I’ve been using AntiVir for a long time, since version 8.X.X.XXX. I was using AVG 7.5 before that, but when AVG 8 came out, I found it hopelessly bloated and there were conflicts with a few other programs. Moreover, it wouldn’t install or uninstall properly. Needless to say, it was a pain in the tush. I’m so glad I switched to Avira AntiVir, which is faster, has a better detection rate, and I’ve never had trouble with updates and installs.
Let me get the cons out of the way first. Avira for me, has a very dated (and ugly) interface. Here’s the scanning window:
The main Control Center window doesn’t look much better either:
The worst thing is that these windows can’t be resized, they are fixed. You’d think that they would go for a more Vista-like interface with version 9.0.0.386 (just released) but no luck there.
Alright, now that I’ve got the cons out of the way, here are the pros of Avira AntiVir Personal:
- The program is easy to install and configure. If you have an older version installed, it will ask your permission to uninstall it, perform a reboot, and install the newer version.
- Scanning is pretty fast and again, configurable.
- Same for the updates, no problems here.
- Low system resource usage—about 20MB for my system (Pentium 4 with 3GB of RAM).
- Avira can be configured to resist tempering or termination by rogue programs. This provides an extra layer of security for the user.
- It’s free.
Oh yes, I almost forgot—after each update Avira puts up a nag screen, asking you to upgrade to the Premium or paid version. If you don’t want to see this screen (who does?) follow these steps to disable it. This applies to Vista Ultimate and the new Avira 9.0.0.386:
- Start-> Run. Type secpol.msc to open the Local Security Policy window.
- Click on Software Restriction Policy-> Additional Rules.
- Right-click Additional Rules-> New path rule.
- Click Browse and navigate to c:\Program files\Avira\Antivir Desktop and select avnotify.exe. Set the security level to Disallowed-> Apply-> OK. You won’t see the nag screen again during future updates.
Download Avira Antivir Personal 9.0.0.386 here.
Tags: 9.0.0.386, antivirus, Avira Antivir
Philip,
I found your website earlier while doing research. Later I found your comment on dslreports.
I believe your method is applicable for XP. In the Administrative Tools, I couldn’t find Local security policy. I found similar advice as yours for XP in Google.
Mark Eleven.
Mark, my method is applicable for Vista as well (in fact, I’m using Vista).
You should be able to open the Local Security Policy by going to Start > Run and typing secpol.msc. Then follow the instructions found in my blog post. I hope this helps, but feel free to drop me a line if you’re still having trouble.
BTW, I tried to email you using your G-mail add, but got my email returned.
Did some googling and found out that Vista Home Premium does not have secpol.msc , but Vista Ultimate has.
I’m trying out another method as suggested by Kerodo in dslreports. I’m waiting for the update from Avira (no update today, virus dat file still ver 197). Lets see if it works.
Thanks anyway.
Mark, thanks for the feedback. I didn’t realize that Home Premium doesn’t have secpol.msc, what a bummer! I’ve got a busy schedule today but will try to search for a solution to this. I’m sure there are many users of Avira AntiVir 9 who are on Home Premium.
I tried to install in vista home premium. But always stops internet is not allowing something … fact.exe is not allowed by firewall. I disabled firewall also. Still I get the message. How to overcome this problem in install.
Hi, I did some searching and discovered that fact.exe is actually the Fast Activation process for validating your Avira license. You should configure your firewall to allow it.
Hi Philip,
I too switched from AVG to Avira round about version 7 of the former – & agree with just about everything you stated. (I even buy the premium version of Avira these days. It’s a far superior app imho.)
Mark, if Vista won’t let you disable avnotify.exe, simply boot in safe mode & name it something different. You’ll then be nag-free. =]