Editors' Review
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Avast Free Antivirus 2015 has added utilities to an already comprehensive set of security tools. The new Smart Scan detects vulnerabilities in your home network, checks for program updates, and fixes PC performance issues with just one click. Avast continues to improve its anti-malware protection, as well as making it easier to manage security for multiple devices via the Web client.
Pros
Prevention is the best medicine: Avast Free Antivirus' new Smart Scan scours your system looking for viruses and exploits. It also finds software updates for installed programs, checks the security of your connected network, and determines whether you can change anything to improve your PC's performance. This one convenient scan checks all the places where contemporary malware lurks, like unpatched exploits found in out-of-date applications and lax in-home network security.
Security that goes with you: The My Avast online console has been improved, allowing you to easily install Avast from any computer, without having to dig around for the license key. Secure HTTPS Scan prevents cunning phishing attacks that redirect your browser from trusted websites to compromised ones. Secure Line VPN is a built-in VPN client that is easy to set up, with reliable service and speed to ensure you're safe online, even when connecting to public Wi-Fi hotspots in coffee shops, hotels, or airports.
Effortless installation: This year's Avast Free Antivirus features the same speedy installation as the last edition. You can customize your protection and program options, but the express setup -- including the initial scan -- took less than a couple minutes in our tests.
Cons
Improvement is still the goal: In tests by independent security lab AV-Comparatives, Avast has drifted down the ranks in terms of detection compared to last year. That is not to say its antivirus protection is unreliable -- Avast's antivirus engine still beats most competitors -- but this year a few competitors score more highly.
Short VPN trial: Most users won't know if the VPN service is suitable for them after just a three-day trial period.
Free but not entirely: Avast touts some impressive tools in its free antivirus app, but unfortunately most of these utilities have their full functionality locked behind a paywall. AccessAnywhere, a remote-access client that could help IT-savvy users troubleshoot problems remotely, requires an Avast Premier license. Grimefighter, an optimization tool, scans for performance-impacting issues and prompts you for a subscription payment without disclosing the exact details of its findings.
Bottom Line
Avast Free Antivirus' 2015 updates continue to set the app apart -- it's not just an antivirus program; it's a complete security kit with prevention tools and an all-encompassing scan engine. While Smart Scan will go a long way to prevent problems and the antivirus engine is solid, Avast could stand to refocus its efforts on virus detection. And with most of its features locked behind a subscription, Avast Free Antivirus will identify troubles in your system for free but will fix only some of them.
Publisher's Description
+Home Network Security: Scans your network and routers for potential issues to help prevent attacks.
Antivirus and Anti-malware: Avast sends out automatic VirusLab updates throughout each day to make sure your protection if fully up-to-date.
Browser Cleanup: Avast Browser Cleanup removes annoying toolbars and search settings, allowing you to choose the settings you want.
SmartScan: With just one click, you can scan for viruses, software updates, network problems, and performance issues.
Core Protective Features and Technologies: Antivirus & antispyware, Home Security Network, HTTPS scanning, SmartScan, Software Updater.
What's new in this version:
This is a maintenance release.
