Avast! offered a program update!

PCR wrote:
On my Win98SE with avast! Home Edition v.4.8.1335 after my automatic
virus definition updates-- avast! offered to update its program! Why?
I thought they were dropping us by the end of year? I'll probably
take it in later tonight.

Won't an old version of Norton still work?
A version like 2002 or 2003 after you finish the updating?
Buffalo

MEB wrote:
PCR wrote:
MEB wrote:
PCR wrote:
square/circle wrote:
MEB wrote:
PCR wrote:
On my Win98SE with avast! Home Edition v.4.8.1335 after my
automatic virus definition updates-- avast! offered to update
its program! Why? I thought they were dropping us by the end of
year? I'll probably take it in later tonight.


As far as I can tell, that is still the case. Why wouldn't you
expect a program update, did you forget the flurry of updates
just prior to the EOL for 98?
There are other OSs running that version, so they also got the
update...

Hello all,,

Yes, they are dropping it. I wrote to them over a week ago on
another matter and also queried the 'drop' date and why they were
doing it. It has much to do with the engine and other technical
jargon, but either way, they are killing it.
That's another nail in the coffin of my hopes! Did they say whether
avast! would continue to run but just not update definitions? MEB
has speculated it will refuse to run altogether at the next update
of definitions.
I would think that a few might be offered after EOS, but version 4
will be replaced with a strictly NT and BeOS/*nix/Linux/MAC version
5 which will change the procedures. On the other hand, since the
system and files are checked prior to update, a simple kill could
be easily placed. My prior PAID version of another Anti-V did
exactly that, a thirty day grace with an auto kill afterwards...

No, I meant -- after they discontinue support for Win98 -- I think
you speculated the next update attempt of virus definitions might
cause avast! to cease to function. But auto-updates of defs can be
turned off to prevent that when the time comes. OTOH, they could
cause it to cease another way. Maybe they're checking for that
updates expiration date all the time (shown in its About box). Mine
is Nov. 1, 2009. Hmm, that's even quicker! But will the program
cease to function or just the updates? I see square/circle is
willing to ask.

Oh I knew what you meant. Using my prior paid version as example,
IIRC the kill date had been implemented one or two versions and
multiple sub-versions before the end, it literally wouldn't run [hard
coded physical time as in the actual date, which was BEFORE
subscription end - they directed to the XP version]... the updates
would only install in the newer versions and the download versions
couldn't be used [format change], so essentially it was a year or so
before... or use a version which was so outdated it was useless and
not upgradeable...

Maybe Alwil has other plans...

Right. It's wait & see.

You aren't seriously considering using an outdated AV are you?

Well -- if it functions -- it still can continue to test for the myriad
of viruses & trojans I've never caught. Also, it might have some
heuristics for new ones. Finally, there might be something I can do with
the Blocker tab at the Resident Task Settings requestor. That will I
think cause a requestor to open whenever certain file operations are
attempted like opening a file for writing. It seems drastic, but I'd
only do it while online.


If it runs, I might try something with the Blocker tab in
the Resident Task Settings requestor.

I also wrote to 'Eset Nod32', regarding whether it will still
support 98 and how much it would cost just for the AV; no reply
so far. (I am trying to find one in readiness for when Avast
stops)

S/C

--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
Should things get worse after this,
PCR

Buffalo wrote:
PCR wrote:
On my Win98SE with avast! Home Edition v.4.8.1335 after my automatic
virus definition updates-- avast! offered to update its program! Why?
I thought they were dropping us by the end of year? I'll probably
take it in later tonight.

Won't an old version of Norton still work?
A version like 2002 or 2003 after you finish the updating?
Buffalo

I've grown accustomed to avast! now. I've heard the earlier versions of
Norton were better than the monstrous final version. But can one still
update the earlier version even just up to a certain point? And avast!
may have other useful if cumbersome & drastic abilities.


--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
Should things get worse after this,
PCR

PCR wrote:
MEB wrote:
PCR wrote:
MEB wrote:
PCR wrote:
square/circle wrote:
MEB wrote:
PCR wrote:
On my Win98SE with avast! Home Edition v.4.8.1335 after my
automatic virus definition updates-- avast! offered to update
its program! Why? I thought they were dropping us by the end of
year? I'll probably take it in later tonight.


As far as I can tell, that is still the case. Why wouldn't you
expect a program update, did you forget the flurry of updates
just prior to the EOL for 98?
There are other OSs running that version, so they also got the
update...

Hello all,,

Yes, they are dropping it. I wrote to them over a week ago on
another matter and also queried the 'drop' date and why they were
doing it. It has much to do with the engine and other technical
jargon, but either way, they are killing it.
That's another nail in the coffin of my hopes! Did they say whether
avast! would continue to run but just not update definitions? MEB
has speculated it will refuse to run altogether at the next update
of definitions.
I would think that a few might be offered after EOS, but version 4
will be replaced with a strictly NT and BeOS/*nix/Linux/MAC version
5 which will change the procedures. On the other hand, since the
system and files are checked prior to update, a simple kill could
be easily placed. My prior PAID version of another Anti-V did
exactly that, a thirty day grace with an auto kill afterwards...
No, I meant -- after they discontinue support for Win98 -- I think
you speculated the next update attempt of virus definitions might
cause avast! to cease to function. But auto-updates of defs can be
turned off to prevent that when the time comes. OTOH, they could
cause it to cease another way. Maybe they're checking for that
updates expiration date all the time (shown in its About box). Mine
is Nov. 1, 2009. Hmm, that's even quicker! But will the program
cease to function or just the updates? I see square/circle is
willing to ask.
Oh I knew what you meant. Using my prior paid version as example,
IIRC the kill date had been implemented one or two versions and
multiple sub-versions before the end, it literally wouldn't run [hard
coded physical time as in the actual date, which was BEFORE
subscription end - they directed to the XP version]... the updates
would only install in the newer versions and the download versions
couldn't be used [format change], so essentially it was a year or so
before... or use a version which was so outdated it was useless and
not upgradeable...

Maybe Alwil has other plans...

Right. It's wait & see.

You aren't seriously considering using an outdated AV are you?

Well -- if it functions -- it still can continue to test for the myriad
of viruses & trojans I've never caught. Also, it might have some
heuristics for new ones. Finally, there might be something I can do with
the Blocker tab at the Resident Task Settings requestor. That will I
think cause a requestor to open whenever certain file operations are
attempted like opening a file for writing. It seems drastic, but I'd
only do it while online.

Hmm, I sure wouldn't recommend that to anyone, things are changing too
rapidly. Hopefully S/C comes up with something concrete...


If it runs, I might try something with the Blocker tab in
the Resident Task Settings requestor.

I also wrote to 'Eset Nod32', regarding whether it will still
support 98 and how much it would cost just for the AV; no reply
so far. (I am trying to find one in readiness for when Avast
stops)

S/C



--
MEB
Windows Networking, Diagnostics, and other materials
http://peoplescounsel.org/ref/windows-main.htm
The "real world" of Law, Justice, and government
http://peoplescounsel.org
-------

MEB wrote:
PCR wrote:
MEB wrote:
PCR wrote:
MEB wrote:
PCR wrote:
square/circle wrote:
MEB wrote:
PCR wrote:
On my Win98SE with avast! Home Edition v.4.8.1335 after my
automatic virus definition updates-- avast! offered to update
its program! Why? I thought they were dropping us by the end
of year? I'll probably take it in later tonight.


As far as I can tell, that is still the case. Why wouldn't you
expect a program update, did you forget the flurry of updates
just prior to the EOL for 98?
There are other OSs running that version, so they also got the
update...

