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CNET Editors' review
Avast Free 5, an A-list freeware antivirus app, provides the same steadfast protection of well-known, pricier antivirus programs. Avast is remarkable for both its effectiveness and arguably providing the most complete free antivirus on the market.
Avast Free 5, formerly known as the Home Edition, protects you with multiple guards. The antivirus, antispyware, and heuristics engines form a security core that also includes multiple real-time shields. The adjustable mail and file system shields join the pre-existing behavior, network, instant messaging, peer-to-peer, and Web shields. The behavioral shield is a common-sense feature, as security software publishers leverage their large user bases to detect threats early and warn others. Other new features include a silent-gaming mode and an "intelligent scanner" that only looks at changed files after establishing a baseline. The biggest change in Avast 5, though, is the interface. Gone is the music player default look, which was skinnable but confusing. In its place is a sleek UI that new users should find far more manageable. It's also Aero-friendly, with Explorer-style navigation buttons in case you can't remember where you tweaked a particular setting.
Avast's recent independent third-party testing has been notably solid, able to hold its own against better-known programs from Symantec and Microsoft. Avast 5 Free lacks features in the paid upgrade including antispam measures, a testing sandbox, a Script shield, and a firewall. Even without those, Avast Free 5 is probably the strongest, free antivirus currently available.
Avast 8 fixes browsers, out-of-date apps:Publisher's Description
From AVAST Software:
Avast Free Antivirus is based on multiple protective layers that work together to provide security. The product is designed for the average consumer who wants easy-to-use protection for basic email and web surfing. It is limited to home and non-commercial users. New features match top detection with increased efficiency. Computer memory requirements for the new antivirus and antispyware engine have been cut in half. Scanning is 40 percent faster, saving both time and computer resources. Complete rootkit protection includes real-time detection to ward off initial installation, on-demand scanning and boot-time scans. The user friendly 5.0 has a new interface with easy-to-adjust settings, a context-sensitive help menu and graphs showing ongoing protection activities. Users can set the time and conditions for complete scans, with avast even waking up their computer from hibernation for midnight scans before putting it back to bed. Multiple shields prevent the spread of malware via email by checking incoming and outgoing emails for suspect content, identify malware by its anticipated behavior or by looking out for unusual activity and attempts at system modifications.
What's new in this version:
- improved interaction with Windows System Restore; namely, avast now auto repairs itself when it detects a corrupted VPS due to a System Restore (or other reasons)
- aswSP.sys: solved a minor stability issue
- solved a problem related to inserting of the license files
- added the activation code feature
- solved a problem when avast was progressively slowing down (especially in conjunction with the screensaver)
- performance improvements in the Behavior ... See all new features
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All versions:
4.5 starsout of 24,263 votes
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Current version:
4.2 starsout of 377 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Works great"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.594.100712
Pros
It has real-time protection, when Tagged was plagued with viruses, it stopped them BEFORE they got in my computer by closing the webpage instantly and letting me know that a threat was detected.
Cons
Can't put WildTangent games on my pc, not even from a disc. It thinks they are a virus. Maybe they have adware in there?
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"Works and stays invisible. What more could you ask?"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.594.100712
Pros
In the two years since I changed from AVG I have never had a conflict or error of any type. It takes up few resources and works effectively. The cool icon is better than AVG too.
Cons
While database updates are automatic, program updates can sometimes require manual action which can interrupt your work though this is very rare.
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"I love the software and i would recommend it to anyone"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.594.100712
Pros
Its always up to date
Cons
there isn't anything that i don't like about it. I would recommend it to my friends
Summary
It prevents my computer from getting any viruses. And i like that you can do a boot scan with this software
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"I tried avast free antivirus, couldn't believe quality!"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.594.100712
Pros
After current antivirus I had used for years doubled their price, a friend suggested trying avast. I did, and never looked back. It's that good! It keeps my computer in great shape. Frankly, I'm sold. Best antivirus I've ever used.
Cons
You may laugh, but I'm sitting here trying to think of something I don't like about Avast Antivirus. I can honestly say from my heart, I can not think of one single thing. Unless "free" and top notch is bad!
Summary
The avast antivirus has always been good. However, with this last update, it is even better, and more simple to use than ever. The protection is unreal, and they keep me secure with out worry. Plus, one thing I've really noticed, is my computer speed after the last update. I try to keep my computer in great shape every day, but it had slowed down some, even with my being so particuliar. After updating however, there was no question...my computer acted more like it was new. Thanks Avast.
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"Avast FREE version is fantastic and free of problems."
