffic. It’s transparent.

All GMail is scanned by its internal antivirus.
Anyway, we can guide you to use Stunnel to get it scanned by avast.

The clarity of the Avast web site and the noted happiness of Avast users were the deciding factors in my choice to try the product. Tech you haven’t a thing to apologize for!

Again, is there a user manual/help file that comes with the download? (Ques 4) I’d really like a look ahead of installation time if possible.

With Gmail I’m assuming it’s the downloading of attachments that would make it neccessary to get Avast via Stunnel involved. And all this can be set up after the AV is on & I’m safe out on the net. Correct? (Ques 7)

Thank you Old Man, Spyros, & Tech for your help.

Once I’m familiar with the process I’d like to contribute by creating an installation/configuration tutorial with screenshots for novice users who learn visually! (maybe with a little help!) You need one on the forum.

We’re glad to know 8)

Start avast antivirus and click F1.
Or just open \ENGLISH\HELP\help.chm

Shortly, yes.

With Gmail I'm assuming it's the downloading of attachments that would make it neccessary to get Avast via Stunnel involved. And all this can be set up after the AV is on & I'm safe out on the net. Correct? (Ques 7)

GMail specifically states that it performs an antivirus scan of all attachments. Since GMail requires access via SSL (for receiving) and TLS (for sending) the messages cannot be scanned by avast. The need for additional scanning by avast is questionable but is for each user to decide on the benefits of extra scanning versus the effort to set up STunnel.

You would be taking very little risk with GMail in installing avast and then making the decision on STunnel at your leisure.

Alan,
Thank you so much! Do you know about the user manual? I want to get going here, Friday the 13th or not!

You are welcome, and welcome to the forum. I think you made a wise choice, lot’s of good knowledgeable people here, that are willing to help. ;D ;D