Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
Consistently at or near the top of independent efficacy testers, Avira's AntiVir remains one of the best freeware security solutions around. Its scans are flexible, allowing the user to fully scan both internal and external hard drives, run a preloaded scan--for rootkits, for example--or customize a scan. The latest version introduces antispyware protections, scanning tech that can crack open "locked" files, improved internal security to prevent AntiVir's files from being maliciously altered, and one-click threat removal--no more baby-sitting.
There are few interface changes in version 9, and older users are not likely notice anything different in the interface besides a refreshed banner logo. The main window offers a left side navigation with drop-down menus and a central pane for more detailed information. AntiVir opens to the Status menu, informing you of your last scan, your last definition file update, whether the real-time guard is active, and premium upgrade link. Events logs changes to the program and the Reports tab keeps a history of threats. Both are exportable.
The Local Protection and Administration navigation options reveal the Scanner, Guard, Quarantine, and Scheduler features. Combined with the Configuration button located at the top of the central pane, users can customize their scans as necessary. Quarantined file information is on display, with options to scan it again, restore, delete, and e-mail the file to Avira. The rebuilt heuristic engine retains the same choices from the previous version's, and can be turned on or off in part or in full and offers three intensity levels. The scheduler offers much that other free antivirus programs don't, and the help features are excellent, with mouse-over information on each feature.
Savvy users will notice the removal of the on-demand e-mail scan, and AntiVir is still challenging to fully uninstall. Despite these hang-ups and the nag screen that follows definition file updates, AntiVir offers such effective protection and a well-rounded set of features that as long as the updates keep coming, it'll be our first line of defense.
Set it and forget it in Avira AntiVir 9:Publisher's Description
From Avira:
Avira AntiVir Personal Free Antivirus is a comprehensive, easy to use antivirus program, designed to offer reliable free of charge virus protection to home-users only. Avira offers: Extensive Malware Recognition of viruses, Trojans, backdoor programs, worms; Automatic incremental updates of antivirus signatures, engine and entire software; Permanent virus protection, with Virus Guard real time monitoring; Install and configuration in just a couple of steps, setup to protect your PC in minutes; Virus protection against known and unknown threats, using an advanced heuristic system; Scheduler where you can set the scanner to make automatic virus scans or updates on your system; Forum and phone support; Knowledge Base with virus descriptions available on web site; Rootkit Detection and Removal; A modularized AV-search engine for improved scan performance.
Version 9 introduces a quick-removal button for eliminating viruses with a single click, enhanced anti-spyware and anti-adware engines, and support for low resolution netbook screens.
What's new in this version:
Version 9 introduces a quick-removal button for eliminating viruses with a single click, enhanced anti-spyware and anti-adware engines, and support for low resolution netbook screens.
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All versions:
4.0 starsout of 4,131 votes
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Current version:
3.7 starsout of 108 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"AVComparatives likes it... so do I"
Version: Avira AntiVir Personal Free Antivirus 9.0.0.403
Pros
Dependable even at corporate level. Great value for home users, even premium package.
Cons
The fact that paid-for antivirus solutions are still more popular in America. Free version has one pop-up per update process.
Summary
In short, without the pop-up ad (usually tasteful) that displays when the program updates (once a week, depending on settings), this would be the best AV solution in the world. Fast. Lean. Configurable. Current virus definitions come daily/weekly that really provide coverage against each week's new threats.
Ironically enough, a lot of negative reviews have been written for this product, citing the spotty AVG as a superior product in terms of being more compact (it's not) and offering better protection (I have proof that it doesn't at ArsTechnica or AVComparatives). -
"working great"
Version: Avira AntiVir Personal Free Antivirus 9.0.0.403
Pros
easy to use
Cons
load time of first use
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"rather useful!"
Version: Avira AntiVir Personal Free Antivirus 9.0.0.403
Pros
free to use
Cons
the questions are kind of too often
Summary
to sum up .nice ..........
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"Slowed my Acer Aspire so badly, I couldn't access WWW."
Version: Avira AntiVir Personal Free Antivirus 9.0.0.403
Pros
It's Free.
Cons
1) Asks way too many questions.
2) Eats up an enormous amount of CPU time
3) Refuses to remember overrides of its false-positives.Summary
This free product is not ready for 'prime time'..
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"Annoying and overwhelming!"
Version: Avira AntiVir Personal Free Antivirus 9.0.0.403
Pros
Good at protection, reminders, and updates.
Cons
Too many notifications to the point you can't exit them out completely.
Summary
I had this on my Mom's laptop to see if it would work. Then months later, she complained that these pop-ups are quite annoying. Avira Personal AV is not the choice I'd recommend!
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"Useful but..."
Version: Avira AntiVir Personal Free Antivirus 9.0.0.403
Pros
Avira was very useful at the begining. It found some trojans and phishing websites...
Cons
However, Avira presents a lot of problems. Never try to run your computer without the firewall. Avira freaks out and it might cause damage on your computer. It becomes really paranoid (even at "medium level") and can slow down your computer.
Summary
If you have already tried others programs and you don't want to pay for a respectful program, then install this RISKY program on your computer. It might work well for few weeks only
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"catches threats quickly, easy directions for alerts"
Version: Avira AntiVir Personal Free Antivirus 9.0.0.403
Pros
finds serious threats/viruses that other antivirus software did not, - gives informative, clear options on how to deal with issues
Cons
menu could be more user friendly and easy to decipher
Summary
I have tried avast, regcure, and even spybot and none of them could find a serious trojan in my system. This software detected the problem and made it simple for me to eliminate it.
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"Excellent tool. Better than the expensive ones"
Version: Avira AntiVir Personal Free Antivirus 9.0.0.403
Pros
The daily updates keep my pc protected
Cons
I Ilike everthing in this product
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"not so effective"
Version: Avira AntiVir Personal Free Antivirus 9.0.0.403
Pros
scanning type and update
Cons
detection of a virus even after full system syan and that too one by one
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"Very good AV"
Version: Avira AntiVir Personal Free Antivirus 9.0.0.403
Pros
Doesn't slow your system down (like AVG does). Finds things that Avast! missed.
Cons
The pop-up ads. But these are easily stopped (on XP at least) by going to Local Security Policy & adding a New Path Rule to avnotify.exe in the Avira program folder,takes 30 secs to do.
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