Hello all,,

Yes, they are dropping it. I wrote to them over a week ago on
another matter and also queried the 'drop' date and why they
were doing it. It has much to do with the engine and other
technical jargon, but either way, they are killing it.
That's another nail in the coffin of my hopes! Did they say
whether avast! would continue to run but just not update
definitions? MEB has speculated it will refuse to run altogether
at the next update of definitions.
I would think that a few might be offered after EOS, but version
4 will be replaced with a strictly NT and BeOS/*nix/Linux/MAC
version 5 which will change the procedures. On the other hand,
since the system and files are checked prior to update, a simple
kill could be easily placed. My prior PAID version of another
Anti-V did exactly that, a thirty day grace with an auto kill
afterwards...
No, I meant -- after they discontinue support for Win98 -- I think
you speculated the next update attempt of virus definitions might
cause avast! to cease to function. But auto-updates of defs can be
turned off to prevent that when the time comes. OTOH, they could
cause it to cease another way. Maybe they're checking for that
updates expiration date all the time (shown in its About box). Mine
is Nov. 1, 2009. Hmm, that's even quicker! But will the program
cease to function or just the updates? I see square/circle is
willing to ask.
Oh I knew what you meant. Using my prior paid version as example,
IIRC the kill date had been implemented one or two versions and
multiple sub-versions before the end, it literally wouldn't run
[hard coded physical time as in the actual date, which was BEFORE
subscription end - they directed to the XP version]... the updates
would only install in the newer versions and the download versions
couldn't be used [format change], so essentially it was a year or so
before... or use a version which was so outdated it was useless and
not upgradeable...

Maybe Alwil has other plans...

Right. It's wait & see.

You aren't seriously considering using an outdated AV are you?

Well -- if it functions -- it still can continue to test for the
myriad of viruses & trojans I've never caught. Also, it might have
some heuristics for new ones. Finally, there might be something I
can do with the Blocker tab at the Resident Task Settings requestor.
That will I think cause a requestor to open whenever certain file
operations are attempted like opening a file for writing. It seems
drastic, but I'd only do it while online.

Hmm, I sure wouldn't recommend that to anyone, things are changing
too rapidly. Hopefully S/C comes up with something concrete...

I've got my eyes & ears open for S/C's next words. Failing anything
turns up, I guess I'd increase my internet zone from medium to high
safety & take other precautions. Also, I'd create a second, bootable
partition that never or very rarely will be connected to the internet.


If it runs, I might try something with the Blocker tab in
the Resident Task Settings requestor.

I also wrote to 'Eset Nod32', regarding whether it will still
support 98 and how much it would cost just for the AV; no reply
so far. (I am trying to find one in readiness for when Avast
stops)

S/C

--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
Should things get worse after this,
PCR

PCR wrote:
MEB wrote:
PCR wrote:
MEB wrote:
PCR wrote:
MEB wrote:
PCR wrote:
square/circle wrote:
MEB wrote:
PCR wrote:
On my Win98SE with avast! Home Edition v.4.8.1335 after my
automatic virus definition updates-- avast! offered to update
its program! Why? I thought they were dropping us by the end
of year? I'll probably take it in later tonight.


As far as I can tell, that is still the case. Why wouldn't you
expect a program update, did you forget the flurry of updates
just prior to the EOL for 98?
There are other OSs running that version, so they also got the
update...

Hello all,,

Yes, they are dropping it. I wrote to them over a week ago on
another matter and also queried the 'drop' date and why they
were doing it. It has much to do with the engine and other
technical jargon, but either way, they are killing it.
That's another nail in the coffin of my hopes! Did they say
whether avast! would continue to run but just not update
definitions? MEB has speculated it will refuse to run altogether
at the next update of definitions.
I would think that a few might be offered after EOS, but version
4 will be replaced with a strictly NT and BeOS/*nix/Linux/MAC
version 5 which will change the procedures. On the other hand,
since the system and files are checked prior to update, a simple
kill could be easily placed. My prior PAID version of another
Anti-V did exactly that, a thirty day grace with an auto kill
afterwards...
No, I meant -- after they discontinue support for Win98 -- I think
you speculated the next update attempt of virus definitions might
cause avast! to cease to function. But auto-updates of defs can be
turned off to prevent that when the time comes. OTOH, they could
cause it to cease another way. Maybe they're checking for that
updates expiration date all the time (shown in its About box). Mine
is Nov. 1, 2009. Hmm, that's even quicker! But will the program
cease to function or just the updates? I see square/circle is
willing to ask.
Oh I knew what you meant. Using my prior paid version as example,
IIRC the kill date had been implemented one or two versions and
multiple sub-versions before the end, it literally wouldn't run
[hard coded physical time as in the actual date, which was BEFORE
subscription end - they directed to the XP version]... the updates
would only install in the newer versions and the download versions
couldn't be used [format change], so essentially it was a year or so
before... or use a version which was so outdated it was useless and
not upgradeable...

