Is Avast virus-software reliable and safe?

Question

My Norton free-trial ran out...and I can't afford to renew.

Answer 1

It is safe but Avast just doesn't rate very high in detecting viruses. In a recent test Avast missed almost 13% or the viruses tested.

The results from:
http://www.virus.gr/english/fullxml/default.asp?id=82&mnu=82

1. Kaspersky version 6.0.0.303 - 99.62%

2. Active Virus Shield by AOL version 6.0.0.299 - 99.62%

3. F-Secure 2006 version 6.12.90 - 96.86%

4. BitDefender Professional version 9 - 96.63%

5. CyberScrub version 1.0 - 95.98%

6. eScan version 8.0.671.1 - 95.82%

7. BitDefender freeware version 8.0.202 - 95.57%

8. BullGuard version 6.1 - 95.57%

9. AntiVir Premium version 7.01.01.02 - 95.45%

10. Nod32 version 2.51.30 - 95.14%

11. AntiVir Classic version 7.01.01.02 - 94.26%

12. ViruScape 2006 version 1.02.0935.0137 - 93.87%

13. McAfee version 10.0.27 - 93.03%

14. McAfee Enterprise version 8.0.0 - 91.76%

15. F-Prot version 6.0.4.3 beta - 87.88%

16. Avast Professional version 4.7.871 - 87.46%

********17. Avast freeware version 4.7.871 - 87.46%

18. Dr. Web version 4.33.2 - 86.03%

19. Norman version 5.90.23 - 85.65%

20. F-Prot version 3.16f - 85.14%

21. ArcaVir 2006 - 83.44%

22. Norton Professional 2006 - 83.18%

23. AVG Professional version 7.1.405 - 82.82%

24. AVG freeware version 7.1.405 - 82.82%

25. Panda 2007 version 2.00.01 - 82.23%
...........................................................

Here is a list of all the major free anti-virus programs:

Avast:
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

Anti-Vir:
http://www.free-av.com/

AOL AntiVirusShield:
http://www.activevirusshield.com/antivirus/freeav/index.adp?

AVG:
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/avg-anti-virus-free/lng/us/tpl/v5

BitDefender 8: (on-demand only, no real-time protection)
http://www.bitdefender.com/PRODUCT-14-en--BitDefender-8-Free-Edition.html

Clamwin: (on-demand only, no real-time protection)
http://www.clamwin.com/

I have tried them all and personally I like the new
AOL AntiVirusShield the best. Don't let the name AOL scare you. AntiVirusShield is made by Kaspersky which in test after test is always at the top or very near it in virus detection rates. Plus it is very lite in resource use, only about 5 MB of RAM. While not having as many features as the $40 Kaspersky program, it is 100% free to anyone, AOL member or not.

Good luck.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

Definitely safe and reliable, free is good too. I've used it for years. Unlike Norton's it won't slow down your computer which is nice. However you can only schedule a full scan of your computer when it boots, starts up using Avast. You cannot schedule a full scan to run say at two in the morning, but that's not a biggie. You can manually choose a full scan anytime. As the old saying goes, "try it, you'll like it." Chow

Answer 4

AVAST is an excellent program. Do not think that because it is free that it is less than a purchase version like Norton.

Many companies like AVAST and AVG offer the free version to users like us, because, they have a Pro version they sell to higher end users like businesses.

I recommend you read this site:

http://www.internetinspiration.co.uk/computer_privacy_and_security.htm

Answer 5

I've never had any problems with it, I'm using it right now. You will need a registration key, but you can get that for free from avast.

You can get avast from here:
http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html

And the key registration is here:
http://www.avast.com/i_kat_207.php?lang=ENG

They will email you a key good for a year, then you just have to re-register. Also, I have not gotten any spam from this, if you are worried about that.

Answer 6

Avast is dang good but still... I am using AVG anti virus... I used to use Avast but it had problems with my Zone Alarm firewall so I changed to AVG... AVG anti virus is also another good anti virus that is free... Even though it looks old but it provides really good service and the scanning is WAY WAY faster than Avast... So try it... You can go to http://www.download.com for more details... Good luck!

Answer 7

confident, I used to replace norton some years in the past and function been utilising it ever on the grounds that. it is an wonderful anti virus application and warns you once you have a deadly disease at once and asks you what to do. you additionally can do scans whenever you opt to confirm in case you have a deadly disease/malware/secret agent ware on your laptop. i could propose it to all of us over norton. Joseph ought to have not used AVG lots by way of fact it of course isnt a loose trial, its the actual element with a scanner, a thank you to delete virus as quickly as they arise, secret agent ware scanner, and lots extra.

Answer 8

Visit the following page. The security software listed here are all free:
http://www.cybertopcops.com/free-downloads.php

Answer 9

avast is the best out there today but i would get avast 4 i have it and its great

Answer 10

Avast is nice; as good as its rivals, AVG and AntiVir. But its not as popular as AVG.