Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' note: You'll have to register (free) on the publisher site to be able to continue using this program after 60 days.
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.
Avast 8 fixes browsers, out-of-date apps: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 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.
Version 4.8.1335.90205 brings many improvements in the scanning engine as well as performance optimizations.
What's new in this version: Version 4.8.1335.90205 brings many improvements in the scanning engine as well as performance optimizations.
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All versions:
4.5 starsout of 24,277 votes
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Current version:
4.7 starsout of 315 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"A fast and a good antivirus"
Version: Avast Home Edition 4.8.1335.90205
Pros
it's fast and not very heavy on the pc.
Cons
it doesn't display the dangerous level of the virus.
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"a very good anti virus for free"
Version: Avast Home Edition 4.8.1335.90205
Pros
its totally free with easy updates
Cons
some viruses it can't detect
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"Best of the lot"
Version: Avast Home Edition 4.8.1335.90205
Pros
It does the job, doesn't use too many resources, easy to use. I've tried the others, but this one works the best.
Cons
Nothing I've found in the 5 months I've used it.
Summary
All of the other suites I've used have been resource hogs. The protected my computer at the expense of speed, which reduced my ability to get my work done. I have 3 computers, all less than two years old and 2-3gHz CPU's and all with 2gb or more RAM. AVG; McAfee; Norton, used too much memory and too many CPU cycles. Avast seems to do the job without consuming all of these resources.
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"anh duc ??o atarj"
Version: Avast Home Edition 4.8.1335.90205
Pros
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Cons
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Summary
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"using for over a year and have absolutely no complaints"
Version: Avast Home Edition 4.8.1335.90205
Pros
easy to download, install and use and does an excellent job
Cons
no complaints
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"So appreciated!"
Version: Avast Home Edition 4.8.1335.90205
Pros
You giv ths 2 bozos like me for free who only know how to click and point. Plus the Macafee/came w/ my new comp keeps popping up. Before I got Avast I tried to reg and it said a service tag was missn Then kpt popping up so I can delete the sucker!
Cons
None that I know of.
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"easy load and runs like a dream- simple and secure"
Version: Avast Home Edition 4.8.1335.90205
Pros
great protection..
Cons
haven't found anything as yet
Summary
for a free virus software this product is terrific.
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"Awesome Program!"
Version: Avast Home Edition 4.8.1335.90205
Pros
Awesome program. A little different UI, but once you get used to it it rocks! Love the IM and P2P scanners, works great!
Cons
UI a little different, but easy to get used to.
Summary
I used to be an avid supporter of AVG until it allowed a Trojan onto my computer that Avast found, now I sing Avast's praises for keeping me safe!
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"Excellent free antivirus program, highly reconmended."
Version: Avast Home Edition 4.8.1335.90205
Pros
There are too many pro to list here.
Download and you will find out.Cons
THERE AREN'T ANY.
Been using this software for over two years and I found no problems.Summary
If I had to give stars to rate this program, 5 stars is just a start, I would give it 10 stars!
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"Best protection at any price - and it's free!"
Version: Avast Home Edition 4.8.1335.90205
Pros
No nonsense, easy to use and doesn't mess with your system. Serious protection for free. What else do you want?
Cons
Seriously, I don't see anything to quibble about.
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