CNET Editors' review
UnThreat Free AntiVirus 2012 is a free antivirus software solution from AVSoftware. It uses the popular, well-received VIPRE antivirus engine, and offers basic protection from viruses, Trojans, rootkits, malware, adware, and other threats, including e-mail protection and antispyware protection. UnThreat Free is based on a premium tool that includes a firewall and other extra features. The freeware omits those and other bells and whistles, and it doesn't need them. Its chief recommendation is the VIPRE engine, which has tested well against a variety of threats and has generally been available only in premium AV software, until now.
When our download finished, we disabled our existing antivirus software before installing UnThreat. Some freeware AV tools will work alongside the competition, and some won't. As with many other AV tools, UnThreat's installation process requires a reboot. A simple, well-designed user interface more or less says "antivirus software," and the only thing notable is the grayed-out entries for the disabled features: Firewall, RoadWarrior, and Web Guard. We started with the Quick Scan, which turned up two low-risk adware bundlers. Clicking View Details confirmed that the items weren't a threat, but we sent them to their doom by selecting Delete from a drop-down menu and pressing the Clean button. In addition to the Scan field, we could view our Scan History and Active Protection History and access the Quarantine Manager. Of course, no AV solution worth its name would omit a system tray icon, and UnThreat doesn't. The tray icon's menu let us disable UnThreat's active protection, check for updates, and start scans. A tree-based Settings sheet offered a surprising number of options, including scheduling, proxy settings for updates, shell extension scans, and excluded files and folders. The Help file is extensive and detailed.
Free antivirus solutions have gotten so good that the premium tools have to offer tons of extras to justify the cost. The popular free versions tend to be safe choices, and safe recommendations, too, thanks to instantly updated threat lists that millions of users rely on. With no-nonsense controls, essential features, and strong protection, UnThreat Free AntiVirus 2012 joins their ranks.
Publisher's Description
From Scandium Security:
Without an AntiVirus your PC will get infected in a matter of minutes. UnThreat Free AntiVirus offers basic protection against viruses, trojans, rootkits, adware, spyware and worms. Active protection prevents them at the time they appear with latest "on-access" technology. The e-mail component scans all e-mails for attached viruses or other malicious content.
Features: Antivirus - The highly effective Anti-Virus engine is built to instantly scan, detect and remove viruses, trojans, worms as well as other suspicious or unknown threats that reach your system through attachments, downloads or removable storage devices. Active Protection - This is on-access component monitors all processes and files, and warns you of suspicious activities. Antispyware Protection - The anti-spyware component detects malicious software that may have been installed to track you or gather and steal sensitive information. E-mail Protection - The e-mail protection component scans all e-mails, incoming and outgoing, for attached virus and other types of threats.
What's new in this version: Version 4.2.33 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
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All versions:
4.2 starsout of 58 votes
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Current version:
3.9 starsout of 26 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"kd5 is correct."
Version: UnThreat Free AntiVirus 2012 4.2.33
Pros
Almost too simple to configure and use. But that's were it stops short. ...at least for older equipment. (I can't comment on newer than XP equipment at this time.)
Cons
I experienced the same thing on my old XP Compaq Presario> 3200+ AMD Sempron> 1 gig memory> 100 gig hard drive. My problem wasn't as bad as kd5's, but it's bad enough to freeze any program it wants to any time it wants to. A REAL P.I.T.A.!
Summary
If you don't have the latest, greatest equipment you definitely do _NOT_ want to waste your time, effort and nerves on this obviously past it's prime (based on it's history) program. Considering it's history, one _may_ want to opt to pass even with newer equipment.
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"Finally got the update it needed"
Version: UnThreat Free AntiVirus 2012 4.2.33
Pros
On the official Unthreat website, http://www.unthreat.com/ , it had finally got a major update and bought out by Scandium Security. The new update has been very beneficial, and it still runs with the amazing Vipre Engine and is minimal on system resources.
Cons
None that I have noticed.
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"Corrupted File"
Version: UnThreat Free AntiVirus 2012 4.2.33
Pros
Nice description.
Cons
Corrupted file..
Summary
I literally just downloaded it to my laptop, 10/27/12 @1:50pm and I got that blue window system crash. Now I have to go to a restore point. This happened the last time on my PC and it never booted again. I thought this site was safe. Apparently not.