Maybe Alwil has other plans...
Right. It's wait & see.

You aren't seriously considering using an outdated AV are you?
Well -- if it functions -- it still can continue to test for the
myriad of viruses & trojans I've never caught. Also, it might have
some heuristics for new ones. Finally, there might be something I
can do with the Blocker tab at the Resident Task Settings requestor.
That will I think cause a requestor to open whenever certain file
operations are attempted like opening a file for writing. It seems
drastic, but I'd only do it while online.
Hmm, I sure wouldn't recommend that to anyone, things are changing
too rapidly. Hopefully S/C comes up with something concrete...

I've got my eyes & ears open for S/C's next words. Failing anything
turns up, I guess I'd increase my internet zone from medium to high
safety & take other precautions. Also, I'd create a second, bootable
partition that never or very rarely will be connected to the internet.

You're still at medium for Internet Zone? Am I not remembering
correctly or didn't an update or two from Microsoft place IE [and
subsequently OE] in High Safety [or was that just a recommendation]?

As an aside, S/C requested help with the setup of Kerio PF [perhaps you
noticed], I thought you and I might collaborate with some
recommendations as you have or had NetZero, and the conf I intend to use
was for AOL. Apparently a phone line ISP will be used, so between the
two they might give indication of the various styles or rules that might
apply. We did indicate a few years ago we might re-address the issue.
S/C is helping you and I am willing to help with the setup [you can
likely provide a more measured idea, whereas mine might be over-kill to
most].
Are you game if Kerio is used? [the computer was apparently going to be
taken to a local computer guy for some issues, that may be the present
delay]


If it runs, I might try something with the Blocker tab in
the Resident Task Settings requestor.

I also wrote to 'Eset Nod32', regarding whether it will still
support 98 and how much it would cost just for the AV; no reply
so far. (I am trying to find one in readiness for when Avast
stops)

S/C

--
MEB
Windows Networking, Diagnostics, and other materials
http://peoplescounsel.org/ref/windows-main.htm
The "real world" of Law, Justice, and government
http://peoplescounsel.org
-------

PCR wrote:
philo wrote:
PCR wrote:
On my Win98SE with avast! Home Edition v.4.8.1335 after my automatic
virus definition updates-- avast! offered to update its program!
Why? I thought they were dropping us by the end of year? I'll
probably take it in later tonight.



If Avast is dropping support for win98 at the end of the year
why are you surprised that you can still get an update in August?

That's pretty close. Would you update a program -- I'm not talking about
virus definitions -- 4 months before it is defunct? But you & MEB have
dashed my hopes. Nevertheless, shortly I will take the update.

LOL


i gotta be quick, is real late. i got the new engine update 4 days ago,
forgot to mention that before.

S/C

square/circle wrote:
PCR wrote:
philo wrote:
PCR wrote:
On my Win98SE with avast! Home Edition v.4.8.1335 after my
automatic virus definition updates-- avast! offered to update its
program! Why? I thought they were dropping us by the end of year?
I'll probably take it in later tonight.



If Avast is dropping support for win98 at the end of the year
why are you surprised that you can still get an update in August?

That's pretty close. Would you update a program -- I'm not talking
about virus definitions -- 4 months before it is defunct? But you &
MEB have dashed my hopes. Nevertheless, shortly I will take the
update.

LOL


i gotta be quick, is real late. i got the new engine update 4 days
ago, forgot to mention that before.

You beat me to it, then. Probably, I'll take it tonight for sure. I
think I'll go to the site & try to find a complete download instead of
just clicking to update.

I wonder have you checked at... avast! Settings, Update (Connections)...
to see whether you are set right? I know you are having Internet time
out problems in another thread, but they started a month ago before you
took this update. Anyhow... since you are DialUp like me, you should be
checked "I only connect to the Internet using a dial-up modem" there.
Also, click the Proxy button. Mine is bolted "Auto detect (use Internet
Explorer settings)". What happens when you click the "Test connection"
button? Also, do this...

