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:
- FIXED: Uninstalling avast! might have been stuck at "stopping service: avast! antivirus"
- FIXED: Upload issues with Dropbox and Flickr
- FIXED: Performance and stabilization issues in Stream Filter -- e.g. blocking of ajax calls
- FIXED: Several firewall issues -- e.g. blocking of Google Earth
- IMPROVED: General stability -- several crash scenarios fixed
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All versions:
4.4 starsout of 906 votes
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Current version:
2.5 starsout of 2 votes
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My rating:
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Results 1-2 of 2
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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.
Results 1-2 of 2
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