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:
Publisher's Description
From AVAST Software:
Avast Home Edition 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 filter 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.
Version 4.8.1201.80611 contains improvements in spyware and rootkit detection.
Note: You'll have to register (free) on the publisher site to be able to continue using this program after 60 days.
What's new in this version: Version 4.8.1201.80611 contains improvements in spyware and rootkit detection.
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All versions:
4.6 starsout of 22,695 votes
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Current version:
4.5 starsout of 347 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Works as promised. Very satisfied with it."
Version: Avast Home Edition 4.8.1201.80611
Pros
Does what it says that it will do. Keeps most of those pesky viruses off my system.
Cons
Just the update reminders. (like all the others)
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"Great, easy software"
Version: Avast Home Edition 4.8.1201.80611
Pros
easy to use
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"I like it a lot!"
Version: Avast Home Edition 4.8.1201.80611
Pros
Fast, easy, customizable, can be skinned, doesn't hog resources, comes with updates all the time.
Cons
None as of now.
Summary
I've always used this anti-virus. It has added many features the past years and makes me like it even more. What I like most about this antivirus is that it doesn't hog resources. It works very light on Windows XP and Vista Home Premium, and it scans very fast (at least for me)
I don't believe that it is the BEST antivirus because I don't think there is a definite perfect one. A lot have its pros and cons, but this one, I haven't found any cons yet, It's been very easy to use and very light. I feel like it's not even running. But anyway, overall it's a great antivirus and it's free too, which makes it even better. It was hard to believe at first! -
"didn't work. hard to remove"
Version: Avast Home Edition 4.8.1201.80611
Cons
it was confusing. identified some problems but didn't say what to do with them in easy fashion. slowed down computer until some programs wouldn't run until i was able to track all it's parts down to uninstall.
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"Superb, quick and effective, still supports Win98."
Version: Avast Home Edition 4.8.1201.80611
Pros
Quick and effective. Trapped trojan immediately after installation. Still supports Windows 98.
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"Effective, Easy to Work With Anti-Virus For Free!"
Version: Avast Home Edition 4.8.1201.80611
Pros
What's not to like?
Avast Home Edition provides effective virus protection in a basic format that is easy to work with. It takes up less space than many similar software programs and upgrades regularly and quietly. Oh, and it's Free!
Thanks Avast!
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"One of the best free av's"
Version: Avast Home Edition 4.8.1201.80611
Pros
Works fast, updates as fast as well.
Cons
The free license limited to one year only.
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"It Finds Stored stuff of 3-4 yrs ago."
Version: Avast Home Edition 4.8.1201.80611
Pros
Simple - the the point
Cons
Nothing so far. DOES NOT CLASH with AVG 8.0 Package!!!
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"good"
Version: Avast Home Edition 4.8.1201.80611
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"One of the better anti-virus programs available."
Version: Avast Home Edition 4.8.1201.80611
Pros
The user interface is very intuitave and easy to setup and get used to. I also like the fact that it is highly configurable according to your personal needs.
Cons
haven't found anything...yet.rating=5
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