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 9.0.0.415 is a maintenance release.
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All versions:
4.0 starsout of 4,134 votes
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Current version:
3.9 starsout of 280 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"it is great anti-virus a have thank you"
Version: Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus 9.0.0.415
Pros
i like in this pruduct it is free
Cons
it is need update always
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"I am pleased that my computer is safe from viruses"
Version: Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus 9.0.0.415
Pros
the fact that my computer is free from damaging viruses, gives me great peace of mind.
thank you also for the fact that it cost me nothing.Cons
As yet I have not found any negatives with the program.
Summary
The ease of use at this stage has been very good.
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"I brought this anti-virus programme to my new computer"
Version: Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus 9.0.0.415
Pros
I am told by the experts that this is as good as any anti-virus programme but I would not know. What I like is rthat it is free and works in the background without me doing anything.
Cons
I do not like anti-virus programmes which draw attention to themselves and always demand my input. Except during set up I have not bothered with this programme. I do not know how it compares technically but operationally it seems OK.
Summary
I am very pleased with this programme as it does not demand any of my time which I cannot afford to spend looking after it. I wish all programmes were the same. Operationally, because I do not have to do anything then it is ideal but technically I do not know how it stacks up. However, I am told that AVG and other free programmes are just as good.
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"Does what it says"
Version: Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus 9.0.0.415
Pros
ease of use
Cons
nothing comes to mind
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"pretty good software."
Version: Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus 9.0.0.415
Pros
found stuff mcafee couldnt begin to find. i had a subscription for mcafee.
Cons
cant think of anything at all. maybe it varies by system
Summary
made mcafee look lousy
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"Works really well."
Version: Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus 9.0.0.415
Pros
Easy to install.
Cons
None that I can think of.
Summary
I like it better then AVG. It already had save me from a link to a virus.
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"Very highly recommended"
Version: Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus 9.0.0.415
Pros
Absolutely the best. Quick scans. Very easy to set up and use. Nice sensible interface.
Cons
No cons whatsoever.
Summary
Recommend to everyone. Unbeatable at this price (free).
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"AVIRA antivir acted like a virus itself(scamware)"
Version: Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus 9.0.0.415
Pros
I found nothing to like.
Cons
AVIRA antivir behave like scam ware. The only way I could remove it was by deleting my operating system and reinstalling windows7.
Summary
I have had a bad experience with avira antivir. I have had experience with
McAfee; Norton; microsoft products; Eset to compare. Not long after installation antivir it started popping up screens saying trojans had been found. Options available were to delete, put in quarantine, or to send reports to avira. Initially, I chose to delete. As I did, the popups would go away but only to return a few minutes later - same screens- same options. No other option worked either. Popup screens would return. Then I decided to remove the whole program. After normal removal, I also had an antivir screen which was an advertisement for full products and pricing which also kept popping up. That's when I also remembered in the CNET review it was said antivir was difficult to remove from your system. (thats putting it mildly) Bottom line: if you want to risk having to reinstall your operating system to get rid of this plagueware as I had to, then download away! I used AVAST in the past and AVAST has a new version out which I is awesome and safe. I am hoping CNET will reconsider and dissallow AVIRA products on their website. -
"Avast is equally good and has better upgrade costs!"
Version: Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus 9.0.0.415
Pros
1. Small footprint.
2. Top notch detection.Cons
1. Avast has the same pro's and also has more reasonable prices if ever you want premium upgrades or to recommend to your acquaintances.
2. Avira is known to have uninstall problems.Summary
The only total anti-virus protection is:
Thank you GOLD DUST... who says Norton Ghost does not work. He suggests Paragon Backup & Recovery for cloning hard drives. So I suggest you try that. Worst case scenario:I don't know whether the 'free' version does cloning? If not, then maybe seek out the latest free program from Maxtor.com or Seagate.com.
1. Clone your hard drive a.s.a.p., ideally the day you buy your computer. (Make sure it is bootable. Staples will do this for $100 plus the cost of the new drive. Or Maxtor/Seagate have a free DOS non-windows program that will make a bootable copy. Or Norton Ghost supposedly can do this.)
2. Routinely backup all important data
3. Maintain a good 2-way firewall
Therefore, even though Avira has better detection, AVG works well enough. The advantage of Avira over AVG is that ideally, when I get used to using a product, I like to use the same product on all my computers, including my laptop. AVG seems not so good for laptops, because it has a much larger footprint, as I am told, and as seems to be indicated by its much larger download size. But also, before I get used to a free product, I want to know the cost of the paid upgrade, in case I ever want to upgrade and to be a loyal advocator of the product. In this case AVG is much more consumer-friendly. Avira charges more, especially if you want a seamless firewall. (Avira's website is not consumer-friendly, it is hard even to find the prices--always a bad sign that they feel they can charge you whatever.) Now go the the AVAST website. There you will find the small footprint--and the reasonable prices with or without firewall and also whether 1 computer, 3 computers or 5 computers--and even the top notch detection ratings. So I am going for AVAST.
Updated on Dec 8, 2010
Currently, I am using a backup hard drive of XP on Dell, using Maxblast free program, formerly distributed with Maxtor hard drives, now owned by Seagate. Not sure if this program is still available. My copy is technically non-bootable BUT works fine except I must press F1 with each startup.
My fuzzy friend who did the install says he "thinks" he failed to choose the "bootable" option, in which case the F1 might not be needed. Also he "thinks" there is a DOS version which definitely creates bootable copies. The moral of the story is... if you want something done right... or at least to know what you did wrong... do it yourself, haha. Please take notes and "replly" them here! -
"Utterly Reliable"
Version: Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus 9.0.0.415
Pros
I have used this for a while. I just needed a new copy. I really like its ease of use.
Cons
it doesn't have a firewall.
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