Featured Freeware: Avast
If you're into freeware antivirus and antimalware apps, chances are you're running either AVG Free, Avira Antivir, or Avast. Avast Home Edition guards your PC and the network with multiple shields that scan executables and files. You can select parameters for scanning, and even choose wildcards to exclude specific file types. You can adjust the sensitivity level for the program's detectors when it comes to scanning downloaded files, instant messages, e-mails, and a host of P2Ps. Its efficient interface opens up window after window to tweak its settings to your liking, for novice to advanced-level protection.
Though it took quite some time to run, we're impressed with this application's boot-time antivirus scan. Fortunately, if you're in a pinch you can bypass it. If malicious contents are detected, Avast comes to the rescue with handy virus cleanup tools. Even some decent PC controls are handed out here. You can block certain URLs and file operations, such as writing to files or even renaming, deleting, or formatting them. With immediate real-time protection, clockwork updates, and much more, this free software is highly regarded in our book.
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Avast,
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anti-spyware,
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ant-malware,
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anti-virus,
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freeware
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One last thing...even when you PAY for Norton their premium support in NOT FREE! You still have to shell out $29.99-$39.95 PER INCIDENT! Shameful. Try the support forums for Avast and Antivir...you will find answers to any problem you may have.
I've used Nortons for several years and did not renew this year as I got annoyed at how the latest version handles parental controls. I've noticed no slowups due to resource issues.
I've used AVG on other computers with no problems. I never liked Avira's scan behavior. Its real time protection may be dandy as far as resource usage but it sucked big time when it comes to scanning.
The upshot is, you are not going to get infected (unless you are stupid) if you use any of the programs listed in the latest AV comparatives report as Advanced+. Also, unless you are stupid, you don;t even need to run your antivirus in real time. I haven't in 3 years and have never picked up a virus. I scan downloaded files, run a firewall but just don;t see a point in running antivirus in real time. Unless you are hanging out in the dark corners of the internet its not necessary. you will constantly see reviews of products here that state that such and such program detected something that the other didn't. but do you really want to take advice in this area from someone who doesn't know enough to keep from getting infected in the first place?
I work on over 100 machines for people in all wlaks of life and I can tell you this much, out of those 100 machines maybe 1 has the knowledge that I have with computers... So 99 % of my people i do work for are stupid and need AV they also need firewalls and antispyware cause they are stupid... I have had phone calls asking me what to do in situations where if they had real time protection that worked they would not even be calling me... so lets try to keep the comments on av products on here useful and not degrading of the average joe... they need help from guys like us not negativity... :)
P.S. is you want a very good AV for free, then try Avast, You will like it...
Hope solves your issue
Symantec is the worse I've ever used for my whole life, and my uncle who is a computer technician is best at software, computer science/information technology. No one here said they were security experts, based on constant reviews and ratings, Symantec is very good at detection but a terrible program to run. Therefore, just because you say it's good, doesn't mean it's good at every single thing.
You don't have to be a "security expert" to know common sense and try other antivirus programs? Did you try? You haven;t mentioned many of them except for Symantec and Linux. Linux = operating system. "Enough said." The title even says "freeware" not $985845 worth antivirus like Symantec, you don't have to be broke to use it. I'm not broke but I still use it, I fine been fine since. You must catch the worse viruses in the world.
Btw, it's "you're" not "your" Enjoy your next 15 years of bad grammar.
Check the av-comparitives website...IT'S ALL ABOUT DETECTION RATES! If a virus tries to enter your PC from wherever and it's NOT detected....well guess what...it's running and doing it's thing without you knowing it...point being, pick the A/V program with the highest detection rate...Antivir...keep it safe, stay away from Norton and their middle of the pack detection rates...total crap!
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by the_one60
May 10, 2008 2:14 PM PDT
- You guys are confusing Norton Internet Security with Norton Anti-virus. NIS is absolutely terrible but NAV is a good product if you can afford to pay the yearly subscription fee. My business clients use NAV without any problems. I prefer NOD32 because it is light-weight. For home users who want free anti-virus, I recommend AVG, Avast, or Antivir. They're all very good. The only thing I don't like about Avast is the UI looks like an Ugly audio app.
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by devper94
May 11, 2008 2:58 AM PDT
- the user interface... download a new skin at the home page or there is a way to get rid of the skin
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See all 40 Comments >>1. Right-click the program icon
2. Choose "Program Settings..." in the menu
3. In "Common", uncheck "Enable skins for Simple User Interface" and "Enable skins for Explorer Extension" and then click OK.