- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows 95, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 98
- Date added: March 16, 2003
- Total Downloads: 37,065,053
- Downloads last week: 447,605
- See full specifications
A newer version of Avast 4 Home Edition is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 11687 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
This impressive software provides the same steadfast protection of well-known antivirus programs, yet it's surprisingly free.
Avast Home Edition guards your PC and the network with multiple shields that scan executables and files. You can select parameters for scanning, and even choose wildcards to exclude specific file types. You can adjust the sensitivity level for the program's detectors when it comes to scanning downloaded files, instant messages, e-mails, and a host of P2Ps. Its efficient interface opens up window after window to tweak its settings to your liking, for novice to advanced level protection.
Though it took quite some time to run, we're impressed with this application's boot-time antivirus scan. Fortunately, if you're in a pinch you can bypass it. If malicious contents are detected, Avast comes to the rescue with handy virus cleanup tools. Some decent PC controls are even handed out here. You can block certain URLs and file operations, such as writing to files or even renaming, deleting or formatting them.
With immediate real-time protection, clockwork updates, and much more, this free software is highly regarded in our book.
Watch the CNET video review of Avast 4 Home Edition:
Publisher's description
From Alwil Software :Avast 4 Home Edition is a complete ICSA-certified antivirus package for home noncommercial use. Avast Home Edition includes On-Demand Scanner with a skinnable simple interface. Just select what you want to scan and press the Play button. On-Access Scanner does resident scanning of all files being opened, read, and written, and the behavior blocker monitors for dangerous actions of viruses. E-mail Scanner easily integrates with most mail clients and it checks both incoming and outgoing mail. It provides heuristic analysis of mail content to protect against new worms. Boot-Time Scanner scans disks in the same way and in the same time as Windows CHKDSK. With Explorer Scanner, you can right-click on the object to scan it. Screensaver Scanner integrates with your screensaver to scan your PC during your coffee breaks. Virus Chest is a safety isolated folder to store infected, suspicious files. The true incremental updates are based on iAVS technology and are available for virus definition file update and for program upgrade. You can download and install updates by clicking on the iAVS icon. It can be checked and done automatically when you are online. The update files are available at least twice a week and are automatically downloaded, installed, and loaded to Avast without restart or logoff. Program upgrades are available and are incremental.
More popular Antivirus Software downloads
- 2,419,238 downloads 1. AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
- 978,690 downloads 2. Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus
- 758,464 downloads 3. Avast Home Edition - Free Antivirus
- 92,483 downloads 4. Avast Professional Edition
- 42,455 downloads 5. AVG Anti-Virus
- See all Antivirus Software downloads
User reviews of Avast 4 Home Edition 4.0.172
Write your own review Be the first one to review Avast 4 Home Edition 4.0.172 and share your experience with the CNET community!
Submit your review
Previous Versions:
