The new version of Avast! antivirus offers excellent protection and includes a couple of interesting tools. Firefox might need some tweaking to make the fonts look right.

Avast! Version 8 now available

My two favourite free antivirus programs are Microsoft Security Essentials (http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/mse.aspx) and Avast! Free Antivirus (http://www.avast.com/en-ca/index). Both offer effective protection while taking up a minimum of system resources.

Photo: Contributed

Avast! released their new version 8 last weekend, and it’s very impressive. They’ve completely overhauled the interface, and it’s very easy to see what’s going on. In addition to the same excellent protection as in version 7, Avast! has added a Software Update to keep track of updates to many major programs including Java, Adobe FlashPlayer, and Adobe Reader.

They have also added a toolbar cleaner. If you are tired of those mystery toolbars and don’t know how to get rid of them, this tool may help you. I advise you to be a little cautious with that, though. I tested it last weekend, and found it a little too aggressive in that it insisted on removing a browser add-in that I want while also removing an unwanted one. This tool either needs a little more work or we users need a little more understanding of how to use it!

If you are using Avast! 7, you’ll be prompted to update to the new version. Don’t click on Upgrade. Upgrade gets you the paid version. Look for Update. If you’re using something else or if you don’t want to wait for the prompt, you can download version 8 here: http://www.avast.com/en-ca/index. Version 8 is smart enough to remove version 7 of Avast! but if you are using a different antivirus program, you need to completely uninstall that before you install Avast!.

In either case, I recommend a Custom installation. If you choose Express, you’re going to get either Google Chrome or Google Drive or both along with your antivirus. Keep choosing the free product and keep choosing Custom for best results.

And no matter what antivirus program you use, don’t forget to configure it so it is most effective and convenient for you!

Firefox font issues can be fixed

I have always liked Firefox better than Internet Explorer, and I think is has Chrome beat six ways to Sunday. But from time to time it can exhibit annoying behaviours. One such problem is weird-looking fonts.

A long-time reader named Rod solved his own problem and wrote to share the solution with others. He would occasionally encounter a page where text would overlap or a “Next” button would be missing. Here’s how he solved it:

While in FF I pressed Alt to bring up the tools bar then I did the following:

• tools
• options
• content
• fonts and colors (advanced)
• changed minimum font from 14 to 12
• FIXED!!

Other folks have experienced a problem with blurry fonts in Firefox after recent updates. There is a fix for that, too:

• Open Firefox
• In the address bar, type about:config
• Press Enter
• Take responsibility for the warning
• In the Search box on the about:config page, type gfx.content.azure.enabled
• Double-click on the search result to change the preference to false
• Restart Firefox

Your fonts should look clear and crisp again.

Do you need help with your computer? I'm here to help you and your home or business computer get along!

Cate Eales runs Computer Care Kelowna (http://computercarekelowna.com/) a mobile service helping home users and businesses get along with their computers. To arrange an appointment phone her at 250-764-7043. Cate also welcomes your comments and suggestions. Send email to help@computercarekelowna.com.

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