Entered CNET Catalog: 04/24/2007
SKU: CNETAVASTAV47HOMEEDITION
Manufacturer: ALWIL Software a.s.
Manufacturer description
avast! 4 Home Edition is a full-featured antivirus package designed exclusively for home users and non-commercial use. Alwil offers the Home Edition free of charge, since it is possible to avoid global virus spreading by efficient prevention.Product summary
The good: Avast Antivirus 4.7 Home edition is decent antivirus protection; it includes a rich catalog of virus information, and is easy to use.
The bad: Avast Antivirus 4.7 Home edition requires registration for use.
The bottom line: Avast Antivirus 4.7 Home edition works fairly well for a free antivirus protection.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 05/03/2007
Setup
We downloaded and installed the free Home edition of Avast Antivirus in a matter of minutes. But there's a catch: Avast Home Edition works for only 60 days after initial installation. In order to keep using the free edition, you will need to register for a free license key by e-mail. This license key is valid for one year. After that time, you will need to reregister to continue using the free edition.
After installation, you must reboot. Before Windows reloads, Avast performs a boot-level antivirus scan, looking for malware that might load with the operating system. Avast then uses pop-up balloons to explain the new icons on your task tray.
Should you decide to uninstall Avast, there is no uninstall icon. You will need to use All Programs > Controls Panel > Add or Remove Programs within Windows to remove it from your system. After a reboot, we found that several empty file folders under Program Files as well as several registry entries remained behind.
Interface
Upon launch, Avast initiates a memory and start-up scan of your system. You will also encounter a rather garish but nonetheless helpful screen explaining the Simplified User Interface. The simplified interface is stylish and designed for the end-user who just wants the PC to be protected; this interface is the only interface available in the free home edition. The second interface, which is available only in the professional edition is more advanced, with virtually no creative design. Ultimately, though, we think having the two interfaces is clunky and would prefer a better design in future releases.
Features
Included in both the Home and Professional versions are the basic antivirus kernel, automatic updates, and P2P and IM shields for blocking viruses transmitted other than via infected Web sites and e-mail.
Also included in both is the Virus Recovery Database (VRDB), which captures information about the current state of a given file and saves that information for as many as three versions back. That way, if your system gets infected with a virus, Avast can roll back the infected file to a previous, uninfected version. In general, we found when VRDB was running that it zapped our system resources from time to time, so we turned it off.
What's included in the Professional edition that you won't find in the free Home version are push updates (meaning that Alwil will deploy high-priority changes to your program rather than you requesting them or waiting for the next automatic update), a script blocker (a heuristic to analyze javascript and Active X), custom tasks (such as setting Avast to run whenever your screensaver kicks in), a scheduler, and a command-line scanner (for initiating scans at a C: prompt, for example). Whether these features are worth the extra cash is up to you.
Most useful within the paid edition is a second, more advanced user interface. The Enhanced User Interface features include on-demand virus updates, program and virus updates, and Go To Background, which throttles back to low priority the resources used by Avast Antivirus so you can work in Excel or any other application without latency.
What's missing in both editions is explicit protection from rootkits, a major security concern these days. Also, most antivirus products include some antispyware protection, but not Avast. Next, though it would be optional, it would be good to have antiphishing tools included as McAfee and others are doing with their antivirus products. And, of course, a firewall would also be nice.
Performance
Although we have not scheduled Avast Antivirus for formal benchmark testing through CNET Labs, we did find in informal testing that Avast Antivirus used no more than 10 percent of our system resources during a number of different scans--a fairly light performance hit. However, we did find that when generating the VRDB, Avast soared into the 40 percent system resources territory.
To determine how well a product will protect your PC, we refer to test results from two leading independent antivirus testing organizations. In the latest test results from AV-Comparatives.org, Avast Antivirus 4.7 earned an Advanced rating (the second highest), catching 93 percent of all malware tested. The other source, Checkvir.com, did not evaluate Avast Antivirus 4.7 2006.
Support
Alwil is located in the Czech Republic. There is a comprehensive in-program help menu. There are also robust technical support forums, free e-mail support, and international telephone support, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central European Time.