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"Quick install, but not running and not updating."
Version: UnThreat Free AntiVirus 2012 4.2.33
Pros
Quick install, only a minute or so.
Cons
- Error at the end of the install 'not a valid Win32 app'
- Seemed to be the try-out version iso the free version.
- Not updating not even after some restarts.
- Uninstall very troublesome also (garbage left behind).Summary
I wouldn't recommend this to friends, not even to enemies.
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"Obtaining The Best Possible Internet Security Solution"
Version: UnThreat Free AntiVirus 2012 4.2.33
Pros
Reliable internet security option due to the good firewall which is in place.
Provides good protection from Trojans and worms which enter through attachments and downloads.
The antivirus checks each file before you download and gives the green light.
It took limited time to perform scans.Cons
The software is unable to deal with several malware and adware, despite that fact that it detects them.
Summary
Internet security has come along in leaps and bounds over the past decade or so. There are quite a few firms which offer antivirus software options these days and most of them are actually quite decent. Norton, Kaspersky and Avast have been the leaders in the stream for a long time. Personally, I don't like experimenting with internet security and since I use the internet almost everyday, I require heavy duty protection. Recently, I formatted my laptop and decided to change my old antivirus. My friend had been harping about Unthreat 2012 and decided to give it a shot. So far, it seems to be doing a good job and I am happy with the outcome.
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"Good antivirus and that too absolutely free of cost"
Version: UnThreat Free AntiVirus 2012 4.2.33
Pros
Impressive detection of harmful content
The software is easy to download and that too very quick
It comes free of cost
The software saves your data from spyware and thus nobody can have access to your personal stuff
It also checks internet connections for malicious content apart from just website links
Also saves from Trojans, malware and wormsCons
The scanning however effective, takes lot of time
Summary
With no price to pay and easy download, this software provides effective protection against Trojans, malware, spyware, viruses and other things that can harm your computer and the data stored.
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"Effective in Detecting Virus Threat"
Version: UnThreat Free AntiVirus 2012 4.2.33
Pros
Detecting all malware, adware and other sorts of Trojans and viruses.
Protecting e-mail from all sorts of virus and threats of other corrected temporary file.
Downloading and scanning is the quickest.
No Charge at all for trial packages
No special downloading procedureCons
Maintains a fast speed of my system
Summary
I hope its updates will come in the market sooner and all its downsides will be recovered and it would be more active than now.
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"Advanced features and effective security"
Version: UnThreat Free AntiVirus 2012 4.2.33
Pros
Protects your computer against viruses, Trojans, malware and worms
The detection is rate is impressive as it finds out even minor discrepancies
It actively guards your computer and lets you know whenever a problem occurs
Keeps the computer and its data safe from spywares
Easy to download and operate
Checks even emails and links for malicious contentCons
The scanning takes a lot of time and elimination of malware is not as high as detection
Summary
A number of anti-viruses are already present on the internet. But most of them lack in one thing or the other. Also, there is no point in paying for your anti-virus when you can get the same security levels with free ones.
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"Save your computer from malicious attacks"
Version: UnThreat Free AntiVirus 2012 4.2.33
Pros
A free antivirus that is easy to download and install
Saves computer from Trojans, viruses, malware and worms
It also sends out a notification whenever someone tries to spy on your data
Absolutely free of cost
It also checks your mails for the presence of harmful content
It also checks the malicious urls to prevent them from harming your computerCons
Slows down the speed of your computer at times
The detection of malware is impressive but removing these threats is not to that extent but it i9s still goodSummary
UnThreat antivirus has everything that make it an excellent antivirus. The best part is that you can have all these benefits and that too without paying anything.
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"Best Option for Home Users"
Version: UnThreat Free AntiVirus 2012 4.2.33
Pros
It prevents malware, adware and Trojans and other virus treats and attacks.
It saves my e-mail from virus and other threats.
It's absolutely free.
Provides complete security.Cons
It's updates are yet to come out.
Summary
Despite all facts and figures, I must give it a 4 out of 5 rating. This higher rating is only because of its high protecting detection management issues. I love using this anti=-virus and I am sure when its update would come, it would be better than ever before.
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