Avast for Linux

[dedanna1029]

Just noticed that Avast for Linux now has an .rpm and .deb installation file! Someone please check out the rpm version - I'm on a VERY old version of Linux right now, and may have dependencies missing.

Thanks.

[rolf]

This is on 2010 x86_64 and using urpmi, arkwui from 'Restricted', club repositories also got installed.
There was a dialog requesting a license key when it first started and the url for getting the key opened Firefox to a 404 page. However, at the site, the personal information form was there under 'Support' and an email came shortly with the key.

Although the site says there is a trial period before the key is necessary, it didn't seem to want to start without the key. Once I entered the key, the interface came up (see screenie), showing the virus database dated January 5, 2009. There was an update button and a download progress bar started. However, there was a problem and the interface is frozen:

[viking60]

You still can have the Clam AV. Is that not good?

[rolf]

?

I was just taking it for a spin, to see what's involved in the installation/running of it, per our Moderator's request.
I do have an XP Pro installation I visit only rarely and have AVG Free AV installed on that. I don't know of a need for an AV program for Linux in my usage, just playing, in this case. I guess if you admin a network with Windows boxes, you might need AV if you have a Linux server distributing email to those boxes, for example. Any other scenarios?

[viking60]

Yes when dual booting! You boot into Linux and scan the entire NTFS disk from there, without Windows running. You may detect viruses in Win but you cannot remove them properly, because windows is running. It is like a Brain surgeon operating his own brain - it won't work.
Linux saves the day when dual booting - no need for a rescue CD.

[rolf]

That seems practical!

[dedanna1029]

Have the tar.gz of Avast going here now. Extracted it to /home, and we're off and running (sorry, can't stand clamav or klamav). Thanks.

[viking60]

[viking60]

Have the tar.gz of Avast going here now. Extracted it to /home, and we're off and running (sorry, can't stand clamav or klamav). Thanks.

Is it any good? I am thinking of compiling me one myself.

[dedanna1029]

Yep! Used it on Cooker back when I was running it. There may be a thread or two where I posted about it (of course I contribute nothing to "that distro" any more).

[viking60]

Well I managed to compile and install it. Got my key and updated the database. Then it just disappeared, And when I try to restart it, it will not fire. I did not even get the error message that rolf got.
This is on Arch.

[dedanna1029]

Where did you extract it to? I just extract it to /home, and use:

Code: Select all

cd /Extract/avast4workstation-1.3.0/bin
./avastgui

To start it (as regular user).