CNET Editors' review
Avast Pro Antivirus 2014 builds on Avast's proven antivirus technology with privacy-enhancing anti-phishing, do-not-track, and browser-cleaning features -- and its new, proactive Software Updater keeps everything current. Avast Pro's Sandbox and Safe Zone features protect you from malware and other bad downloads, and its Cloud Scanning algorithm and crowd-sourced early-warning features detect and destroy even zero-day threats. Avast Pro is free to try, but its license is almost $40. That's not too much for Avast Pro's extra features and technical support, especially compared to an infected PC.
Avast Pro did most of the setup work, itself, including updating its virus definitions and scanning our PC. Avast Pro's job is to keep our PC safe and clean by blocking every potential threat, not just computer viruses. The main interface has two tools suited to the task: Quick Scan and Browser Cleanup. The Browser Cleanup tool claimed a conflict with another app but did not name the app. It only recommend its own option to remove the app! Without more information, we had to decline the offer. (The Browser Cleanup tool can also reset your browser to its default settings, so be careful!) Avast Pro's Tools menu includes a Rescue Disk tool for creating bootable media and the SecureLine VPN tool for secure and anonymous Internet access, even on public Wi-Fi. AccessAnywhere enables remote control of your PC from another computer (by you, with a password). Mousing over Avast Pro's system tray icon produced the reassuring message: "Everything is good."
Avast has been around for 25 years, which is ages of cyber-time, and we're among the millions who have relied on it for antivirus protection. We think Avast Pro's extra features are worth the sticker price, but why take our word? Try it free for 30 days. Avast is betting you'll like Avast Pro Antivirus 2014's extras enough to pay up, and not without reason.
Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of Avast Pro Antivirus 2014
Publisher's Description
From AVAST Software:
Avast Pro Antivirus 2014 adds anti-phishing for all major browsers and greater privacy from an advanced Do Not Track feature. Our crowdsourced early warning system combines with a new Cloud Scanning algorithm to detect even zero-day threats. And proactive Software Updater and Browser Cleanup tools help you maintain PC performance.
What's new in this version:
- Stream Filtering -- Fixed stability and compatibility issues, it's running smooth and fast now, so no more browsing problems
- Firewall -- The firewall should be more stable and with better compatibility with other network applications
- Android protection - We can protect (if you wish) your Android phones and tablets with avast! Free Mobile Security (through your active Google Account) automatically (during the installation or update)
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All versions:
4.4 starsout of 906 votes
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Current version:
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"Comprehensive protection, easy to use, and good value."
Version: Avast Pro Antivirus 2014 2014.9.0.2013
Pros
Comprehensive suite of AntiVirus, Firewall, and Maleware settings. Also scans Internet Browsers for malicious or suspicious ad-ons.
Easy to use with GUI.Cons
Animated task-bar icon. Auto-renew a pain to cancel, but it can be done in about 5 minutes.
Summary
Comprehensive protection, easy to use, and good value for money. Includes AntiVirus, Firewall, and Maleware utilities. I tried MS Defender, and AVG first. They were easy to use but didn't protect as well as Avast. I have also used paid versions of McAfee and Norton Security Suites and they are no better than Avast but much more expensive. I bought the one-year Avast license for $19.99 and recommend this product.
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"IF YOU BUY, IT WILL AUTO RENEW FOREVER at HIGHER PRICE"
Version: Avast Pro Antivirus 2014 2014.9.0.2013
Pros
Good Anti-Virus software but the FREE version is better in the "response to threats" test according to Consumer Reports.
Cons
The FREE version is rated better in Consumer Reports in the "response to threats" category and you will NEVER and I mean NEVER get Avast to cancel the auto-renew function. I had to cancel my debit card and have a new one issued just to get this company to not renew my subscription.
Summary
Use the FREE version. It is rated slightly better than this version in Consumer Reports in the "response to threats" category and if you pay for this version, you will NEVER get Avast to cancel the Auto Renew feature.
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"Should be no stars. It was like loading malware."
Version: Avast Pro Antivirus 2014 2014.9.0.2011
Pros
loved free version for years.
Cons
decided to add firewall and Password add-on, which only left my program functionality not working. I called them up and their tech support said they would fix only to begin to tell me that there were problems with my pretty new dell computer and that I should buy their tech support service. when I told them I wasn't going to spend any money, I just wanted them to remove the new programs and wanted a refund, they closed down all the windows they opened and hung up the phone. I then realized that my antivirus was totally not working, so I uninstalled it and called my credit card company and told them not to honor the charge. I hat being scammed. Tech support guy told me that they operate out of Czech Republic. So, if you buy or download their programs and need to call them to fix it, they will deny that it could be them and then try to upsell----If I didn't know what to do I would have been up the creek without a paddle for my business computer.
