No longer possible to download Avast Free??

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

I see there’s an option to download the free edition of Avast but the link leads through a chain of furhter links to a CNET webpage which offers downloads of many other anti virus, anti spyware, registry cleaning, scanning & god knows what else software but no download of the Avast package begins nor is there any further link to anywhere the download can be obtained. I have tried everything I can think of but can only assume the offer of a free download is just there to suck people into buying the pro edition at a “greatly reduced” price when they eventually become frustrated at being unable to find the free software.

:frowning:

2

cnet download link: http://tinyurl.com/39anbnf

3

Or try this if you feel uncomfortable with tiny url’s:

Free – http://files.avast.com/iavs5x/setup_av_free_eng.exe – (English only)

Free – http://files.avast.com/iavs5x/setup_av_free.exe – (Multi-language version)

4

Thanks for the link but I was hoping for an alternative download site to CNET. That’s the screen I end up at which tells me the download will begin in a moment but never does. It’s covered with official looking buttons to download other products like Norton 360, Kaspersky or free “system scans” but it´s the end of the trail for Avast except for the opportunity to enter the loop again.

I’m using the Chrome browser, there’s no indication the download is blocked. Seems an odd strategy for Avast to push us so forcefully towards other products but if that’s what they want I’m becoming tempted by Kaspersky which is quite well regarded I believe.

5

Thanks for the links Safesurf but they just point to pages which show up as About:blank, which is quite accurate as they’re blank. Maybe it’s Chrome? I’ll try explorer.

6

I’m using Firefox. I sent you a direct download of the files. Let me try again.

http://files.avast.com/iavs5x/setup_av_free_eng.exe – (English only)

http://files.avast.com/iavs5x/setup_av_free.exe – (Multi-language version)

Try cutting and pasting the above links and see if this works in your browser.

7

Thanks Safesurf, say what you like about IE, it always works where others fail.

Got the download but having been prompted to check out the anti-virus market (top ten reviews dot com) I find that Avast has slipped to No.11, and that’s the pro version so I’m guessing the free version will be well out of the top 20.

The No.1 product BitDefender is only a smidge over 19 quid. As I say, strange strategy for Avast to push potential users of their free download to buy elswhere but my irritation and frustration has changed to gratitude for being pointed towards a better solution.

8

Here is a comparison chart of the different Avast product and how they protect you: http://www.avast.com/comparison-chart.

9

BitDefender it is then. After all, if you read it on the web, it must be true.:wink: Thanks for letting us know.

10

@ Vladimyr,

I think perhaps you misunderstood the OP. But I think you both should take a look at this: http://www.avast.com/pr-avast-free-antivirus-is-a-suite-performer.

11

Thanks SafeSurf.
I’d like to believe that your understanding of my understanding is correct.
I’ve seen the avast! blog entry, and the latest AV Comparatives test.

12

So you and I see eye to eye. :wink:

13

Thanks for your help Safesurf, it is appreciated.

I see that, unlike some evangalists, you have not found THE answer an decided your energies must be directed towards defending your position at all costs, refusing to consider any opinion which does not agree with yours and insulting anyone who refuses to go along with you.

Maybe Vladymire is right, though, the web is well known for being full of rubbish so maybe the best solution is stay away from it and go back to the library. Certainly addresses a large part of the virus problem. I shall ponder it.

I must get on now but for the record I am not rubbishing Avast, it has served me well over the years but I do question their marketing strategy. Why send anyone attempting to download the free version to a page which appears to be designed to push them towards other products that, on the face of it, compare very well price and performance wise with their own product? We may never know and I have no desire to press for an answer.

14

Forgive me if you misunstood me, but I presented you with a comparison chart for you to make an informed decision regarding Avast, and the discussion with the other posters (if you followed the threads) stated that AV Comparatives are not always accurate. You are however the final decision-maker for your machine. I, and others here are always willing to offer help should you want it. Thank you.

15

I just did a search for Avast Pro, CNET and got this: http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Pro-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10181058.html - with no Avast Free. Perhaps this is what you were looking for.

Let us know if you need any additional assistance. Thank you.

16

Safesurf- hope I haven’t upset you, I am not being sarcastic when I say your help is appreciated. Any comments intended to be a little barbed were aimed at the other bloke who was anything but helpful.

I have read the Dennis Tech Labs report, considering how well the free Avast performed in their tests I can only assume the Pro version would have been better, maybe up there with Norton, and it’s a shame they didn’t include it. Maybe next time.

So, once again, my thanks and appreciation for taking the time is sincerely offered.

17

Here’s an interesting one for you then, http://www.avast.com/pr-avast-free-antivirus-is-a-suite-performer.

[b]PRAGUE, Czech Republic, September 21, 2010[/b] - avast! Free Antivirus was a top performer in the Dennis Technology Labs test sponsored by Symantec, outscoring a number of paid-for applications.

Avast! Free Antivirus outscored the paid-for internet security suites from Bit-Defender, McAfee, and Trend-Micro. In addition, avast! topped the below-average performance of free programs from AVG, Avira, and Microsoft Security Essentials.

Get that, in a test sponsored by Symantec :stuck_out_tongue:

Edit, Oops - Just seen your post, on page 2 after replying to your post on page 1 so you have seen the article ;D

18

It seems I must take more time with my replies.

I have no issue with you pointing out the less than ideal download source for avast! Free. It’s true that I did respond sarcastically to the naive-sounding way you described the CNET experience, because that’s just the way it is.
In an ideal world, avast! would be able to serve all their English-language free customers with downloads from their own servers. However, in the real world the cost is prohibitive, so they offload it to others who will do it for free but are funded by advertising.

Also please don’t interpret my comments as actual opinions of BitDefender. Apart from it being a good product, in regard to its origins, the significance of my nickname should not be ignored. ;D

19

Cnet is okay – ie8 is what I have and no problem – I think a lotd of vendors use them and others instead of their own servers - not sure why but – as long as you get the product!