Avast Beta 5.1.798 Released

[imsoadude]

What's new

Most notable improvements include:
- Boot-time scanner for 64-bit OSes (finally!)
- Behavior Shield improvements - now with more sensors and able to detect exact offenders*
- Improved cleaning of infected computers
- Improved anti-rootkit engine - now capable of dealing with the latest TDL variants, for example
- Web Shield improvements (both stability and performance related)
- Mail and Web Shields not hosted in separate NT services anymore, resulting in much faster starts
- IS: new version of antispam engine
- Sound packs (more info coming later)

*The Behavior Shield functionality is still incomplete in this build. And even in the final v5.1, it will work only in "passive mode", which means that the new sensors will be active but won't be stopping the attacks, just reporting them to our backend infrastructure (unless you have opted out from the avast! community membership). This is to allow us to collect enough data before enabling the real thing in Q1 2011.

http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=67141.0

[gusthebus]

Awesome, a boot time scanner for 64 bit operating systems. Thanks for the info.

[Tweak]

Sounds pretty cool all these improvements, 2011 when the final is released Avast should really be a great choice for a free solution. Didn't see mention of sandbox here but recall a mention it might be coming to the free version...by any means looking forward to seeing how improved this version is overall.

[DigiDis]

@Tweak, IIRC, version 6 will start including some sandboxing technology in the free version, but it won't be a full blown sandbox like it is now. I heard it will be something one can choose when Avast discovers a PUP and the user will be given the choice to run it sandboxed, like the sandbox option in Comodo.

The sandbox now in Avast Pro and AIS is almost like Sandboxie, with a few options like full recovery missing.

[mdfareez]

Hopefully, their new Web Shields won't slowdown browsing as much as the earlier versions did. Anyone experience a faster web browsing experience here?

[Tweak]

Thanks Digi, I haven't closely followed it but recall some mention.

[sss20]

*The Behavior Shield functionality is still incomplete in this build. And even in the final v5.1, it will work only in "passive mode", which means that the new sensors will be active but won't be stopping the attacks, just reporting them to our backend infrastructure (unless you have opted out from the avast! community membership). This is to allow us to collect enough data before enabling the real thing in Q1 2011.

http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=67141.0

I like avast,they are honest and do not try to fool us with false promises of an unbeatable Behavior Shield. +1 avast.
Other companies would praised and presented this feature to us with drum-rolled and trumpets.

[mdfareez]

That is being transparent and honest to consumers. Excellent attitude and work ethics from the Avast! team.

[Quackimducky]

Gona try this out when the final version comes out and my NIS trial runs out. Looking forward to the improved behaviour shield.