CNET Editors' review
This impressive software provides the same steadfast protection of well-known antivirus programs, yet it's surprisingly free.
Avast Home Edition guards your PC and the network with multiple shields that scan executables and files. You can select parameters for scanning, and even choose wildcards to exclude specific file types. You can adjust the sensitivity level for the program's detectors when it comes to scanning downloaded files, instant messages, e-mails, and a host of P2Ps. Its efficient interface opens up window after window to tweak its settings to your liking, for novice to advanced level protection.
Though it took quite some time to run, we're impressed with this application's boot-time antivirus scan. Fortunately, if you're in a pinch you can bypass it. If malicious contents are detected, Avast comes to the rescue with handy virus cleanup tools. Some decent PC controls are even handed out here. You can block certain URLs and file operations, such as writing to files or even renaming, deleting or formatting them.
With immediate real-time protection, clockwork updates, and much more, this free software is highly regarded in our book.
Watch the CNET video review of Avast Home Edition - Free Antivirus:
Publisher's Description
From AVAST Software:
Avast Home Edition - Free Antivirus is a complete ICSA & Checkmark certified antivirus, Checkmark certified anti-spyware & anti-rootkit package. Avast includes the following components: On demand scanner with skinnable simple interface, just select what do you want to scan in which way and press the Play button; On access scanner, special providers to protect the most of available e-mail clients; Instant messaging--ICQ, Miranda; Network traffic--intrusion detection, lightweight firewall; P2P protection for Kazaa, BitTorrent; Web shield--monitors and filters all HTTP traffic; NNTP scanner--scans all Usenet Newsgroup traffic and all operations with files on PC; Boot time scanner--scans disks in the same way and in the same time as Windows CHKDSK does.
What's new in this version: Version 4.8.1351 features: Improvements in some unpackers, improved stability of Standard Shield. Name changed to avast! Home Edition - Free Antivirus.
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All versions:
4.6 starsout of 22,716 votes
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Current version:
4.6 starsout of 601 votes
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My rating:
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"simple to use, automatic updates and it's free!"
Version: Avast Home Edition - Free Antivirus 4.8.1351
Pros
It does not slow the computer down, like Norton or Macafee. Furthermore, it is free of charge, whereas the competition charge a lot for a mediocre service.
Cons
There is really nothing to dislike - other than perhaps greater peace of mind that the product actually does protect my computer.
Summary
I really like the simplicity and usability of the product. It is free of charge and much better that the competition. I would like some confidence-building measure that assures me the product really does protect my computer- I don't mind paying a small fee for this. Just knowing thhere's nothing wrong with my PC isn't enough - I need to know how it works and what it's doing to keep the PC safe from virus attacks.
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"i think is a very good program"
Version: Avast Home Edition - Free Antivirus 4.8.1351
Pros
first is good becouse it is free and works better than other expensive antivirus
Cons
i like every thing about this product
Summary
i dont think there is something that i do not like about this product
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"Its free and apparently all the security I need."
Version: Avast Home Edition - Free Antivirus 4.8.1351
Pros
Its free and I think it is all the security I need. I am rather computer illiterate so do not have an opinion of my own as to whether Avast is good or not but I have been told it is all I need whcih is good for me.
Cons
Don't know enough about it not to like it!
Summary
I have ben told it is all the security I need so its good for me.
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"Going out in cyberspace naked is bound to get you F...d"
Version: Avast Home Edition - Free Antivirus 4.8.1351
Pros
This software is absolutely on the J.O.B.!!! We all know what a cruel world cyberspace is for the unsuspecting. I appreciate so much the security that the folks at Avast have provided for me in this package.
Cons
There are "NO" cons!!! These are folks with the utmost integrity and in this world, well, that's a god send.
Summary
I can't wait to upgrade to the full version!!! They've given me a "freebie" that I should be paying for. Already they've saved me money by securing my computer from so many threats....
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"Seems to work very well"
Version: Avast Home Edition - Free Antivirus 4.8.1351
Pros
Tells me when it's updated each time I log on
Cons
Nothing.............
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"excellent AV but not the best, overrated!"
Version: Avast Home Edition - Free Antivirus 4.8.1351
Pros
fast
free
good AV
many featuresCons
not the highest detection rate
bad GUISummary
for better options check g-data, avira antivir premium, bdis2010, kis2010.. check
http://www.av-comparatives.org/images/stories/test/ondret/avc_report23.pdf
http://www.virusbtn.com/news/2008/09_02 -
"My 3rd year with Avast. NEVER any troubles."
Version: Avast Home Edition - Free Antivirus 4.8.1351
Pros
Reliable in real time.
Cons
What Cons??
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"I trust Avast to be constant and thorough."
Version: Avast Home Edition - Free Antivirus 4.8.1351
Pros
Works well and smoothly with other programs.
Cons
No cons that I have noticed. What more could you ask for in a free anti-virus program.
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"exelent antivirus product"
Version: Avast Home Edition - Free Antivirus 4.8.1351
Pros
easy to use
Cons
brilliant protecion
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"not for a 10 yr old laptop"
Version: Avast Home Edition - Free Antivirus 4.8.1351
Pros
big and mean
Cons
over powered my $25 laptop...
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