avast! 4 Server Edition

Name: avast! 4 Server Edition
Availability: Discontinued
Author: AVAST Software

avast! 4 Server Edition was antivirus software designed for Windows server environments, covering Windows NT 4.0 through Windows Server 2003. Published by ALWIL Software (later Avast), it provided real time file scanning, scheduled system scans, and centralized update distribution for small business networks.

What it did

The resident scanner monitored all file operations on the server in real time, catching malware as files were read or written. A mail scanner plugin checked SMTP and POP3 traffic for infected attachments. The command-line scanner (ashCmd.exe) allowed automated scans from batch scripts and scheduled tasks.

For multi-server environments, the Push Update feature let one machine download virus definitions and distribute them to others over the local network. The Notification Manager sent email or syslog alerts when threats were detected.

Advantages

Purpose-built for server workloads with minimal performance impact
Command-line scanner for scripted automation
Network-based update distribution saved bandwidth
Boot-time scan caught rootkits before Windows loaded

Drawbacks

Virus definitions stopped updating in January 2017
Only supports Windows Server 2003 and older
No protection against modern threats
Avast Business Antivirus or Windows Defender are current replacements

Who it was for

This was for small businesses running Windows Server 2003 file servers who needed antivirus without the cost of enterprise solutions. With virus definitions frozen since 2017 and the target OS long past end of life, it provides no meaningful protection today. Any current server antivirus (ESET, Bitdefender GravityZone, or the built-in Windows Defender) is the correct choice now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was avast! 4 Server Edition?

Antivirus software by ALWIL Software designed for Windows Server NT 4.0 through Server 2003. It provided real time scanning, mail protection, and centralized update distribution for small business networks.

Is avast! 4 Server Edition still safe to use?

No. Virus definitions stopped updating in January 2017. It provides no protection against current threats and should be replaced with modern server antivirus.

What replaced avast! 4 Server Edition?

Avast Business Antivirus is the successor from the same vendor. Alternatives include ESET Endpoint Protection, Bitdefender GravityZone, and the built-in Windows Defender on modern Windows Server.

Features & How-To Guide

#	Feature	How to use
1	Real-time server protection	After installation, resident protection runs automatically › Monitors files being read and written.
2	Automatic virus database update	Settings › Update › Automatic updates › Set frequency (every 4 hours by default).
3	On-demand server scanning	Scan › Full System Scan or Custom Scan › Select drives/folders › Start.
4	Threat notification	Settings › Notification Manager › Set up email/syslog alerts when a virus is detected.
5	Email server scanning	Settings › Resident Protection › Mail Scanner › Enable SMTP/POP3 scanning.
6	System startup scanning	Scan › Schedule boot-time scan › Restart the server › Scanning occurs before Windows loads.
7	Network update distribution	Settings › Push Update › Specify a network folder › Other stations download the update from there.
8	Command-line scanner	Run ashCmd.exe with parameters (e.g. ashCmd /path /scan) to scan from scripts.