Optimization for dial-up connections

If you use dial-up connection only, there's another way to detect if the
computer is connected to the Internet or not. avast! can elicit the
connection status from the modem status - so it will NOT ping our
servers every 40 seconds. To set avast! this way, follow these steps:

a. In Notepad, open the file AVAST4.INI
(C:\PROGRAM FILES\ALWIL SOFTWARE\AVAST4\DATA)
b. Find section [InetWD]. If this section doesn´t exist, create it.
c. Into this section insert this row:
UseRAS=1
d. Save the file and restart your computer.

After that, check SpyBot's myriad settings to be sure nothing in there
is doing it. I may download & re-install SpyBot, myself, now that avast!
appears to be terminating. Zabcar knows everything in the world about
modems. Stick with him for that. The Registry keys he posted to you seem
to be what I've got too. I know you already are investigating the URLs
MEB posted & are searching for PA Bear's Antartic cave where he has
entered an early hibernation! Good luck!

S/C

--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
Should things get worse after this,
PCR

i gotta be quick, is real late. i got the new engine update 4 days
ago, forgot to mention that before.

You beat me to it, then. Probably, I'll take it tonight for sure. I
think I'll go to the site & try to find a complete download instead of
just clicking to update.

I wonder have you checked at... avast! Settings, Update (Connections)...
to see whether you are set right?
----------------

No, I hadnt ever done that before, but since reading what you just said,
I have found::
1)Both the boxes in the first diag-box are un-ticked(but it must have
been like this for 5yrs)
2)In the Proxy area I have AutoDetect ticked.
--------

I know you are having Internet time
out problems in another thread, but they started a month ago before you
took this update. Anyhow... since you are DialUp like me, you should be
checked "I only connect to the Internet using a dial-up modem" there.
Also, click the Proxy button. Mine is bolted "Auto detect (use Internet
Explorer settings)". What happens when you click the "Test connection"
button? Also, do this...

Optimization for dial-up connections
-----
????? is that in the Avast area?? or are you relating to
the next part of instructions
-----

If you use dial-up connection only, there's another way to detect if the
computer is connected to the Internet or not. avast! can elicit the
connection status from the modem status - so it will NOT ping our
servers every 40 seconds. To set avast! this way, follow these steps:

a. In Notepad, open the file AVAST4.INI
(C:\PROGRAM FILES\ALWIL SOFTWARE\AVAST4\DATA)
b. Find section [InetWD]. If this section doesn´t exist, create it.
c. Into this section insert this row:
UseRAS=1
d. Save the file and restart your computer.
-------------

Yes, it is there, and its:: UseRAS=0 and, under the same initWD is
this:: AssumeAlwaysConnected=0

I dont want to change these right now because I dont want to reboot, I
only just got back on the net after yet again being suspended. (have
just posted again to Franc regarding this and attached the modem log of
which shows my disconnect and some sort of error 24... if you'd like to
look at it.

--------------------

After that, check SpyBot's myriad settings to be sure nothing in there
is doing it. I may download & re-install SpyBot, myself, now that avast!
appears to be terminating.
-----------------

Do you know of any other anti-spyware programs that still include 98?
Even Super-Ant gave me the flick a couple of months ago; and lets not
even go into Adaware. I guess I am like you, only have SpyBot and
Avast. Oops, thats a lie, I also have SpywareBlaster, but the updates
only come about every 2-3weeks, and even then there arent many.

---------------
Zabcar knows everything in the world about
modems.
----------

Yes, I found that out,, he is definately da-modem-man.


Stick with him for that. The Registry keys he posted to you seem
to be what I've got too. I know you already are investigating the URLs
MEB posted & are searching for PA Bear's Antartic cave where he has
entered an early hibernation! Good luck!
----------

I found a folder on my BookMarks in F/F called Forums, I have heaps and
heaps stashed there,, so it was my bad in not using them.

S/C

ps, sorry I took so long to get back,, guess I have been fussing with
the modem too much at the moment.

Did they say whether
avast! would continue to run but just not update definitions? \

Yuck! That letter sounded fairly definitive! Yea, go ahead & ask whether
the program stops working altogether or whether it's just definition &
program updates that stop. Thanks.

Sorry for lateness,, Am sure I will get a reply real soon.

S/C