The Bottom Line
provides free antivirus protection for Windows XP/2000/NT/ME/98. The
scanner installed just under 40MB and 6 running processes to our
Windows XP Pentium 4 test system, taking a slightly bigger toll than
other free antivirus scanners, but still well suited for older PCs or
those with limited system resources.
- Small footprint ideal for even older PCs
- Scan on bootup helps thwart resuscitators
- Removes some adware and spyware
- WinAmp-style interface may not appeal to all users
Description
- AVAST 4 Home Edition is a free antivirus scanner.
- Support options are limited, but this is increasingly the case with even paid-for scanners.
- Sports standard antivirus features, plus adware and spyware removal.
Guide Review - AVAST 4 Home Edition
4 Home Edition installs an interface that could be described as either
clever or cumbersome, depending on your point of view. Borrowing on the
WinAmp-style skins, the look can be changed by downloading a new skin
from the vendor's website. Regardless of the skin, however, it's less
than intuitive for those who prefer a standard Windows interface with
easy-to-browse menus.
AVAST 4 Home Edition is the only one of the free scanners to offer
scans on bootup. This can greatly increase the chance of removing
stubborn infectors, particularly those that use resuscitators to thwart
removal attempts. (Each of the free scanners can be run in Safe Mode,
however).
AVAST 4 Home Edition provided limited adware and spyware removal,
nabbing 33% of the active components we tracked on our test system.
Though 33% is certainly a poor removal rate, it is the only one of the
free antivirus scanners to offer adware and spyware removal - and is
one of the few to do so even among paid-for antivirus scanners.
Further, the deficiency appeared to be due to a lack of signatures,
rather than any particular struggle to remove infectors. (Indeed, the
scan on bootup option virtually ensures AVAST an easier time of
removing adware and spyware, provided the appropriate signature is in
place).
Alwil Software, makers of AVAST, offers support for the free version via email, online help forums and knowledgebases.
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