Conclusion
We were pleasantly surprised by the Home edition and less so by the Professional edition. We hope that future releases of Avast include protection against rootkits, spyware, and possibly, phishing.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103out of 103 user reviews
Better than any other security software
Pros: This software is far better than Norton, McAfee . I guess you do not always get what you pay for. It is disappointing that computers with Microsoft do not already have security build in. Makes you wonder who is writing the software viruses?
Cons: Not found any yet!
out of 103 user reviews
Fast, Effective & Free - No problems for over 2 years !
Pros: Installs fast, very light, protects against all types of threats (virus, malware), auto updates versions and definitions, truly a free product and probably the best feature of all -- a preboot scan scheduler.
Cons: None that I can find after 2 years of using AVAST.
out of 103 user reviews
blocked my web browsing ...
Pros: None at all.
Cons: Totally incompatible with any other branded firewall or security suite I was using.
Noticed a few things I didn't like after downloading and using the software. Uses a lot of system resources and memory. Very slow at scanning computer if wanting to do a high level, thorough scan, scanning removable drives, archives, etc. Seems to get locked up (when it finds any other antivirus or firewall on the system, when scanning those files). Also, for some odd reason, allowed itself and other software (Windows Update) to the Internet, but it blocked my other web browsing.
Happy I tried it out, but it's a do not buy and now my browsers work fine and I can surf the whole web again.
If their Antivirus was this awful, shudder to think as to how bad their Internet Security software might be ... definitely a no go when friends ask me about what I like or don't like about any anti-virus products.
out of 103 user reviews
The best antivirus I ever used.
Pros: Fast & smart. Everytime he helps me to detect viruses.
Cons: Pop-uping messages (update status) in 3D games.
out of 103 user reviews
The better option for home users
Pros: Good real time protection and very easy to use.
Cons: It's user interface is a bit confusing.
out of 103 user reviews
nt maybe d best but stil a great buddy if u wnt scurity
Pros: it detected infections on my computer and cured it all so far..that's all what i want for antivirus.;p other security measures is handled by my windows and internet tools.
Cons: nah forget it.. if something is perfect then others won't get any businesses
out of 103 user reviews
Free and easy, hardly know it's there
Pros: Free. What else do you need to say? Oh, yes, it's also very effective. I've had no infections that I know of, it's caught things before they get onto my system (you'll know when that happens, guaranteed), and it doesn't slow down my computer.
Cons: Until you get used to the interface, it may not seem very intuitive, but it's all there. The update announcement can get annoying, but you can turn it off if you want. Very minor annoyance that you have to renew each year, but it's simple and FREE!
out of 103 user reviews
Great Product
Pros: Multiple area scan protection, easy to install.
Cons: Does require you to register the product which is free so no big deal.
out of 103 user reviews
I love this program.
Pros: Has caught stuff for me on several occasions. Updates automatically, the only user input is to run a scan.
Cons: Yes you have to register after 60 days, but this registration key is absolutely free so this is hardly a problem.
out of 103 user reviews
Have nothing bad to say about it as a user.
Pros: Avast get rid of malware and even got rid of viruses Norton could not detect. For a free edition and as a simple home user, I'm impressed with the product. It does not slow my system down as much as Norton.
Cons: Since it's a free edition, I can't complain and expect more options.
out of 103 user reviews
excellent program
Pros: simple; updates are very timely with no user effort
Cons: none, I've used several commercial programs is this one is best by far
out of 103 user reviews
Great low profile effective antivirus software
Pros: Low Profile. Effective at passive scanning. No unnecessary emails from the company. FREEEEE! Scheduler.
Cons: A full scan seems to take an epoch, but it does the trick.
out of 103 user reviews
Good AntiVirus for free for home system.
Pros: Avast has a 64bit version. Avast had the 64bit version at a time when many name brand antivirus software packages did not.
Cons: I have read that it does not have root kit detection. Root kits allow hackers to do pretty much everything you can from your computer remotely.
out of 103 user reviews
Excellent - especially for the price!
Pros: It is fairly easy to use and most importantly IT WORKS. I have been using this program for over a year and have had NO virus problems of any kind.
Cons: The user interface isn't all that intuitive, and sometimes a bit confusing.
out of 103 user reviews
works perfectly doesnt slow down the computer
Pros: Its free and gives you a very good protection..
Cons: The voice that says "virus database has been updated"
out of 103 user reviews
Used Norton for years until I tried Avast.
Pros: It works. I like the pre boot scan feature, I use it once a week, and it cleans house pretty well. I download tons of stuff and inevitably pick up trojans etc. It catches them every time.
Cons: It is not a complete package, No firewall etc. I use comodo with it.
out of 103 user reviews
Don't be an idiot. Use Avast.
Pros: Not a resource hog like other programs. Scans files as they download. It has caught things that Spysweper and Norton didn't. Has a boot time scan function giving it full control over malware and other items.
Cons: The free edition is limited in options.
out of 103 user reviews
Great for home usage
Pros: Avast has stopped, so far, all virus attacks to my home computer.
Cons: Periodical re-registration.
out of 103 user reviews
The best I have used so far
Pros: Found virus no other programs would find and fixed my computer
Cons: Have not found any yet
out of 103 user reviews
I really like this software and I have used them all!!
Pros: Easy on your resources, doesn't bog down your microprocessor, just comes to work everyday and does its job I do tech support and I love running into good software that just works well!
Cons: After having Mc Afee, Symantec, Norton, AVG, etc, this product is a break from the pack. It is reliable and hard working........just like I am ...8>)
out of 103 user reviews
Free, easy to use and great reputation
Pros: Avast is really easy to use and takes almost none of my time. After the moutain of time eaten up with Zone Alarm this software is a real joy to use.
Cons: So far no cons.
out of 103 user reviews
6 plus years of use - Excellent
Pros: FREE for home use, updates automatically, easy on resources, highly rated, registration is simple
Cons: No problems experienced.
out of 103 user reviews
Works Great for Our Home Computer
Pros: Avast Home edition has been protecting our home computer for years without any problems. It is easy to set up.
Cons: The only problem we have is that the free version must be re-registered every 14 months or so. But considering that it's free, we don't mind at all.
out of 103 user reviews
Not very friendly
Pros: nothing i don't like anything about the product so far
Cons: i can't figure out how to use it it's confusing
out of 103 user reviews
Fast and stable
Pros: Regular updates to put it bluntly "if carls****" made antivirus it would be called AVAST ! ;)
Cons: Could use less resource
out of 103 user reviews
Highly recommended for home users
Pros: For a free product, this has almost everything you would find in a paid version like AVG pro except the scheduled scans.
Cons: None whatsoever.
out of 103 user reviews
Boot level scan was a life saver
Pros: It gave me my computer back after a month running without antivirus, antiadware protection. I don't know if their boot level scan is unique but it was an outstanding feature.
Cons: I only had a brief experience with the product and it worked much better than anything else I had found.
out of 103 user reviews
Much better than most paid av software
Pros: It is FREE
Cons: Not known yet
out of 103 user reviews
Better then most antivirus programs that I have try.
Pros: Most antivirus programs DO NOTscan your computer at boot time. Avast does, removing virus before they load into memory.
Cons: None for the price.
out of 103 user reviews
works for me and i'm a dinosaur.
Pros: cost, simplicity
Cons: none yet, have used for over 1 year
out of 103 user reviews
best freeware
Pros: powerful and free
Cons: slow while scan
it is same as pro version except a script blocker. this contains also antispyware. So it is the best one.
out of 103 user reviews
The BEST and all for free
Pros: $$$$ saver !! Better than Norton and McAffee
Cons: Install before you are under attack
out of 103 user reviews
So far it's Fantastic! It was recommended to me by person helping me to reinstall my hard drive.
Pros: Easy to use. does the job. .updates work.
Cons: I have none negative about this product.
out of 103 user reviews
No Free Lunch with Avast
Pros: Gave almost daily audio updates
Cons: When It caught a virus it didn't remove it
I had Avast installed and today it claimed to have caught the nasty virus "Antivirus XP 2008" and told me to place it in the chest.
Nothing happened to the virus it kept working.
I then restored to a point the previous day and the virus was gone.
Next I decided to uninstall Avast. I Googled "unintall Avast" and had to download an executable uninstall program to my desktop, reboot in safe mode and run the uninstall. Too much of a hassle for something as unreliable. Of course it was "free."
I downloaded, then purchased Enigma's SpyHunter (sponsored link at this site)before my restore, ran two scans and ran remove on the same virus and it didn't remove a thing. I have requested a refund from Enigma. With SpyHunter the software was free until you needed to remove a virus and in my case the virus did not leave.
Avast gave frequest audio updates on my desktop and laptop and I figured it was doing its job. When it alerted me to a virus I thought good deal. As I said, their recommendation to move the virus to the "chest" did nothing to stop the virus from conductiong its havoc.
The whole process was an Enigma, Indeed!
out of 103 user reviews
Seemingly good antivirus with good reviews, but totally inaccurate as for me it deleted good files.
Pros: It's Free and Simple
Cons: Deleted windows system files, it even deleted its own files! I had to reformat my computer...
It even deleted files from its own folder, which makes no sense at all.
This antivirus made me reformat my computer, otherwise it was completely unusable. It also would not uninstall when i tried to.
out of 103 user reviews
Best free AV program out there!
Pros: Fast and easy to use!
Cons: Missing a few features for phishing and others etc...
out of 103 user reviews
The best AV choice
Pros: It works Flawlessly
Cons: Nothing that I can say
out of 103 user reviews
Don't notice it's there.
Pros: Minimal usage of system resources. High rating by antivirus comparatives.
Cons: Haven't found any yet.
out of 103 user reviews
Good, but overprotecting
Pros: provide good protection
Cons: block the accses for user itself from reg , conf options and more
out of 103 user reviews
E' un grande antivirus
Pros: Non costa niente e lo staff è supergentile
Cons: Non ho notato alcunchè di difettoso
out of 103 user reviews
VERY GOOD !!!
Pros: VERY GOOD !!!
Cons: VERY GOOD !!!
out of 103 user reviews
This found 10 viruses that McCafee had missed.
Pros: Free, better detection.
Cons: Had to delete and reinstall the programs.
out of 103 user reviews
Simple, Fast, Works Great
Pros: Free and affective
Cons: Does not have one
out of 103 user reviews
May work but not with Outpost
Pros: Free, installs easily, handles well
Cons: Bulky & intrusive; incompatible with Outpost 2008
Simple conclusion: If like me you have XP + Outpost 2008, do not even think about it. I occasinally use another machine with Avast; it works alright on it but the firewall is plain vanilla built-in Windows. I was quite impressed with it so gave it a try on my laptop workhorse now that AVG 7.5 is obsolescent. This is much better protected, though, and whatever Avast offers on top of simple AV protection is superfluous here. Its plethora of defences just created a deadly mixture meshing with Outpost firewall stratagems, freezing the system repeatedly, blocking web access, etc. Daytime nightmare, so back to AVG it is.
out of 103 user reviews
Superb in every way
Pros: Light memory usage, Fast scan
Cons: None thus far
I switched to Avast and I have nothing but good things to say. It has so many scans and spped is awesome for a full scan and it uses very little memory. What all antivirus companies should strive for.
out of 103 user reviews
Finally free from Norton!! Yeah! Peter was great, but Symantec sucks. Avast is FAST!
Pros: Fast! Doesn't hog system resources. Good size. User Friendly.
Cons: They don't install it for you. You have to do it yourself. (jeese... that's a joke. don't get all out of joint)
But this is supposed to be about Avast, isn't it. Well, it's a GREAT piece of software, and that's coming from 20+ years of computer user/customer experience. One of the better pieces of software I've ever owned. It does what it should without a lot fat. I can't believe I don't have to pay for this one!!! If all software were this good, life would be a bowl of cherries.
out of 103 user reviews
I luv your product its gud really gud PROS
Pros: Big up!!! PROS
Cons: Always with you!!! PROS
out of 103 user reviews
how easy and wonderful
Pros: simple for me over 55 yrs, and I can access everything
Cons: setting up needed thought, but hey now it's a breeze
out of 103 user reviews
Impossible to download
Pros: Seems to be free
Cons: FreeDownLoad is confusing, nickels and dimes the would-be user with monthly charges from $1.50 to about $10.
I had tried to pay for the anti-virus program ny signing up for a couple of years of updates, but this did not seem to go through either.
Called the Free DownLoad 24/7 service number and was told by a recording that it was no longer valid, to call another number. The other number reached another recording telling me the call could not go through.
The Avast program may be excellent, but getting it and service availability are pathetic.
out of 103 user reviews
Better than other programs I've paid for!
Pros: Very easy to use. The skin looks like a radio, and it's simple to customize your scans.
Cons: I never heard of Avast before.
out of 103 user reviews
Fair if it works
Pros: I guess it catches virus'
Cons: Updates every time you connect
Major drawback is with dial-up ISP. When you connect, go get some coffee and a danish because this thing updates EVERY time you connect. Sometimes it takes over 5 minutes to do it.
Other drawback is it takes 2 hours to scan 140 thousand files, my Norton took 30 minutes to do 500 thou. I guess you get what you pay for.
out of 103 user reviews
everything is secure for free
Pros: low system resource consume
Cons: coin has two faces
first say thanks to alwil team for this great job at free,before this i use another one it works fine but consuming more memory,
request to home users don't purchase any another one its working fine for me &all .
for a free job we can't think more than this ,this will provide a great security for all our data with regular updates.when compare with other free programs it works fine
out of 103 user reviews
Avast Antivirus 4.7 Home edition works very well for a free antivirus protection.
Pros: Good, basic, lightweight AV solution.
Cons: Gotta register... so what?
out of 103 user reviews
Amazing for a free antivirus
Pros: Free!!!, Frequent updates, virus detection rate, skinnable, boot-time scanning
Cons: Default interface, slow scanning speed, can't schedule scans
out of 103 user reviews
Excellent Free Virus Protection
Pros: Free (with registration). Real-time scanning. Easy to install. Scans are fast. AVAST! doesn't use up a lot of system resources.
Cons: The UI is a little odd. Other than to be different, there doesn't seem to be a need for such a non-traditional UI. Also, no anti-spyware or anti-rootkit, but that's not too big of a deal.
Avast! v4.7 Home Edition is free, although you do have to register it to keep the free service active. You just have to renew your registration annually to keep using it, which is no big deal. The program UI is a little wierd, but once you get familiar with it it is easy to use. I have noticed a tremendous improvement in my computer performance since getting rid of McAfee and installing Avast!, which provides real-time protection, scanning on demand. The scans are fast, in my experience.
A few minor "cons". Avast! does not include anti-spyware or anti-rootkit protection. I do not know if they plan to offer that protection in future versions. I didn't think this was a big deal. I just use other free programs, like AVG anti-spyware and AVG anti-rootkit. Plus, my browser and Yahoo! toolbar also provide anti-spyware protection.
I highly recommend Avast! to anyone looking for a good, free anti-virus program.
out of 103 user reviews
for home users avast does its best
Pros: free for home users
Cons: report can't be read after a scan
free,updatable,no disturbing pop-ups .
i think that is enough
out of 103 user reviews
The best ! No more Kaspersy, no more AVG !
Pros: Easy to use, but strong protect !
Cons: Not yet feel !
out of 103 user reviews
it's great...
Pros: very efficient...
Cons: scanning makes my computer slow sometimes...
out of 103 user reviews
Best of the Best
Pros: This anti-virus is one of the best I've ever used. It can find almost any virus, and keeps the system protected on the fly better than Norton. Active scanning with 7 monitors, active updating.
Cons: It doesn't have some advanced features available, but you get them with the paid version.
out of 103 user reviews
Best Antivirus Program i have came across
Pros: Free, Fast and Easy Setup, Low use of Resources
Cons: Nothing I can think of
out of 103 user reviews
A resource hog!
Pros: Free which beats not free
Cons: A resource hog!
Some background. My old, old (2004 or so) security software was some Norton suite. I couldn't stand how slow it made my computer. My techie bro-in-law suggested that I try Avast. So I uninstalled Norton (a real chore since it left all sorts of remnants around my system) and put on Avast. But it was just as bad, if not worse, than the old Norton program in terms of its effect on my laptop's performance. Every bootup took 2+ minutes. Then anything related to the internet, and almost any program whatsoever, would hang while Avast downloaded and installed updates. Things would literally freeze for so long that, combined with the constantly increasing whirr of my fan, I thought my laptop was about to die and/or explode.
So I looked around for other free alternatives (not b/c I'm necessarily cheap, but b/c my earlier experience with paid services wasn't very good.) And I found the Active Virus Shield based on Kaspersky and offered free by AOL. Now, I know, I know, we all hate AOL. But this was a great program. Light footprint, and I never had any problems (security or performance) with my system (and, incidentally, the minute I uninstalled Avast, the performance of my laptop improved immeasurably - bootup in 15 seconds rather than 2 minutes and no hanging apps at all.)
Then my hard-drive died. After installing a new one, I discovered that AOL is no longer offering the Active Virus Shield. As an eternal optimist (and a penny-pinching glutton for punishment), I decided to try Avast again.
Same result. Computer takes forever to boot. Once it does boot, apps inevitably hang, and there's nothing I could do about it. Shutting off the Avast protection yielded some improvement (as does waiting, with fingers crossed and bated breath for the moment at which Avast informs me that it's updated its files), but if that's what's required to get a system that operates even moderately fast, what's the point of having the protection service? And then, once I uninstall Avast (which I just did), the computer runs seamlessly.
I love the concept, but the execution is flawed. It just takes way too many computer resources and literally makes you want to rip you hair out.
out of 103 user reviews
great program,but
Pros: does a good job generally
Cons: can allow virus into itself
out of 103 user reviews
Avast Home Edition
Pros: Effective free antivirus
Cons: None in 3 years of use!
McAfee & Norton both caused a slow-down problem after using them for a short time but Avast never has caused a problem of any kind!
out of 103 user reviews
The best free antivirus
Pros: Its free, and it works
Cons: A bit slow at deepscan
out of 103 user reviews
10 out of 10
Pros: easy to download/install and easy on resources
Cons: Registration as a con? What's the big deal?
The criticism about registration is a red herring. I guess the reviewer just needed to put SOMETHING in that box.
Simple to install. Simple to use. It works!
out of 103 user reviews
Avast 4.7 is the best
Pros: It finds viruses that other antivirus software, the ones you pay for, can't.
Cons: I honestly can't think of any. Even their customer service is good.
If a computer is behaving as if it might be infected while being protected by Norton, etc. Usually a boot scan followed by a deep scan with turn up the culprit.
I recondition a lot of donated computers for low income individuals free of charge and it is nice that I can recommend a program such as Avast for their antivirus protection.
I like it so much that I use Avast Professional for Servers at the Bible college where I am the IT Manager.
Avast is a great product and its free.
out of 103 user reviews
An unfair review for a great program
Pros: FULL boot-time scan, free, light on resources, regular updates, better than AVG, doesn't have firewall & other tools to bloat it
Cons: no scheduling in home ed, no easy access to reporting
A key thing that most "reviewers" seem to be missing is "defense in depth". By that, I mean having different security tools to do different jobs. Sure, if you're a person who wants your computer to do everything for you, go out and buy one of these massively bloated "all in one" jobs like Symantec produces: then cry in your soup when a combined virus / malware threat clobbers the entire thing and you're left with nothing. Much better to have an ad-hoc approach so that a single attack can't take everything out. To that end, I always use different AV, firewall and anti-spyware. Sure, it takes a little more time to set up and administer, but I can be sure I'm covered using different "layers" from different "angles" (software makers). I recommend Comodo for firewall, Spybot, Ad-Aware, Spyware Blaster and Windows Defender for the rest. And note that it's all FREE for home users! Comodo is even free for business use (and is still rated as one of the best "non-leaking" firewalls).
So, don't let the "all eggs in one basket" techno-babble of reviewers persuade you that you must have a pay-for solution that is a veritable "swiss-knife" - what you need is a swift, sharp "switch-blade" AV like Avast to get the job done, and done well!
out of 103 user reviews
Almost as good as the Professional Edition
Pros: Automatice updates on a daily+ basis
Cons: Vocal announcement of updates can be annoying
out of 103 user reviews
Excellent!! Excellent!! Excellent!!
Pros: Easy, reliable, the way it should be.
Cons: We did not find any.
We have been using it for two years and so far no regrets.
out of 103 user reviews
Intuitive, up-to-date and non-intrusive. Terrific!
Pros: It talks to me! Gives me choices! Has skins!
Cons: Can't think of any
out of 103 user reviews
The best anti-virus software
Pros: Good at detecting viruses
Cons: Consumes lot of memory
out of 103 user reviews
Do not buy this software
Pros: none, in fact could have very bad effects
Cons: potentally very damaging to marrige
DANGER Your marriage is in jepody and YOU could be in Danger from the authorties !
This type of warning is likley to creat the situation with your partner, who do they think they are. My wife is fine with me. Our friends, work colliges agree it could have created AN awfull situation to some marriges,etc. I will keep away from this offensive company from now on.
out of 103 user reviews
nothing's better
Pros: just about everthing
Cons: wish there was a a scheduler and slightly inconvient to register
By the way, avast does have anti- spyware protection.
out of 103 user reviews
works great ,easy to download and use
Pros: easily updated,runs well and quickly,its free
Cons: haven't found any
out of 103 user reviews
Works great and dosen't bog down CPU
Pros: Very sleek and simple not a lot of bells and whistles which is a good thing
Cons: Dosen't really give any notifications on what its done.
out of 103 user reviews
the best free product period
Pros: fast scanning reliable detector
Cons: long time to update
out of 103 user reviews
Good Program!!.. Weeee...
Pros: Light and Userfriendly.
Cons: Average Detection rate..
REMOVAL: 8
UTILIZATION: 9
FEATURES: 8
SCAN RUN: 7
TIME IN BOOTING: 9
CUSTOMER SUPPORT: 7
I rate it 8!
Together with its Professional Edition, the Avast! of Alwil is Light and Userfriendly. Only spending 15MB memory and easy installation. It also provides Manual Virus updates and definition for ofline client. A AV proram which is sometimes judge to be a media player!.. ^_^ has a SKINS feature which enable the user to choose from different kinds of Skins (http://www.avast.com/eng/skins.html). This program is average in detection, removal rate.. thus also reliable.. I recommend this to other computer user.. GOOD.. GOOD.. GOOD.. ^_^
Opps.. Rate it 9! rather.. ^_^
Hmm.. Did Avast! lost its ICSAlABS certification??.. August 2007.. Visit www.icsalabs.com.
out of 103 user reviews
Perfect Antidote to for-Pay Security Suite Hogs
Pros: Great antivirus, frequent updates
Cons: I have yet to find any.
It is a sad state of affairs on the descent of security software in the 2000's. The move towards security suite software, in particular, has been accompanied with a rise of CPU-killing programs that slow your computer to a crawl. Just put in Avast! and you will see what you have been missing. It catches all the viruses all the other programs catches, updates just as frequently, and it doesn't slow your computer to a standstill in the process. And best of all, it's free.
out of 103 user reviews
There's nothing else like it!
Pros: FREE! Avast Antivirus is better than McAfee, Symantec, and Webroot! It does better where the competition failed.
Cons: Really wierd user interface.
out of 103 user reviews
It Really Works!
Pros: It is low-maintenance and highly effective. The price is right, too (FREE)
Cons: Some settings require a peek at the help file
out of 103 user reviews
One of the few Antivirus's ready for Vista!
Pros: Easy to install
Cons: User interface could be easier
out of 103 user reviews
The finest program of its kind that I've tried
Pros: User-friendly, works great, doesn't consume resources, nice controls & features, can customize to one's liking & needs, updates often & easily - all for free!
Cons: None that I can think of
out of 103 user reviews
Great product
Pros: lots of things mainly that fact that its free
Cons: there are no cons as far as i'm conserned and i have delt with alot of crap programs
out of 103 user reviews
Great product
Pros: Good protection
Cons: None that I've found so far (2 mos)
out of 103 user reviews
The Best I have ever used..
Pros: Just simple easy to use and always works..
Cons: if you wanna call it a con.. u have to register yearly.
out of 103 user reviews
Just reniewed my subscription !
Pros: Free + auto update
Cons: Haven't seen any yet
Hopefully for us, poor simple internet users, these guys in the community make it sure we're alright, and for free !!! Moreover, the updates download on their own !
The only problem is when the jumping bar in the bottom of the screen keeps on masking some options I'd like to click: but I'd rather have it like this ==> it's the only way for me to know whether my PC is operating or not.
No doubt when I get some spare time, I'll try to help on my side, according to my modest capacities.
out of 103 user reviews
Avast is fantastic
Pros: Peace of mind, Like a junkyard dog: seek!go get em!
Cons: Its free?! Whaddya complaining about?
out of 103 user reviews
Worked where McAfee Failed
Pros: Free to Home Users updates and works flawlessly
Cons: Must renew registeration every year
out of 103 user reviews
this is so awsome!
Pros: cool it is fast and better than norton
Cons: none really!!!!!
out of 103 user reviews
probably the best free av product
Pros: userfriendly and nice user interface
Cons: average detection rate
http://www.av-comparatives.org/
Avast also creates a database known as the virus recovery database . In case you are infected it will repair the infected files according to the database . I don't know how much effective this feature is as my pc was never infected . Whatever if you are planning to use avast i can assure ,you will enjoy it.
out of 103 user reviews
THIS IS THE BEST
Pros: IT CATCHES VIRUSES WHEN NORTON DOES NOT!!!
Cons: I SEE NO PROBLEMS WITH IT!!!
out of 103 user reviews
Clearly the best option
Pros: Real Time Scanning, 7 Protections suits in one, weekdaily updates, recovery database
Cons: Slow Scans (but it finds a lot of viruses), No spyware protection
out of 103 user reviews
One of the best
Pros: Frequent updates
Cons: annual registration
out of 103 user reviews
AVG better for average user
Pros: Lots of switches and options
Cons: Resource hog- everything slowed down
out of 103 user reviews
didn't stop my computer from getting infected
Pros: easy to use
Cons: didn't stop attack
out of 103 user reviews
Avast 4 home edition
Pros: Exellent Anti Virus
Cons: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
out of 103 user reviews
A Great Anti-Virus Product
Pros: Auto updates both data and program, has detected every virus on my system, has never interferred with any programs running, and best of all it is FREE without adware or spyware
Cons: A slight inconvenience to reregister annually for the free license key
out of 103 user reviews
Best on the Internet today,paid or freeware
Pros: Has everything,Webmail,directmail scanners
Cons: None that I can honestly think of
out of 103 user reviews
The way software should be
Pros: quietly does a great job
Cons: can't think of any
It loads quickly and scans all inputs that come in over my tcp/ip connection--web and email. It has caught quite a few over the years and I've never had anything slip in.
While lots of anti-virus software can do what avast! does, this software is in a class by itself for being low impact and discrete. It doesn't use significant machine resources and works quickly. Best of all, it doesn't pester me with popups that try to sell me stuff. Most of the paid virus software I've brought over the years is very annoying in this regard and Avast! is a refreshing change to this.
out of 103 user reviews
one of the best I have used
Pros: it's free and update all the time
Cons: non to know of
first class protection
Keith Jones
out of 103 user reviews
For a free antivirus its great
Pros: Have had no problems which is good enough for me
Cons: It works efficiently and without fuss
Found Avast on the web, downloaded and worked with no problems. Oddly, it recognized virus/trojans when I downloaded files which never happened with Norton, coincidence? I wonder.
Yes, there is a registration but as it can be done in seconds its not worth making a fuss about.
I would state that its used on a home computer with XP using windows firewall, not networked and usually on the Internet for couple of hours a day at least. If I was in a work situation I would be more inclined to buy an antivirus with more sophistication.
The reason for the high rating is that its free, effective and personaly I'm more inclined to the view why should I pay for something that shouldn't be my problem.
out of 103 user reviews
There are only two goods ones, this is one of them.
Pros: IT'S FREE!!!
Cons: Awkward to find fault with.
out of 103 user reviews
Great choice for typical home users
Pros: Easy installation and use, comprehensive coverage (email, web, chat, on-access, etc.)
Cons: Can't schedule full system scans with home edition.
I tested this and AVG and found Avast to be much easier to set-up & use (YMMV), although some settings are located in less than intuitive places.
Program and virus database updates are automatic, ask, or manual -- your choice.
Note: the home edition is not for use in business or non-profits.
