Download Avast! Free Antivirus 6.0.1125

Avast Antivirus is very good antivirus. Avast Pro combines a healthy dose of features with effective security for a pretty comprehensive antivirus software. The 5.0 version involved a dramatic interface redesign. The new Avast Pro Antivirus 6.0 edition keeps the striking interface and brings several new practical and usable advanced features that add to its already robust arsenal of malware protection (which we’ll list here and explain in great detail throughout the review):

• WebRep - provides proactive link scanning with color-coded security reputation ratings on search results
• SafeZone - an inside-out virtual desktop (sandbox) tool that is used for discreet online shopping or banking
• AutoSandbox - automatically opens suspicious applications in the protected virtual sandbox
• Security Gadget - a small desktop widget for Windows 7 or Vista to help you stay up to date on your security status

Scope of Protection: 

Avast Pro Antivirus uses several layers of protection, keeping your PC and resources safe from several angles. With built-in protection from spyware, rootkits, Trojans and more, the software is equipped for all the major security threats. The application includes protection from malware spread through email (by scanning both inbound and outbound messages), and it also has an integrated IM shield. Furthermore, Avast includes specific protection for several popular P2P file-sharing applications.

Avast Pro Antivirus also incorporates an advanced heuristic scanning engine. This technology allows the software to proactively detect malware that tries to bypass traditional virus scanners. While the files may look harmless, if they show malware-like behavior, the heuristic scanning engine can stop them.

With a combination of features, tools and technologies, Avast Pro Antivirus is equipped to effectively protect your computer. The antivirus software is able to keep your personal files and information safe while keeping any intruders at bay. The security application is equipped to locate and remove existing threats, as well as detect, deter and defend against any new threats. The one thing we’d like to see implemented in the future is antiphishing.

Effectiveness: 

This is certainly an effective antivirus software, and one of the best. Virus Bulletin not only certified Avast Pro Antivirus software with a VB100% (meaning that it caught 100% of in-the-wild viruses), but they also found the software’s proactive and reactive scanners to be quite effective, with impressive scores to prove it.

AV Comparatives also agrees that Avast is top-notch, with a very high virus detection rate, one of the best in the industry. AV Comparatives deemed the software as one of the best overall solutions, earning an Advanced A+ rating. Actual malware removal isn’t quite as stellar, but it is still above average.

Avast Pro Antivirus has also made a good showing in speed and performance tests. The antivirus software has only a light impact on startup and shutdown times. Smart scanning and multi-core optimization further speed up system scans and keep Avast Pro Antivirus light and unobtrusive. Avast antivirus is effective and efficient.

Ease of Installation: 

Avast Pro Antivirus software is easy to install and set up. Before installation, the software even creates a restore point just in case. After the application is installed, you are encouraged to run a preemptive scan that will help locate and remove any deep-rooted viruses that could interfere with setup. The whole process of installing the software is pretty straightforward and easy, and it doesn’t require much additional setup.

The 6.0 version of Avast Pro Antivirus also has a new “restore factory settings” option that will revert the software back to the original default settings. Another new tool that some users will appreciate is the Avast Windows desktop gadget (for Windows 7 and Vista). The sidebar widget shows your current security status and provides quick access to the full application, SafeZone virtual desktop and immediate updates.

Avast has one of the most effective antivirus scanning engines, but that doesn’t mean it’s the slowest. In fact, the antivirus software is remarkably efficient with resources and is a speedy program. The Intelligent Scanner significantly reduces scan times by only scanning files that have changed, so you don’t waste time rescanning safe files.

Ease of Use: 

The antivirus software is designed to do most of its work behind the scenes, keeping your computer protected without requiring much user interaction. Files are scanned in real time, on access (every time they’re opened), and you won’t even notice it. The sleek interface is straightforward and pretty easy to use once you get it down. Everything is effectively organized and easy to get to.

Avast includes an automatic gaming mode. If you’re running a full-screen game, the silent gaming mode will disable alerts and pop-ups from interrupting you. This also comes in handy for other full-screen applications like watching movies or viewing presentations.

The software works on all the common Windows operating systems, and it is optimized to run efficiently with computers using the newest processors. It also uses multi-core processors to its advantage for speed and effective resource management. Avast Pro Antivirus now also works seamlessly with 64-bit operating systems.

Features: 

This antivirus software has all the essential features and more. Two outstanding features worth mentioning are the AutoSandbox and the code emulator. The sandbox works with both 32- and 64-bit systems, and it essentially lets your web browser run in a virtual environment where the software can keep tabs on file behavior. You can also run any software or application you think might be risky in the virtualized environment, and no damage will transfer from the secure sandbox to your actual computer. The Avast sandbox is now completely automatic, and it will prompt you run certain suspicious applications in the virtual environment.

The code emulator is used on risky executable files and runs them in a test environment. If the suspicious application behaves like malware, the software can detect it and block it accordingly.

The new SafeZone virtual desktop may seem similar to the Avast AutoSandbox, but in reality it’s a completely different tool. The sandbox keeps risky applications in a sterile environment, but the new SafeZone virtual desktop is intended to protect sensitive activities from malicious interference. You can think of the sandbox as a test lab playground with two-way mirrors and padded walls; it’s an area where you can let risky applications run without unleashing the consequences on your computer. SafeZone, on the other hand, is more like a sterile personal lab; it’s an extra-secure environment specially walled off for safe and controlled activity. The SafeZone essentially opens a new virtual desktop with an isolated web browser (powered by Google Chrome) so you can bank and shop online in a controlled environment.

Another new tool worth highlighting is the Avast WebRep browser plugin. Color-coded reputation ratings are displayed on search results and can help you avoid clicking on risky sites. The WebRep rating for individual websites is determined by combining anonymous visitor data collected by Avast users (CommunityIQ) with the opinion ratings provided by the other WebRep users. As part of the huge Avast community, you can vote with your opinion of any given website and flag what type of information is provided.

Updates: 

Timely updates are a key element in effective antivirus protection, and Avast Pro Antivirus doesn’t disappoint. New virus signature updates are delivered on a regular basis and installed automatically (or you can check for them). Avast antivirus software actually has a special format for virus definition files, specifically designed for faster, more efficient updates that will keep you more protected without sacrificing computer power.

Help & Support: 

Avast has good product support in-program and online. Online you can find answers to questions with the user guide, knowledgebase, tutorials or support forum. Specific questions can be directed to the support department via email, but only after registering. There are several devoted Avast users, so the forum is a great place to start. The company now also offers toll-free phone support provided by iYogi to help you with installing or trouble-shooting.

Summary:

Overall, the new 6.0 version of Avast Pro Antivirus is a great choice, and it is certainly one of the best antivirus software applications available. The antivirus software is not only one of the most effective, but also one of the most efficient. We’re glad they didn’t mess with the sleek user interface, and we are excited about the innovative new features like WebRep and SafeZone. And while we would have liked to see a few more features and better malware removal, we can definitely recommend Avast Pro Antivirus as a serious contender among the best antivirus software.