Summary
Avoid this software at all (or no)costs. I felt like I was dealing with crooks.
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"Poor interface"
Version: Avast Pro Antivirus 2014 2014.9.0.2011
Pros
Under the hood improvements such as re-writing web shiled make it very responsive on low resource systems.
Cons
I wish I could stay with / choose version 7 interface. It is very difficult to find functions, the layout is not intuitive, it's a very retrograde step, that's why it gets such a low score from me; I want my Windows 7 computer to have apps in Win 7 style, not "Fisher-Price" kiddy blocks of Windows 8, like version 8 and 9 of Avast, they are awful, although v9 is slightly better than v8.
Summary
Good detection and performance but awful interface for anyone not using Windows 8.
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"No Manual & No Help. Poor."
Version: Avast Pro Antivirus 2014 2014.9.0.2007
Pros
Regular up-dates and good protection.
Cons
No User Manual for the 2014 avast pro antivirus. Last one on-line was for ver. 8.0 Revised procedure to get support is awful. you jump thru hoops to state your problem. No way offered to let you upload screen shots of your problem. About 1/2 the time the reply you get when you describe a problem in detail is a boilerplate "one size fits all" response. No way to exclude certain files from the scan. What they tell you doesn't work and there is no manual.
Summary
I wish they had not up-dated to the 2014 version. The previous one was a lot easier to use.
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"bad install ,good program before going to ver 2014"
Version: Avast Pro Antivirus 2014 2014.9.0.2007
Pros
excellent program before upgrade to 2014 version
Cons
hosed my IE 10, had to reset, hosed ZA fire wall, had to uninstall both Avast and ZA firewall, reset IE10, and then install ZA Firewall with AV Scanner as well to get working again.
Summary
Avast doesn,t play well with other programs. Lost my future support.
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"Initially very good"
Version: Avast Pro Antivirus 2014 7.0.1473
Pros
When it works it works good
Cons
Just doing a free virus update caused massive problems. Steer well clear of Avast Pro Antivirus. Get something you can count on.
Summary
When I updated the virus data bank and restarted the computer I find loads of problems. Computer running slowly, programs not opening, but most disturbingly internet would not open! I phoned customer support and they said "Oh yes that has happened a lot, Avast Pro Antivirus upgrade has a conflict with the internet. I'll get someone to phone you back to sort" I'm still waiting! Luckily I had backed up with Acronis True Image before updating the virus data base and after restoring that image everything works good again. Should I try updating the virus data base a second time or buy a reputable anti virus? Yes you're right - buy a reputable anti virus! (in the first place)
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"excellent antivirus. strongly recommend."
Version: Avast Pro Antivirus 2014 2014.9.0.2006
Pros
a simple product.reasonable price ... also i have had this anti virus for 18 months now ... no problems and no viruses.
Cons
some times they rise the prices up too much.
Summary
excellent product. recommend it.
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"An old Antivirus that has matured and became the best"
Version: Avast Pro Antivirus 2014 2014.9.0.2006
Pros
- Very light on the computer, it doesn't hurt performance at all, it's even lighter than NOD32 Antivirus v7 that I have recently tried. Try copying a 2 GB File from your HDD to an external USB HDD while having avast! and then try it with NOD32 and you'll see the difference. Startup and Shutdown times are considerably faster than other AVs as well
- Very good cloud protection prevents even 0 day exploits
- Software Updater to ensure all your other apps installed are up to date to minimize any security breaches
- Ability to run any application in Sandboxed mode to prevent any harm to the OS if you are not sure from the file you are about to run
- Better DoNotTrack feature built in that is better than the simple DoNotTrack add-Ons for Firefox or ChromeCons
- The web protection module is not yet compatible with IE 11 even though this version is supposed to be compatible with Windows 8.1. Well hello? Windows 8.1 ships with IE 11
- The Free version has endless popups and nags to upgrade to the full version which could be a nuisance! If you don't mind closing them once or twice a day to have an excellent free protection, then all good, me personally, I decided to buy the Pro version as I cannot stand popups or adsSummary
I have licenses for all major AVs including Kaspersky, Bitdefender, and Eset's Smart Security but I switched to avast for the following reasons:
1- Was one of the first AVs to release a FINAL (non-Beta) updated installer that supports Windows 8.1
2- It is lighter on system resources than the others mentioned above
3- It sports some of the best protection technologies giving you an awesome layered protection -
"Overall nice product but completely shutdown IE"
Version: Avast Pro Antivirus 2014 8.0.1497
Pros
Easy to use
Cons
From everything that I can determine this software completely shuts down internet explorer. Windows attempts to find the problem but every time it comes back with no issues then the internet starts working again. I disabled Avast for a couple of hours with no internet issues and as soon as it was enabled again it started crapping out.
Summary
Not sure what the issue was but I wasn't too thrilled with it
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