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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.
What's new in this version: Version 5.1.889 includes following updates:
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All versions:
4.5 starsout of 24,276 votes
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Current version:
4.2 starsout of 65 votes
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My rating:
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"ZXCVBNMLKJHG"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.1.889
Pros
LKJHGFDSAZXC
Cons
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Summary
EWFGHBNZDVZBZMZMX,XG,G
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"ho hoooo and botle rum"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.1.889
Pros
avast free antivirus very best antivirus program greated for smartly
people not for stupid evretieng stupid people writing bool schit
that normal dies nothing uderstand.Cons
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Summary
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"Great protection"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.1.889
Pros
Keeps your computer safe. The Internet Security program also includes a good firewall which is needed for XP and Vista users.
Cons
The activation process for the professional version is a real pain because they send an activation file but do NOT give you the activation code.
Summary
Getting the 3-computer license is the best deal but activating them is a pain because you must copy the activation file to a CD or DVD or flash drive for use on each computer because Avast does not give you the activation code.
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"Too soon to tell"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.1.889
Pros
Doesn't seem to slow the computer down
Cons
The one thing I don't like is the extended boot time.
When you want to reboot fast you might as well take a smoke break -
"Problem with reinstalling and updates"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.1.889
Pros
Avast Free antivirus has been pretty good in the past, now there seems to have some problems.
Cons
I uninstalled and reinstalled twice, and still get the same results. When I've already set the settings to auto it want download new definitions and it repeats cannot connect to server.
Summary
I'm dissappointed in this program. If someone can advise on this matter , I would appreciate it.
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"unobtrusive lean and mean"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.1.889
Pros
all done quietly and unseen until it detects a problem , then it jumps into action
Cons
none decernable to me
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"EXCELLENT SOFTWARE"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.1.889
Pros
EASY TO USE
Cons
A WEE BIT SLOW
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"very good easy to use"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.1.889
Pros
easy to down loaded
Cons
none didn"t fine any cons
Summary
help keep my pc safe
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"The best of the free anti-virus."
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.1.889
Pros
Fast scanning, excellent detection rate, light on resources and easy to use UI.
Cons
Can't think of any at the moment.
Summary
Non intrusive anti-virus that is on par or better than most paid versions.
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"Previous versions worked great, latest not so great."
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 5.1.889
Pros
Been using Avast for a couple years without a problem. I never had a virus and it didn't bog my PC down like anti-virus programs I have used.
Cons
After upgrading to latest version on one PC and a fresh install on another, both with Windows 7, programs would refuse to load or would hang after loading. After several frustrating hours I finally removed Avast from both PC's.
Summary
Both PC's are now working fine and I will continue to use my current anti-virus and stay away from Avast.
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