CNET Editors' review
An A-list antivirus, Avast Internet Security 5 provides steadfast protection and a robust selection of features. This version is the paid upgrade from the better-known Avast Free, and so includes several features not available elsewhere.
Avast Internet Security protects you with multiple guards. The antivirus, antispyware, and heuristics engines form a security core that also includes multiple real-time shields. The adjustable mail and file system shields join the pre-existing behavior, network, instant messaging, peer-to-peer (P2P), script, and Web shields. The behavioral shield is a common-sense feature, as security software publishers leverage their large user bases to detect threats early and warn others. Other new features include a silent/gaming mode, a testing sandbox, a firewall, antispam measures, and an "intelligent scanner" that only looks at changed files after establishing a baseline. Users should note that Avast Internet Security is the higher-end version of Avast's two paid programs. Avast Professional 5 includes the sandbox and script shield, but not the firewall or antispam features.
The biggest change in Avast 5, though, is the interface. Gone is the music player default look, which was skinnable but confusing, and in its place is a sleek UI that new users should find far more manageable. It's also Aero-friendly, with Explorer-style navigation buttons in case you can't remember where you tweaked a particular setting.
Avast has been reliably effective, and recent independent efficacy tests indicate that it can hold its own against Symantec's Norton and other popular brands. The price of this version is comparable to those, too, albeit slightly cheaper in some cases. If you want the extra protection offered here and value the brand name, Avast Internet Security 5 is worth the cost.
Publisher's Description
From AVAST Software:
Avast Internet Security includes antivirus engine, anti-rootkit protection, anti-spyware protection, script shield, process virtualization, command line scanner, anti-spam filter, and built-in firewall. Avast Internet security includes all the features of the free Avast anti virus and Firewall, and antispam. Once installed, avast runs silently in the background to protect your computer against all known forms of malware with a real time virus protection. Avast Internet Security also fully integrated antispam filter to detect unwanted e-mail. Avast Internet Security provides complete computer security. It is designed for people that shop and bank via the internet or store sensitive data on their computers.
What's new in this version: Version 5.0.545 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
More Popular Internet Security Software Suites downloads
- Norton Internet Security 2012
9,026 downloads
- Avast Internet Security
4,474 downloads
- Kaspersky Internet Security
4,346 downloads
- ESET Smart Security 5
3,789 downloads
- Agnitum Outpost Security Suite Free
3,003 downloads
-
All versions:
4.6 starsout of 1,404 votes
-
Current version:
3.6 starsout of 19 votes
-
My rating:
Write review
-
"Doing a good job so far"
Version: Avast Internet Security 5.0.545
Pros
Unobtrusive, no problems with it at all
Cons
None so far
Summary
Really pleased with this, and with 3 pc licence very good value
-
"Shuts down when a Rogue AV enters"
Version: Avast Internet Security 5.0.545
Pros
Real-Time-Shields
Constant UpdatesCons
Shuts off and won't come back on when something is infected
Slow ScansSummary
A Rogue AV Infected my HP Slimline(Win vista, 2GB RAM, 2.20GHz) -- That computer was "Protected" With Avast! Antivirus Internet Security (Full version) -- When the rogue entered I immediatley went to Avast! but everything was disabled, nothing would turn back on. There IS A place on the forum about this, it happens to alot of people.
-
"Sloed PC & no presets"
Version: Avast Internet Security 5.0.545
Pros
Nothing worth mentioning
Cons
Product came up with icons & no txt for predefined scans. TaskMgr indicated nothing was running after "start"scan. Computer slowed to crawl. Took 2 hours to completely uninstall. $40.00 down the drain..
Summary
Junk.
-
"outstanding"
Version: Avast Internet Security 5.0.545
Pros
its light and fast, isnt a cpu hog, great firewall and other products featured with it, clean and eay to use interface
Cons
very hard to dislike it, but maybe more virus updates daily
-
"Very satisfied with the software."
Version: Avast Internet Security 5.0.545
Pros
Ease of use.
Cons
Had to disactivate Windows firewall.
Summary
I would refer it to anyone.
-
"decent internet security"
Version: Avast Internet Security 5.0.545
Pros
Avast
High detection rates
SandboxCons
Sandbox doesn't have a whitelist
the firewall is extremely weak
Slows down systemSummary
It's a decent internet security. It needs work
-
"Email Spam portion can not be used"
Version: Avast Internet Security 5.0.545
Pros
Has the Avast Anti Virus and the firewall appears to work fine.
Cons
The anti spam function is not for a variety of email services. It works for only 1-2 email services only. I use both Outlook Express and Thunderbird and neither one works with this software.
Summary
Why pay for software that I can not fully use.
-
"Excellent 1 stop security package"
Version: Avast Internet Security 5.0.545
Pros
FAST scans, Built-in Browser-Friendly Sandbox, Boot-Time Scan, 3 PC License, Multiple Real-Time Shields, Low on Resources.
Cons
Slight lack of 64-bit function (no boot-scan, pointless behavior shield as it was designed for 32bit flaws).
Light Sandbox bugs (flash elements sometimes fail to load).
Sometimes has problems with Outlook. Firewall log bugs. Slow company support.Summary
An honest review of a program I love. A bargain provided you have 3 pc's to install it on, otherwise competitively priced. 3 of the cons listed above (bootscan, Sandbox bugs, firewall log bugs) have scheduled fixes with the ver. 5.1 release.
Its a small company, but with a swelling customer base, and they appear to have some adjustments to make with their customer service department.......imho; ) Still great software that covers multiple areas of defense, not 100%, no software does that. But this leaves alot less to add. Worth every penny to me. -
"Seems to do as promised, without being a resource hog."
Version: Avast Internet Security 5.0.545
Pros
Not overbearing like Kaspersky is.
Cons
Haven't found anything yet.
-
"Best as far as I'm concerned"
Version: Avast Internet Security 5.0.545
Pros
Have just installed Internet Security but have used Avast Anti-Virus in both free and paid versions for many years now. I have no reason to criticise it. The anti-virus ap has found stuff that vastly more expensive systems failed to.
Cons
I did have major problems installing it. Followed instructions to the letter but believe it was my Windows Installer causing the problem.
Summary
Too soon to give any detail, time will tell, but so far, so good.
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
Previous Versions:
