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Avast Free Antivirus for Mac is Avast's answer to concerns about how to browse safely. The application is packaged with a brand-new, easy-to-understand graphical user interface, with access to all features available at single click.
The application's onscreen tools are well-organized, and its live graphics enhance the feeling of safety -- you can see that the antivirus software doesn't sleep and is always working to protect you from any viruses circulating on the Web. Avast's free software provides three shields to protect your computer: a file system shield, an e-mail shield, and a Web shield. With all three representing a door to your computer, Avast does a great job of watching these entrances.
However, this comes at a cost, and we don't mean money: as soon as you launch the app, you'll notice a slight drop in your computer's performance, which is due to Avast being at work scanning your entire computer for infected files. Secondly, it affects your browser's performance, as it also scans the pages you attempt to navigate to for viruses through the extensions it installs in Safari, Firefox, and Chrome browsers. We did find its notification feature handy, as it informs the user about its actions, so you'll always know what the software is up to.
Overall, Avast Antivirus for Mac is a nice addition to your Mac toolbox. It's free and very easy to use.
Publisher's Description
From AVAST Software:
Avast Free Antivirus for Mac offers three shields,on-demand scanning and WebRep clients which are automatically (optionally) installed to Safari, Chrome and Firefox browsers. Our Web Shield and Mail Shield combine to check the vast majority of incoming data from the Internet, while File Shield scans all programs stored and executed from your hard drive. Everything is packed in a brand new GUI.
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All versions:
4.5 starsout of 824 votes
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Current version:
4.5 starsout of 71 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"so good I feel safe"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 7.0.38501
Pros
so good I feel safe
Cons
so good I feel safe
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"Excellent."
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 7.0.38501
Pros
Works well with the Mac OSX system and is definitely much recommended.
Even though some people say "Oh, you don't need anti-virus software for you MacBook/Mac", myself personally, I wouldn't take that risk.
Avast for me is one of the best systems yet and I previously had this for my PC before I converted over to Apple products.
Highly recommend this.Cons
I have no cons for product at all.
Summary
Excellent, noob friendly and well suited for the Mac.
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"Excellent, simple and free"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 7.0.38501
Pros
I've used Avast for at least 6 years now. Previously I used Norton or McAfee, both of which cost money and had a much larger footprint.
I currently use Avast on Windows 8 (through Parallels 8) and Mac Mountain Lion OS X.. No hiccups and everything just looks after itself.Cons
Nothing at all, brilliant product regardless of its cost (zero!)
Summary
Thank you Avast for a great free product.
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"Great Product !"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 7.0.38501
Pros
- Free for home use.
- Have protected me from viruses.Cons
Experience internal error sometimes.
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"Free Works as well as $$ and mostly trouble free, too"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 7.0.38501
Pros
Non-intrusive virus updates, works great on all Win, and mostly as good on all OS X's. Even Parallels on two different OS X's (10.6.8 Win 7 & 10.7.5 Win 8)
Cons
Can be buggy even after years of trouble free running. Mac OS 10.6.8 kept giving me "internal error" message after updating software. No easy support to clear this up. So,uninstalled, reinstalled fresh downloaded version hoping to clear out problem. Wanted NEW email address for same platform - each platform requires unique email address. Uh-oh, just got error message for new download. PIA But, trouble free so far on 4 other platforms.
Summary
Don't look a gift horse too far into its mouth.
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"Truly Cross-Platform Security"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 7.0.38501
Pros
Very easy to install and automatically updates the virus definitions
Light and nimble on system resourcesCons
- Pushes for Google Chrome Browser (on a Mac!)
- Where is the internet security version? I wish there was more Avast -
"A smooth and effective antivirus software app."
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 7.0.38501
Pros
I appreciate the ease with which this antivirus program monitors the files. I do appreciate the free gift of this software! Thank you.
Cons
On boot up, Avast reports that I have an internal error. I have checked the logs and can't identify the problem. There is no suggestion about how to resolve the error.
Summary
Even though Avast has identified an internal error that I am unable to identify or resolve, this program does give me a sense of security while on the internet.
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"super to use"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 7.0.38501
Pros
easy to use
Cons
++++++++++
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"easy to use & found viruses sophos missed"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 7.0.38501
Pros
* good database: found windows viruses in email that Sophos AV missed
* easy to look at virus sources (email) & fix viruses
* unlike sophos did not require a restart
* scans seem quickCons
none that I've encountered.
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"Nice antivirus"
Version: Avast Free Antivirus 7.0.38501
Pros
good antivirus
Cons
very good . good job
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