Avira Free Antivirus User Reviews
Excellent
-
"Thank You Avira!"
Version: Avira Free Antivirus 12.0.0.1125
Pros
I have just RETURNED, replacing the PAID version of another anti-virus product that also begins with an "A" with Avira free, my original choice. There is no comparison. Avira not only is incredibly faster and lighter on my syetem, it also is the only AV software I've used that has ever caught an infection (3 actually) BEFORE they hit my machine!
I trust you, Avira - and I thank you. I'm so happy to be back! I just wasted my money on the other brand. Their "special sale" was no bargain.Cons
None. The splash screen advertisement at startup is 1-click tolerable. Easy. Now I may even try the paid version!
Summary
Avira free is terrifically effective, and will not slug down your machine. It has the lightest CPU demand of all the free AVs. Try it.
Dell Dimension 8200, Win XP -
"good protection but TOO much coercion to upgrade."
Version: Avira Free Antivirus 12.0.0.1125
Pros
Fair to good detection and protection comparable to competitors. Simple and easy config.
It has not created conflicts with MS Office 2007 as its competitor had.Cons
Too much coercion to upgrade to paid version and every session, and it takes longer than average to check and update signature files.
Summary
Considering the effective function and less conflict, I will put up with this annoying upgrade prompts a bit longer, but don't know how long it will be as it really annoys me.
-
"the better one"
Version: Avira Free Antivirus 12.0.0.1125
Pros
easy to use and configure
efficientCons
sometimes can be long to start but.. i don't care...
Summary
Really, this antivirus saved many of infected computer (who had an other antivirus). Avira Detects always the crap that infected these computers. I tried others but i always came back with avira
-
"Do NOT download the free trial because - - -"
Version: Avira Free Antivirus 12.0.0.1125
Pros
Seems to catch viruses, but - -
Cons
It'll aggravate the living *** out of you with the popup ads wanting you to buy buy buy Avira. Also, my system is crawling instead of speeding thru cyberspace. It started with the Avira download and that's the ONLY thing I've changed in my computer.
Summary
If you're going to use Avira, go ahead an buy it straight out or be prepared for the above Cons. Me? I just downloaded it and downloaded Vipre and intend to buy it without the trial. I know enough people that use it that are very computer savvy and they highly recommend it. Without all the crap Avira hands out. And without slowing my computer to a crawl.
Oops - my fingers got ahead of my brain in typing the Summary. I just UNINSTALLED Avira and downloaded Vipre.
Updated on May 15, 2012 -
"annoying ads"
Version: Avira Free Antivirus 12.0.0.1125
Pros
detected more than other programs
Cons
user interface not the best, takes too long to complete scan
Summary
have tried it and will be removing it.
-
"To heavy on computer resources"
Version: Avira Free Antivirus 12.0.0.1125
Pros
Didn't find any!
Cons
It slowed my computer down to a crawl making it impossible to do anything on the computer!
Summary
Protection that demands more than 30 percent of the computers CPU and recourse is worthless. The job of an antivirus program is to protect it while being used for everyday purposes. Not to take over the use of the computer.
-
"Good but better Free Alternatives."
Version: Avira Free Antivirus 12.0.0.1125
Pros
Was best in its day.
Quick install.
Nice new MAIN screen interface.Cons
Still scans with a popup Luke Filewalker window.
Please include scan window in main GUI in the future.
Annoying NagScreen on EVERY update. It used to be once a day, but now it's all the time (it seems)
No webguard on free version, unless use their IE toolbar, I use Firefox.Summary
Avira is 2nd place only to Lavasoft as far as free Suites go, but lacks a much needed webguard, and the annoying nagscreen will have you uninstalling this in no time.
I forgot to link where I got my info regarding virus scan engines.
Stick with Avast (3rd place) or AVG (4th place)
Or go with IOBit ASC with Antivirus 2012, which has BitDefender built in (2nd place scanner, to Lavasoft) and it's free too, but beta. Paid version is likely to happen.
Or just use Lavasoft, has webguard, but annoying taskbar popup when you minimize the main windows or after it loads on a fresh login to windows.
Updated on May 9, 2012
http://www.virusbtn.com/vb100/rap-index.xml
VB100 RAP tests, better then any Magazine. -
"Simply The Best"
Version: Avira Free Antivirus 12.0.0.1125
Pros
-Top detection/protection
-Low false positives
-Low RAM & CPU usageCons
None at all
Summary
Avira has consistently been the best Anti-Virus solution on the market (as far as protection goes). No, it may not have the prettiest interface, but who cares?
Those who complain about a little pop-up when it updates, just stop your whinning! THIS IS FREE and it has the among the highest detection rates of any A.V. program. FREE. I know it's hard to click an X mark on a once, maybe twice, a day pop-up. -
"Great Protection, Better Detection Rates Than Anyone!!!"
Version: Avira Free Antivirus 12.0.0.1125
Pros
High detection rates, great on line, and on off line. The Ask Toolbar with Avira's Web Protection
Cons
Rootkit scanner, did not install it kept finding hidden files and wanted me to buy the rescue disk..............Avira works a whole lot better without the rootkit scanner installed.
Summary
Avira has a better detection rate than anyone else. Do a custom install and do not install the rootkit scanner, it will not allow you to do a schedule scan late at night when you are sleeping, you can do it but you will find that your computer is still on with an error message.
When Avira discovers you are not going to buy their pay version, you'll start getting the ads fast and furious.
Have not seen any pop-ups except when Avira updates, and one click and it is gone........so what is the big deal about pop-ups anyway.
I like the Ask toolbar and it will be installed on all the browsers that you use, I think it's kind of cool. Avira's Web Protection is also installed on the toolbar, which is also kind of cool.
And Avira has Real Time Protection Too.
Updated on May 1, 2012
ElObomo.......You Are Wrong Wrong Wrong Did I Say That You Were Wrong Well You Are Wrong. You Are Crazy To Even Think This....I Have Had Avira For A Few Years Now, And I Have Never Got More Than One Pop-Up When Avara Updated.
So Stop Telling People This!!!!!!!!!!
Updated on May 2, 2012I agree with just_air, Musisman4you is right.
Avira has been around for over 25 years and they know what they are doing better than anyone else.
Updated on May 2, 2012Thank You musicman4you "(Best Free Antivirus out there and will not slow down your computer.)" I agree.
Avira even works like a firewall when you run a test at grc leaktest to test your firewall. -
"Unable to tell whether this version is working at all."
Version: Avira Free Antivirus 12.0.0.1125
Pros
Unable to tell
Cons
Runs at great length; then identifies the Weather Channel app as suspicious; then when I try to instruct it to ignore that app, crashes with "encountered a problem and needs to close;" then tries to restart and repeat. I cannot tell whether it's actually doing anything.
I run Win 7, 16 gb RAM, AMD Athlon X3, hundreds of gb free HD space.
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
You must be 13 years of age or older to submit personal information to CNET Networks. In compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998, CNET Networks does not accept name and e-mail address information from users who are under 13 years of age.
All submitted ratings and written comments become the sole property of CNET Networks, Inc. (CNET) and may be used at CNET Networks' sole discretion. Ratings and written comments are generally posted within two to four business days in batch groups, not in real time. However, CNET Networks reserves the right to remove or refuse to post any submission for any reason. You acknowledge that you, not CNET Networks, are responsible for the contents of your submission.
CNET Networks is not responsible for the content of the publisher's descriptions or user reviews on this site. We encourage you to determine whether this product or your intended use is legal. We do not encourage or condone the use of any software in violation of applicable laws. CNET Download.com does not sell, resell, or license any of the products listed on the site. We cannot be held liable for issues that arise from the download or use of these products.
