Monday 18 October 2010

Best Free Antivirus Software

Avast Free Antivirus


In the tripartite competition between the most popular free antivirus software, Avast Free Antivirus has arguably gotten the least attention outside of Europe, but we expect that to change. Avast's recent independent third-party testing has been notably solid, able to hold its own against better-known programs from Symantec and Microsoft.

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Avast doesn't skimp on the protection it offers, either. It guards your PC with multiple shields that scan files and the network connection. It comes built with a robust set of tools, including antivirus, antispyware, antirootkit, heuristic-based detection, and shields for P2P transfers, instant messaging, network traffic, and the Web. You can select parameters for scanning, choose wild cards to exclude specific file types, and block certain URLs and file operations, such as writing to files or even renaming, deleting, or formatting them. You can adjust the sensitivity level for the program's detectors. The clean new layout won't seem unusual to new users, but old fans will note that this is a dramatic change from the unhelpful previous design. With immediate real-time protection, clockwork updates, and much more, this free software is highly regarded.

Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus


Avira AntiVir Personal Free Antivirus does double duty, protecting against spyware and viruses alike. 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 the program to get it to complete a scan.
Third-party testers have determined that while AntiVir has one of the highest detection rates around, its false positives are also high. AntiVir's scans are flexible, allowing the user to check all hard drives, choose a preloaded scan--for rootkits, for example--or customize. The heuristic scan can be turned on or off completely or partially, with three different intensity levels. The quarantine offers extensive support, too, although the definition file updater can be sluggish.

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One of AntiVir Free's biggest drawbacks is the pop-up ad that pesters users to upgrade to the paid version after each definition file update. There are ways to disable it, but using the program as it was intended has the potential to frustrate gamers and those who enjoy full-screen video playback. Nevertheless, AntiVir's protection is highly regarded, as it should be.






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