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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 Antivirus Free- Protect your PC agaisnt viruses and other malware - Download Video Previews: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.
What's new in this version: Version 5.0.677.100921 solves a problem that could lead to disappearing of the avast service and minor stability issue (aswSP.sys).
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All versions:
4.5 starsout of 24,292 votes
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Current version:
4.2 starsout of 611 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"best free anti-virus!"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.677
Pros
free, easy to use, auto-updates, trustworthy, fast
Cons
none none none
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"Just the Perfect antivirus yet!!!!!"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.677
Pros
Ease of use,Good looking User Interface,Doesn't slow your PC down,and highly reliable.I used many other antiviruses,like MacAfee etc.Avast is the Best!The Best antivirus I've seen.....Incredible,I never thought an antivirus could be so good.....
Cons
Nothing at all....
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"Excellant free anti-virus program."
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.677
Pros
Loads quickly. Notifies you when updates are completed.
Cons
Lack of firewall protection.
Summary
I had Norton 360 prior to Avast, after installing Avast, instantly noticed a major difference in loading, starting and shutdown times. Easy to configure the program.
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"Does everything I want it to do."
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.677
Pros
Reads my mind, reads my emails and keeps me safe from cyber terrorism
Cons
All is fine!
Summary
User friendly and free!
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"I am very pleased with the protection I have."
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.677
Pros
I really appreciate the updates and being able to look at my computer to see it is activated.
Cons
I have had to get help downloading it because I am unclear about the process. Each time I download a new version, I seem to have trouble because I think the directions are unclear. My son, on the other hand, gets it done every time!
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"By far the best Free ANTI Virus on the net"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.677
Pros
Easy to use interface, Anti Virus doesn't slow my computer when in use, automatic updates which can be adjusted with ease.
Cons
Its a trial version and not totally 100% free sadly
Summary
Top rated product 5 stars, enough said !!
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"Decent product for free software"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.677
Pros
I have used Avast! for 4 years now, and I have never had to remove a virus/trojan that Avast! didn't catch. This new version seems faster than the previous one, which took a while to do a boot-up scan.
Cons
Performance. It's not bad, but it could be faster, still. Old user interface was atrocious, new one is better, but still could use improvements.
Summary
I have used the free version for more than 4 years now, and I have never felt the need to keep one the commercial versions that came with my lappy and desktop, i.e. Symantec and McAfee. It's a little on the slow side and the user interface was horrible in previous versions, but the new one has addressed some of this. Overall, I like it and use it and have no problem recommending it to others. If you really want to be on the safe side, complement Avast! antivirus with a free firewall product, like ZoneAlarm, security for zero $.
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"best product I have tried so far"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.677
Pros
since installing it I have never had any Trojans to remove so it does an excellent job
Cons
nothing that comes to mind
Summary
A very sexy voice tells me that the latest updates are downloaded, when I commence the scan it runs smoothly and efficiently and tells me that the scan is complete.
It states no threats on the lap top and I feel secure in the knowledge that nothing has been loaded onto my hard drive that will harm it -
"good hassle free"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.677
Pros
easy to use for a beginer
Cons
nothing up to now
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"Very good tool"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.0.677
Pros
Fast and accurate
Cons
....mmm there's no thing worst only a feature about repair has gone as like in volume 4, why?
Summary
Very interesting features, I can choose some what I want. I've years used it till now.
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