AVAST Free/AV/IS 6 BETA OUT!

[alpha1]

Hi *,

we'll soon be releasing a new version of avast - the long-awaited version 6.0. As usual, we're making the new version available for public testing before it's officially released.

This is the first beta build of v6 - please treat it as such.

How to get it
Free AV: http://files.avast.com/files/beta/6....up_av_free.exe
Pro AV: http://files.avast.com/files/beta/6....tup_av_pro.exe
IS: http://files.avast.com/files/beta/6.0.934/setup_ais.exe


How to install it
Just run the setup executable (links above). This version needs to be installed from scratch, i.e. updating from a previous version of avast won't work. This will be fixed relatively soon - however, for now, the only option is to really uninstall the version you're using (if any), reboot, and install this beta.

Also, if you have already used a previous beta of the standalone WebRep, it's better to uninstall it before installing avast 6.

What's new
Main changes/improvements:
- AutoSandbox – suspicious programs will be optionally run sandboxed
- avast! WebRep – browser plugin for website reputation rating; a combination of data from our virus lab and community voting
- Script Shield now even in the Free AV
- Site Blocking now even in the Free AV
- SafeZone – a special virtualized area for sensitive transactions (e.g. secure online banking) (paid products only)
- Restore factory settings command (Settings -> Troubleshooting)
- Automatic actions in the boot-time scan
- New compression method in the installer makes the setup packages about 20% smaller.
- Script Shield now functional even with IE8/IE9 Protected Mode
- Sidebar gadget
- Improved stability/compatibility of the Behavior Shield
- Improvements in the avast! sandbox

Known issues
- Help files not updated yet
- Localizations incomplete yet
- SafeZone not yet accessible (Pro AV / IS only)
- WebRep only available for IE and Firefox (Chrome is coming soon)
- Firewall: per-application packet rules not yet accessible
- Firewall: uTorrent conflict not yet resolved


Thanks much
Vlk

FROM AVAST FORUMS

Source

[Alboguy]

Wow! All this features in a free AV! That's great! Thanks for informing fella!

[LunarWolf]

OMG! Free now even have a script shield which makes it on par with paid antivirus. What more can people ask? I am definitely sticking to it.

[Boyfriend]

Thanks alpha1 for news AutoSandbox, Script Shield, and Site Blocking are now available in the free version too. It makes it worth try for me.

[SAMEERA]

Wow! That's the great news alpha1 Thanks for updating us!. Actually they have added more features to Free Version.

> AutoSandbox
> Script Shield
> Site Blocking

[alpha1]

Did some testing with this first beta, and I must say that it did not convince me, the AutoSandbox Feature was never involved into the game even though I ran a various number of samples, the BB was improved which could be also seen, the Website rating system is like Norton's and Avg's, did not test the SafeZone, but lets see maybe later on other betas.

[Ceyfer √]

This beta app is for advanced user only! To those who will participate on this public testing make sure you stick to Avast beta forum for expected beta issues and updates.

[JayCub]

Well spotted alpha1 i will give this a shot on XP in XP mode Cheers..

[sm1]

Thanks for the info. With so many features included in free version I can't understand Avast! business model. In my location already people relate free av to avast and AVG and many don't know that there are paid versions available. Hope Avast gets enough money to keep its detection rates decent.

[Neo]

good to see the new beta ,,