Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
A-Squared Free 4 is one of the better free malware removers, but it's not flawless and some users question its efficacy.
The program starts off with a sluggish detection file update that also requires a program restart. This took about 10 minutes. Normally, though, it opens to the Security Status page. From there, you can run scans, update the program, access the A-Squared knowledge base, and choose from among 20 display languages. Program options are arranged on the left nav, and they are Security Status, Scan PC, Quarantine, Logs, and Configuration tabs. Scan PC contains four scanning options: Quick, Smart, Deep, and Custom. Quick Scan is the fastest and most superficial, while the Deep Scan can take several hours.
If you choose a scan that examines your cookies, the app will recommend closing your Web browser. Custom not only lets you choose which folders to scan, but also lets you opt out of heuristic, tracking-cookie, and spyware-remnant scans. There is also a whitelist, from where you can add folders or files, which is accessible at the bottom of the main Scan tab panel. The Quarantine tab uses a spreadsheet-style layout to manage isolated files, and the Configuration tab has options for Context menu scans, Update behavior, and Permissions settings. The Quarantine tab has a neat option to rescan quarantined objects after a definition file update.
There's one annoying design quirk: important options like the whitelist are placed in the bottom left of the active panel, making them accessible only by a text link. For a standalone antimalware program that lacks a built-in scheduler and antivirus features, A-Squared Free 4 is a secure choice.
Publisher's Description
From Emsi Software:
Scans your computer for malicious software (Malware), including Trojan Horses, Dialers, Worms, Spyware, and Adware. A-squared Free is specialized in finding and removing them securely. The disk scan checks all files on your system disks for Malware. The scanner scans for Spyware Traces.
What's new in this version: Version 4.5.0.1 features: improved malware detection; scanner fine tuning and bugfixes.
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All versions:
3.8 starsout of 453 votes
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Current version:
4.1 starsout of 38 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"It's free, easy, and does what it says. ?"
Version: A-squared Free 4.5
Pros
I've used this product for several years now, and have never had a problem with it.
Cons
It's a little slow, and uses alot of RAM. It's best to run this when you're not trying to do a whole lot else.
Summary
This program has only a few shortcomings (see above).
I run it weekly, as a backup to other s/w programs I use, and it seems to do a good job. The Quarantine feature works well; it even corrects it's own mistakes!
I wouldn't hesitate in recommending A-squared Free to anyone looking for a safe, reliable, easy to use, and best of all free, program. ? -
"Quite satisfied with this program"
Version: A-squared Free 4.5
Pros
It does exactly what it promises to do and that is "watch my back"...
Of course i use this in conjuction with a number of other security programs.and am satisfied with the job it performs.Cons
Takes time to load and install..
Summary
Overall, the free version is definately an asset available to all users.
Provided that you have substantial Ram and plenty of empty space i have found it works very comfortably in the background.. -
"Very good. Found threats AVG Internet Security missed."
Version: A-squared Free 4.5
Pros
Thorough scan. Free. Finds where others miss. Good at what it does. Good stand alone scanner for use as and when needed.
Cons
No realtime protection, so best used as and when. Not a substitute for commercial alternatives, but does find things that they miss. Can't fault it really.
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"good programe"
Version: A-squared Free 4.5
Pros
this takes out what others miss
Cons
not any i have found
Summary
takes out what others miss. I cannot find anything bad to say about thiss. For free software it is great. A lot of software find things that aren't there. Thiss is a great programe to use and easy. Thanks
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"It's Had It's Day In The Sun"
Version: A-squared Free 4.5
Pros
Free, that's about it.
Cons
WAAAAY Too Slow!
Summary
A-Squared used to be really good, but the past year it went straight downhill. It's just ridiculous now. Takes 20 minutes just to download updates and 3 hours to do a full scan! It didn't used to be that way, but in any case, I got rid of it. I LOVE Malwarebytes and I upgraded to the real-time protection because it's worth the $22.50 and I feel better knowing it's going to stop malware BEFORE it gets on my system. And Malwarebytes can run a full scan in 1hr 12min and a quick scan in 7 minutes! I know which product I prefer.
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"GREAT PROGRAMME"
Version: A-squared Free 4.5
Pros
Free,A very thorough Scanner..Easy to use and understand.I use it as my second Malware programme.A-Squared has a very good forum too.
Cons
No Realtime protection,
but hey! it is free after all.Summary
I downloaded this ages ago and it wasn't so good,but now? A great little programme from the team at A-Squared.Easy to use.Run a thorough deep scan and it found Malware from a game I downloaded in March.Also found Trojan dropper hidden deep in my system.Since that scan a few days ago I ran another one an hour ago and my PC was malware free.
I would recommend this to everyone. -
"Great free software."
Version: A-squared Free 4.5
Pros
It does a great job.
Cons
None that I can think of.
Summary
I've used this for two years with other spyware and virus tools, does fit well with my security tools.
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"Found a virus "AVG" did not tho I run both"
Version: A-squared Free 4.5
Pros
Quality and I am thankful to those who provide it!
Cons
Wish I did not have to manually use it.
Summary
Love it!
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"free, easy to use, great detection."
Version: A-squared Free 4.5
Pros
free, very easy to use, it have a great detection rates.
i use a lot of anti - malware \ spyware \ antivirus.
and its one of the best although its free.
and its compatible with any other security software.Cons
no real time protection.
a bit slow full scan but its worth waitingSummary
a must have program, dont slow or stuck your PC.
but its have to be used along with a real time protection antivirus. -
"best of the best!!!"
Version: A-squared Free 4.5
Pros
through scan make your computer virus free!!!
Cons
none!!! none!!!none!!!
Summary
i used it more for almost a year and its perfect, i run the simultaneously with kaspersky and the same virus detected, perfect!!!
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