FAQ: Free AOL/Kaspersky Active Virus Shield

[Schadenfroh]

Originally posted by: BoberFett
Running it on a couple computers, I've gotten it on both of them. I think maybe the contract AOL had with Kaspersky is up.

http://www.activevirusshield.c...irus/freeav/index.adp?

Time to find new virus software. I won't let McAfee anywhere near my system.

Look into Antivir Personal Classic, ~10mb memory use with real-time protection enabled, just as high of a detection rate as Kaspersky and AntiVir Personal Classic is free to home users:
Detection Rate Thread

While it has excellent real-time protection, it does lack pop3 scanning. If anything tries to execute, the real-time protection will most likely catch it (assuming it is running & configured properly & the main program can detect it).

A a limited user account and a properly updated system (check for various program updates with Secunia) can go a long way in preventing exploits from hitting you.

You can have the full protection of AntiVir Personal Premium Edition (including the pop3 email scanning) of one of the best antivirus products in the industry (see detection rate tests here) for less than $30.

 

[SunnyD]

The problem with AntiVir in my opinion is that it doesn't do email scanning on the PE edition.

 

[ManBearPig]

Originally posted by: John
To force the Kaspersky download servers instead of AOL's add this to your hosts file:
127.0.0.1 download.newaol.com

how can you add this? like in what part of the file, any examples please?

thanks!

 

[John]

Default paths to hosts file:

Vista = C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC
XP = C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC
2K = C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC
98/ME = C:\WINDOWS

Open it with notepad, then read the info in the hosts file and you'll figure out where to place the info.

Example:

127.0.0.1 localhost
127.0.0.1 download.newaol.com

 

[rrp]

John,

I have downloaded AVS_v25. Could you please send me activation code (key)?

email:- patil.rr@indiatimes.com

regards and thanks

RRP

 

[rubyrod]

Hi John,

Joined the forums to say thanks for the AVS workaround for the host and config files. Currently, works like a charm. Been using the product for quite a while now and love its simplicity.
But now I am wondering what's going to happen when my license key expires. It says that it will cease to update but since we have changed the update path will that allow us to continue to use the product with updates or is there something in the program itself that will stop functioning?

ruby

PS - I didn't choose the avatar but it looks surprisingly like me only darker... LOL

 

[John]

Welcome to AnandTech, and you're welcome.

When your current activation code expires you can go to Service -> Support -> click License info -> delete your current code -> add the new code for another year of service.

 

[rubyrod]

Want to thank you John for the help, all the posted info and the "extra" effort. Unfortunately, the license keys that were available seem to not respond anymore. I had one from May in my email that I received after a reformat/reinstall of the app that didn't work and the one I "recently" received also doesn't seem to work. Something about server dates and such; couldn't find a solution so I installed AntiVir...
But I really miss my AVS...
I keep the installer, though, in hopes that 1 day we can reinstall... but right now I hate AOL more than before (which was extensive when they were my DSL provider in the states). Unscrupulous crooks and deceptive to the core!
Anyway, thanks again,
ruby

 

[lusher]

Antivir (free) is nice but it's annoying during updates.

For freeware only setups for novices, I'm currently recommending AVG or AVAST with either Comodo Boclean or CyberHawk/ThreatFire to shore up defenses.

 

[gigasmurf]

John, would you please send me a new activation code? Mine was working but then I reinstalled my OS and now I receive the response, "Request incorrect key data" whenever I attempt to activate.

my email addy is, gigasmurfn@gmail.com

Also, what is the significance of modifying the "HOSTS" file?

Thanks.

giga

 

[John]

Originally posted by: gigasmurf
John, would you please send me a new activation code? Mine was working but then I reinstalled my OS and now I receive the response, "Request incorrect key data" whenever I attempt to activate.

I don't believe that is an activation code problem. Unfortunately a lot of us are receiving that exact error, or one that relates to incorrect server date/time, and it appears to be on KAV/AOL's end.

 

[Poohbee]

I get the same error when I try to activate my copy of AVS. I think they AOL/Kaspersky shut down new activations.