I’ve searched the forum and read the posts concerning the subject, but I’ve yet to see a fix. I use the latest version of Avast5 Free on a laptop running Windows 2000 SP4, P III, 192MB ram(max).Yes, I know this is old tech, but the laptop is only used for tech support when one of my other systems breaks. The only other security software running is MBAM and it’s active background task is off. Prior to Avast I ran Avira, and I used it’s uninstaller to remove it and then made sure all parts of it were out of the system. The system is clear of malware. As to the problem. With all shields active, using Speakeasy, download .8Mbps…Upload 2.56Mbps. If I disable Web shield 13.3 down…4.56 up. This is a wired connection on Fios. My desktop is giving me 25 down and 5.5 up, which is what I’m paying for and that system runs Eset’s AV. Am I taking the hit because of old tech? Is Avast5 Web shield the problem? Would I be better off installing an older version of Avast Free? Thanks
Hi, actually my speed was faster with the web shield on.I pay for 6Mb dl/512 up
Tested at speakeasy using win vista.
web shield on:
Last Result: Download Speed: 5826 kbps (728.3 KB/sec transfer rate) Upload Speed: 429 kbps (53.6 KB/sec transfer rate)web shield off:
Last Result: Download Speed: 5785 kbps (723.1 KB/sec transfer rate) Upload Speed: 425 kbps (53.1 KB/sec transfer rate)
No. Avast 5.x is far better than 4.0. Also, support for 4.0 will be discontinued shortly after the end of this year, and v.5.1 is due to be released shortly. If there is anyway to install more RAM in your machine, this may resolve your problem. If not, see if you can delete unnecessary programs including screen saver, put things on flash/USB to free memory, and clean the machine out and defrag regularly.
SafeSurf,
May I infer from your post that Avast 5.xx is a memory hog when compared to Avast 4.8? I ask as I run an old Thinkpad T40 with 768 Megs Ram with no problem with the older version and the idea of putting stuff on USB flash drives doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.
Unfortunately my memory is maxed out. Other than MS Office,IE6 and Firefox there are no other programs on the laptop other than Avast5, MBAM and CCleaner for maintenance. I do not use it for email,IM,or P2P, so I have those shields stopped permanently. I’ve fooled with the expert settings in Web Shield, but I only get decent internet speeds with it fully disabled. Did Avast4.8 have the Web Shield component?
@ duffyfs,
Yes it did. It sounds like you are maxed out then on memory. Unfortunately, as I mentioned earlier, the support for AV protection for 4.0 will end shortly after the end of this year however you can still keep it on your machine but not have the updates.
@ nord, The reason I suggested to the OP to perhaps put things on a USB/flash drive is to free up memory like pics, music, etc., which do take up a lot of memory. However after the OP’s last post, he/she does not have these items on their machine so there is no use for it, but most users find this helpful. Regarding 4.8 being lighter on the system than 5.0+, you will find most Evang., the Avast Team, and developers will disagree with your statement. Perhaps this has something to do with your system. Thank you.
duffyfs, Please let me know if you have any additional questions I can help you with. Thank you.
@ duffyfs
You can’t make an old Windows 2000 SP4, P III, 192MB run like modern technology. 