Powerful
anti-malware solution delivered in a user-friendly and free package,
featuring multiple scanning modes and extra tools to ensure all-round PC
safety
The antivirus solution from developer AVAST
Software comes in many flavors and most users opt for the free edition
for obvious reasons. This does not make it any less reliable, however.
The program features intuitive, advanced and customizable scanning
methods along with other modules dedicated to computer safety.
Complete and customizable installation package
The installer is completely configurable when it
comes to shields (for files, emails and web), security tools and
preferred languages. Since it is ad-supported, the utility offers to
install unnecessary third-party components but they can be skipped.
The security tools include browser protection and cleanup (e.g. Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox), software updater for other programs installed, remote assistance for access on other computers, SecureLine for connection encryption agsinst spyware via VPN, GrimeFighter
for system cleanup and maintenance, Rescue Disk for worst case
scenarios with malware-crippled PCs, and a simple management connector
that reports the Avast status to COM monitoring software.
Modern and attractive interface
Avast is wrapped in a pleasant and easy-to-use
interface which provides fast access to the av status, scanning methods,
tools, portable devices with Avast installed for remote control
(smartphones, tablets), statistics (real-time and historical data,
component status), as well as the rich configuration area, and animated
tray icon based on different events.
Various scan modes with user-defined settings
It is possible to perform a quick scan in areas
where malware is known to hide, complete by taking into account the
entire computer, in removable drives only, custom directories, or at
every Windows boot in autostart processes and services.
It is not necessary to change any settings, since
Avast has a pretty decent default configuration. But advanced users have
the possibility to fiddle with options regarding rootkits, file types,
the exact scan areas, heuristics, PUP and suspicious files, archive
formats, action on malware detection, scan priority, reports,
exclusions, and scan scheduling.
Unconfirmed suspected infections sent to the
quarantine may be investigated to decide whether to keep or eliminate
them, while reports with scan activities may be examined in logs.
Other security tools
The software updater automatically finds updates
available for other programs, SecureLine must be purchased before it can
be used, the browser cleanup component removes toolbars and resets
browser settings to default if necessary, AccessAnywhere requires an
Avast account (free) to control the PC from remote locations, and Rescue
Disk creates a bootable USB or CD drive with the latest virus
definitions to use for offline scanning and cleaning.
Performance and conclusion
System resources can be hogged or spared, depending
on how fast users want the scans to finish. It is possible to disable
the file system, mail or web shield with one click and customize
settings for each one of them. As far as virus detection ratio is
concerned, Avast Free Antivirus delivers very good results, which places
it among the top-rated antivirus solutions on the current market.
The utility's virus signatures can be kept up-to-date with Avast Virus Definitions. Those looking for enhanced security features can test and/or purchase Avast Premier, Avast Internet Security or Avast Pro Antivirus.
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