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.594.100712
Pros
It has tested high.
Cons
So far I have not seen any.
Summary
Easy for a novice to use as is when downloaded. There also are additional settings to get DEEPER SEARCHES for those that understand why to use them or not.
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"Finest anti-virus ever"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.594.100712
Pros
Godly software, it runs very friendly on all of my computers. I've owned three windows xp, one vista, and one windows 7, they all run it very smoothly). Before installing Avast, try to use CCleaner or other Registry cleaner to wipe your "dust" first.
Cons
Nothing, This is my first posting on Cnet. I've known this web site for certain years. Never try to post any, but I need to say about Avast. Best anti, small, less memory consumer, and fast scan, no lagging.
Summary
A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Before installing Avast, try to use CCleaner or other Registry cleaner to wipe your "dust" first. Or can try system recovery to restore your PC to factory shipped condition. PC needs some maintain too. -
"Topnotch program"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.594.100712
Pros
Easy to use, comprehensive, self-maintaining
Cons
No negatives
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"Hate unconscious reviews."
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.594.100712
Pros
I use Nod32 4.But avast! is the best AV I´ve tested.Why are there so many negative reviews.YOU MISLEAD PEOPLE...Version 5 is still better than 4.You talk about trojans,etc...but learn first...
Cons
Nothing at all.
Summary
DOWNLOAD IT AND INSTALL IT,IT´S BEAUTIFUL.NEGATIVE REVIEWS ARE PART OF A HOAX.CNet people,watch out for comments from ignorant people.Avira and Avast! are the best free AVs in the net.
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"Best AV by far"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.594.100712
Pros
Light on system resources, very accurate detection, boot-time scan (no other AV allows this), sufficient configurable options for the average user
Cons
A bit slow on startup while it sorts itself out & updates, free version has no scheduler (which is not a prob for me, but will be for those who rely on automation)
Summary
I've been using Avast for 7 years now, and see no reason to swap to any other AV. Avast consistently scores well in lab tests, but more importantly does what it does very well in the REAL WORLD. I believe that a number of the negative experiences people have with Avast are due to the following: 1) System already infected (very common) so Avast doesn't work properly (or at all) after installation. 2) System is messy / unstable / in serious need of updating. I run a PC repair business - 9 out of 10 PCs I see are a mess: it's a wonder most people are able to use their PCs at all, let alone get a new AV installed & working). 3) A previous AV (esp Norton & AVG) has not been uninstalled properly (or is still on the PC!). Norton requires the Norton Uninstaller Tool run after to clean up it's mess, and AVG usually requires manual Registry / services editing as well as file deletion. 4) Old PC or one with slow CPU or not enough RAM. I see this often - people trying to muddle along on a 4-5 year old PC and thinking it should still work as good as the day they got it, despite the OS, Office & AV at least doubling in size over that time (or in the case of XP, trebling in size). Even modern PCs / laptops needs at least 2GB of RAM (pref 4GB) - so those trying to be cheap-skates and get by with "as little as possible" (whilst expecting stellar performance) are often the biggest moaners.
The short of it is that there is no such thing as a perfect AV. What one is looking for is a GOOD AV that is consistent (scratch Norton & pretty much all the others except perhaps NOD32 - arguably the AV with the ugliest interface!). The first 3 versions of the 5 series of Avast were not good - and I told them off a few times by email. Since then, the last 3 versions have been good. It's true that version 5 is heavier than 4.8 - but then, 4.8 is an XP-era AV, so that's par for the course.
The real clincher for using Avast is it's boot-time scan. No making boot CDs, no lacking this ability at all - being able to do a boot-time scan is the NUMBER 1 way of killing viruses. IMHO, any AV that can't do this - as good as it otherwise might be - is a waste of time.
Lastly, for the moaners out there: if you're using LimeWire, FrostWire, Kazaa, Bear Share, UTorrent or any other P2P program to steal music, video & software - no wonder you're in such a state! Avast can't help you with your probs. All those progs just listed either by-pass all Windows security, and / or make it very easy for the infected / stolen stuff you are downloading to infect you / disable your protection. You'll have to stop stealing stuff & get a decent tech to clean your PC up - THEN you can install Avast and have it work properly! -
"Bug Issues - AVAST Free Anti-Virus Vers.??"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.594.100712
Pros
It uses less memory to scan while your using your netbook.
Cons
The bug issue 9/8/10 am game scanned for virus and malware When doing update r definitions for anti-virus program it asks me for a password that was never created.,
Summary
Yes it's free. I wish it would be a bit more user friendly and stop asking me for a password I never created!!
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