- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP/Vista/7/NT
- Date added: June 28, 2009
- Total Downloads: 58,102,589
- Downloads last week: 630,976
- See full specifications
A newer version of Avast Home Edition - Free Antivirus is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 12187 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: Seth Rosenblatt on September 23, 2008
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 Alwil 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.
More popular Antivirus Software downloads
- 1,936,689 downloads 1. AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
- 972,503 downloads 2. Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus
- 657,546 downloads 3. Avast Home Edition - Free Antivirus
- 81,078 downloads 4. Avast Professional Edition
- 45,348 downloads 5. Norton AntiVirus 2010
- See all Antivirus Software downloads
User reviews of Avast Home Edition - Free Antivirus 4.8.1351
- Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 12187 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
-
Showing 5 of 602 user reviewsSee all 602 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: Avast Home Edition - Free Antivirus 4.8.1351
"simple to use, automatic updates and it's free!"
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 ... read more >>
-
Version: Avast Home Edition - Free Antivirus 4.8.1351
"i think is a very good program"
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
-
Version: Avast Home Edition - Free Antivirus 4.8.1351
"Its free and apparently all the security I need."
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.
-
Version: Avast Home Edition - Free Antivirus 4.8.1351
"Going out in cyberspace naked is bound to get you F...d"
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....
-
Version: Avast Home Edition - Free Antivirus 4.8.1351
Pros: Tells me when it's updated each time I log on
Cons: Nothing.............
- See all 602 user reviews Write review
Submit your review
Previous Versions:
