Features

avast! Free Antivirus is loaded with tons of features. From the home tab you can gain quick access to your system status, virus scan, software updater, stats, and the market. Features like the firewall and SafeZone require a premium subscription.

The software updater that's included with avast! Free Antivirus alerts users about outdated applications that are installed but only offers a link to the program page to download the latest update. Paying for a premium subscription will allow you to update your apps within the application. There's even an option to update automatically in the paid versions of avast!

avast! Free Antivirus offers more than just virus protection. The application also includes "cloud services," which gathers information from other avast! users to compare the reputation of similar files. These updates are constantly streamed to and from avast! so users don't have to worry about downloading updates.

New to avast! Free Antivirus is the Market where you can purchase additional features and services. The app itself is very good at reminding users how many features are missing so the Market makes it even more tempting to upgrade. Purchases can be made directly inside the application.

Usability

Using avast! Free Antivirus is very straightforward. Features and sections of the application are clearly marked with short explanations about what each feature does.

Like with many other antivirus applications, the amount of options and features is a little overwhelming. There are icons in the Security tab that are clearly marked with a green status light indicating everything is working as it should. This makes it easy to see what parts of the application require user action.

For the most part, avast! Free Antivirus is an application that you can configure and forget about. The program will display a popup if anything needs your action.

Quality

avast! Free Antivirus is well designed with tons of features. While it's not as simple as it could be, it works well and is completely free. It's nice that avast! Free Antivirus doesn't include an annoying tool bar, but it does install a web extension to monitor malicious links while you're browsing.

While avast! Free Antivirus excels as an antivirus application, it doesn't do much in the way of being a one-stop-shop for all your computer maintenance needs. Other apps like IObit's Advanced Systemcare with Antivirus offer more features that will make sure your computer is running its fastest.

Scans were performed quickly but not the best we've seen. This really depends on your hardware and how many files you have on your computer.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, it's easy to see what avast! Free Antivirus remains at the top of our download charts. The amount of features that free users have access to is amazing. While it's annoying that the app nags you to upgrade to a paid subscription, it's a small price to pay for a well designed antivirus solution that's completely free. Now if only avast! could include some computer maintence features.

What's new

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Avira Free Antivirus 2013 is the free – for personal use – version of Avira Antivir Premium; this means there are a few advanced features unavailable, like the virus filter for email or for web browsing, but the program is as powerful and efficient as its big brother.

Avira Free Antivirus 2013 installs in a few seconds and starts protecting your system in real time right away. It includes all the tools and options you would expect from an antivirus these days, such as different types of scan, support for scheduling, automatic updates, and a quarantine area for suspicious files.

On the downside, Avira Free Antivirus 2013 is let down by a somewhat rough interface that feels like it was designed ten years ago and never restyled: simple to use, but too plain.

Looking for an efficient, uncomplicated antivirus tool? Avira Free Antivirus 2013 may be a good choice.

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Installation and configuration

Norton Antivirus is a quick download and installs in just a few minutes. It also doesn't require any technical configuration. Luckily for tech-savvy users, the Norton Antivirus 2013 Settings menu also includes a bunch of configuration options.

Full protection for your computer

Once Norton Antivirus 2013 is up and running, your system will be protected from both viruses and spyware in real time. The program also includes filters for web browsing, downloads and email – all of these without constantly interrupting your work with nagging messages. There’s even a special Facebook scan that Norton Antivirus uses to detect malicious links.

Norton Antivirus 2013 includes the SONAR technology, already featured in previous versions but improved in this latest one, which keeps you safe from both new and unknown threats. Other interesting tools are the Norton Performance System, which controls system performance by tracking the usage of processor and memory, and Norton Tasks, with which you can keep track of the app's current jobs and pending tasks.

New features

The new Norton Antivirus 2013 is described by its developers as faster, more effective and with more powerful options. Norton's new Threat Removal Layer goes a step deeper in seeking out and destroying threats to your PC. It also offers an automatic update feature. In addition, every time a new version comes out, it will install immediately, saving you the time and hassle of having to manually check for new updates.

Conclusion

Norton Antivirus 2013 has improved its footprint on system resources; it's lighter and faster than the previous version, and provides shorter and quicker scans as well. Also, the interface in Norton Antivirus 2012 has been slightly redesigned to make it clearer and easier to use. The downside of a simpler design however is that the interface is not as informative as it could be, at least at first sight.

Norton Antivirus is a powerful security application that will help you keep viruses, worms and other online threats away from your system without hassle.

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This is the case of ESET NOD32 Antivirus, an anti-virus tool that you may find simpler than other similar applications, but this simplicity is precisely the key to its success. In fact, NOD32 is one of the most popular anti-virus apps among computer users.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus is easy to install and launches without even restarting the system (something most anti-virus tools require after installation). The program has a simple, straightforward design, though you'll soon discover that this is actually the Standard mode display and that you can choose the Advanced mode if you prefer to have more options and tools at your fingertips.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus includes basic anti-virus tools such as system analysis, antispyware filters, filters to exclude certain applications, a scheduling tool for automatic analysis and seamless integration within Windows Explorer. Being used to more complex anti-virus solutions though, I missed having an email and web browsing filter. Also, I found the Settings menu a bit too hidden and difficult to use. Apart from these small flaws, ESET NOD32 Antivirus is definitely worth a try, especially if you want to have a simple, hassle-free anti-virus that takes care of your system and doesn't bother you all the time.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus may be simpler than other anti-virus tools, but it's perfect for users who prefer an easy, unobtrusive app even if that means giving up on certain advanced functions.

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AVG Anti-Virus features a bunch of dedicated modules to protect you from antivirus, spyware and rootkits and spam, and also includes the so called LinkScanner – an extra layer of protection that checks search results and web links to make sure they’re safe. In recent years, the developers have added more intrusive features that try to intefere with browser settings such as your preferred search engine but overall, it still remains a good anti-virus option.

One of the best things about AVG Anti-Virus is that it offers neat, effective protection while staying silently minimized in your system tray without guzzling system resources and of course, without constantly bothering you with warning windows or update messages. Since it's the trial version of a complete program, AVG Anti-Virus does show the odd nag screen encouraging you to buy AVG Professional, something which may annoy some users.

AVG Anti-Virus features a nicely designed, more user-friendly interface, which mimics the Windows Modern UI, and supports touch in Windows 8. Of course, you still have the same three types of scan: full system, selected files and folders and anti-rootkit. AVG Anti-Virus also lets you schedule scans for a certain day and time.

New in 2013 is an enhanced and simplified firewall. Previous versions of AVG didn't include any firewall at all so it's a nice addition. Settings for the firewall are easy to use and understand, making personalization network access for specific apps a breeze. The firewall will also help scan links, fight spam, and protect against wi-fi hacking.

The whole AVG Anti-Virus package should be enough to ensure you're not infected with any virus. The program also integrates seamlessly with Windows Explorer, allowing you to scan files from their context menus. AVG Anti-Virus's database is automatically updated on a daily basis, so you're always protected from even the most recently discovered threats. Although AVG Anti-Virus still remains a very powerful packages, there are other anti virus tools - such as Avast! - that do as good a job if not better.

Performance of AVG Anti-Virus has increased as well. Startup times are now 26% quicker, scanning times are 36% faster, and interface loads over 200% faster

AVG Antivirus remains a perfect security solution for the average computer user, providing a powerful weapon against viruses.

Download AVG AntiVirus 2013 2013.0.3267 in Softonic

On first appearances, Quick Heal Anti-Virus doesn’t do well. Installation is complicated, and the initial window that shows up is not, in fact, the main interface. Once you find your way back to the control center, however, things become much clearer.

Visually, Quick Heal Anti-Virus is fairly successful. It has a nice, if not revolutionary, interface and all the sections are easy to navigate. It also has a good selection of configuration options, where you can customize everything from what behavior the program takes when it finds a virus to setting a password so nobody can change your configurations.

Quick Heal Anti-Virus’ main tools are divided into 4 – File & Folder, Emails, Internet & Network and External Drives & Devices. There’s also a straightforward Scan button, and clicking on this will give you access to 4 different types – Full, Custom, Memory and Boot Time.

You’ll also find some nice additional features under Quick Heal Anti-Virus’ Tools menu. Here you’ll find options to create an Emergency CD, for really nasty infections, USB drive protection and an anti-malware tool, to name just a few.

In recent times, Quick Heal Anti-Virus has improved notably, especially in terms of speed. What was once an unforgivably slow tool is now pretty quick, and has a nice variety of features that should give most users complete control over their PC.

Quick Heal Anti-Virus is a multifunctional tool for intermediate users, but could definitely make improvements in the area of initial usability.

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Despite being a free security tool, AVG Anti-Virus is as good as any paid anti-virus app. It features a bunch of dedicated modules to protect you from antivirus, spyware and rootkits and spam, and also includes the so called LinkScanner – an extra layer of protection that checks search results and web links to make sure they’re safe. In recent years, the developers have added more intrusive features that try to intefere with browser settings such as your preferred search engine but overall, it still remains a good anti-virus option.

One of the best things about AVG Anti-Virus is that it offers neat, effective protection while staying silently minimized in your system tray without guzzling system resources and of course, without constantly bothering you with warning windows or update messages. Since it's the free version of a complete program, AVG Anti-Virus does show the odd nag screen encouraging you to buy AVG Professional, something which may annoy some users.

AVG Anti-Virus features a nicely designed, more user-friendly interface, which mimics the Windows Modern UI, and supports touch in Windows 8. Of course, you still have the same three types of scan: full system, selected files and folders and anti-rootkit. AVG Anti-Virus also lets you schedule scans for a certain day and time.

New in 2013 is an enhanced and simplified firewall. Previous versions of AVG didn't include any firewall at all so it's a nice addition. Settings for the firewall are easy to use and understand, making personalization network access for specific apps a breeze. The firewall will also help scan links, fight spam, and protect against wi-fi hacking.

The whole AVG Anti-Virus package should be enough to ensure you're not infected with any virus. The program also integrates seamlessly with Windows Explorer, allowing you to scan files from their context menus. AVG Anti-Virus's database is automatically updated on a daily basis, so you're always protected from even the most recently discovered threats. Although AVG Anti-Virus still remains a very powerful packages, there are other anti virus tools - such as Avast! - that do as good a job if not better.

Performance of AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition has increased as well. Startup times are now 26% quicker, scanning times are 36% faster, and interface loads over 200% faster

AVG Antivirus remains a perfect security solution for the average computer user, providing a powerful weapon against viruses.

Download AVG Antivirus FREE 2013 2013.0.3267 in Softonic

New for 2013 is a completely redesigned interface with tons of additional features that make it a holistic security suite for your PC. Antivirus is still at the heart of Panda Antivirus Pro but it also includes a firewall, USB 'vaccine,' multimedia/gaming mode, and safe browser.

The interface of Panda Antivirus Pro has been completely redesigned since the last version with a focus on making it easy to read and use. Functions are now big, colorful icons and the most vital information is presented at the top with charts and large text. Menus and their explanations have also been simplified so you know exactly what each feature does.

New in Panda Antivirus Pro 2013 is the USB vaccine, which prevents malicious software from automatically running when connected to the computer. This is a pretty basic way to prevent infections from external devices but useful, nonetheless.

Performance of the application is good with quick scans and consumes minimal system resources. Panda Antivirus Pro focuses on creating an unobtrusive security experience and it succeeds on the most part. You can set up Panda and just forget about it. It will run in the background and will only alert you if an infection is found or if you need to take action. The firewall replaces the Windows default firewall and has the ability to allow connections from common applications. You'll have to decide whether to give an app that hasn't been white listed internet access.

When tested against standardized virus attacks, Panda Antivirus Pro stopped infected files immediately and without major interruption of our work. We especially liked the fact the Panda Antivirus Pro doesn't fill up the screen with unnecessary warnings all the time.

Panda Antivirus Pro is an unobtrusive, efficient and user-friendly antivirus app that protects your system without needless interruptions.

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Just about every major threat to your PC's system is covered by the program. This includes viruses and malware, worms, Trojans, adware, Spyware, and phishing. Avira AntiVir features real-time, on-access
scanning so you can be sure you are protected 24 hours a day. There are also manual options for full system scans and it automatically keeps its virus database updated with the latest potential threats.

Avira AntiVir's interface is pretty run of the mill although similar in style to another antivirus program, Avast. An easily accessible POP3-based MailScanner is also available for Avira AntiVir users. It scans emails before they are stored on your machine. The simple interface highlights what's missing - parental controls, game mode, firewall and antispam filters.

Avira AntiVir is extremely easy to navigate and read and doesn't leave you wondering whether it's in scan mode, updated, or ready to go. Everything is laid out plainly and simply, something beginner users will undoubtedly appreciate. Avira AntiVir also has some humorously named status windows, such as Luke Filewalker, which give this tool a bit more personality than most other antivirus programs.

Avira AntiVir is one very solid anti-virus suite that runs so well you'll hardly notice it. It's easy to use for beginners, but does lack some tools we like to see in security suites.

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Among other potential dangers, eScan Anti-virus covers viruses, spyware, adware, malware, keyloggers, hackers, spammers and phishing. It features real-time virus scanning of your computer including email protection to avoid spam and a firewall to block any unauthorized access to your computer.

The good thing about eScan Anti-virus is that it's very easy to use. Almost everything is automated, so it's perfect for tech newbies and for those of you who who don't want to be constantly tweaking options. Plus, the integration with TeamViewer allows you to get remote assistance very easily.

On the downside, eScan Anti-virus is quite heavy on resources and can get a bit sluggish. It's definitely not an antivirus for old, slower computers. Also, advanced users will surely miss having more configuration options.

eScan Anti-virus is a comprehensive and powerful antivirus tool that can be sluggish but does at least cover every possible angle.

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In Kingsoft AntiVirus you’ll find all the basic features you would expect from this kind of tool: real time protection, automatic updates and different types of scan – full, quick and custom. Plus Kingsoft AntiVirus also includes special filters to protect your IM chats and file downloads, and also keep your USB devices safe from viruses.

The interface in Kingsoft AntiVirus is simple and very usable. It features a left sidebar with buttons to the program’s diverse areas, including a interesting collection of tools to clean temporary files, free up used space in the hard drive and stop unwanted processes, among other tasks.

Though the scans in Kingsoft AntiVirus were a bit slow, this antivirus really made a good impression on us and – surprisingly enough – it works in perfect harmony with other antivirus and security tools.

Kingsoft AntiVirus is a discreet, effective antivirus that protects your system from viruses, Trojans, spyware and other sorts of malware.

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Panda Cloud Antivirus is a highly popular program that is based in cloud computing. This beta release gets users one step closer to the anticipated official 2.0 release and also incorporates a great new feature, as well as trusted and true ones users have already been making use of.

The big addition to Panda Cloud Antivirus & Firewall is the incorporation of a fully functional firewall, complete with application and system rules. This can be found in a tab on the main graphical user interface (GUI).

This new firewall is quite comprehensive and usable. It automatically assigns inbound and outbound communication privileges to processes, as Panda Cloud Antivirus & Firewall offers a community-based firewall. When certain outbound connection processes are considered risky, users will be prompted to choose whether they would like to allow or block the communication. The same goes for inbound connections, in even a stricter sense.

On top of the new firewall feature, Panda Cloud Antivirus & Firewall still has the features users already know and love, including the malware detection feature. The program is lightweight and is very effective at finding and eliminating threats to your PC's health.

Panda Cloud Antivirus & Firewall's interface hasn't changed at all from the official version of Panda Antivirus, making it familiar and easy to navigate for users already familiar with it. Panda Cloud Antivirus & Firewall's interface has large, easy to locate buttons for on-demand analysis, statistics, quarantine and trash, as well as security status.

Panda Cloud Antivirus & Firewall's beta version give users a sneak peak at the upcoming 2.0 version of the popular antivirus program, along with a great added firewall feature.

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McAfee Total Protection's menu is sleek and uncluttered. Real-Time Scanning, which is one of the main tools of this program, searches all drives on your computer looking for viruses and malware (malicious programs often pass on information to third parties). When the computer has been scanned, McAfee Total Protection removes all threats or puts them in quarantine.

McAfee Total Protection also has a firewall to protect your system from intruders from the web that attempt to steal your personal information. The Email and IM Checker prevents spam emails and potential dangers on IM clients. SiteAdvisor Plus gives you advice on the security of websites you visit, and the File protection tool checks everything you download.

There is even a cleaner in McAfee Total Protection to get rid of unnecessary files in the recycle bin, desktop shortcuts, temporary files and browser histories. While the interface looks nice, all these tools do make it pretty dense, and you'll need a while to work your way through everything.

The major downfall of McAfee Total Protection is that it's a bit too resource heavy, and is likely to slow your computer down. It would probably be better if it had fewer tools and concentrated just on basic security.

McAfee Total Protection is just what it says it is, but it's weighed down by having too many tools

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Installation and overview

Installing BitDefender Antivirus Plus 2013 is a long, somewhat arduous process that requires the removal of other security apps. Once you get over this, BitDefender Antivirus Plus 2013 updates the database and performs an immediate check of your system for viruses, worms, Trojan horses and spyware. The program also features anti-phishing protection to stop you getting sucked in by malicious sites.

Features

Two strong points in BitDefender Antivirus are its special Game and Laptop modes. Game mode opens the firewall to prevent connection issues and disables any resource-intensive processes, while maintaining a safe, fun gaming experience. Laptop mode temporarily tweaks security settings to prevent the antivirus from draining your computer's battery.

Besides BitDefender Antivirus Plus 2013's functionality, the app also features a nicely designed interface with three different views (Basic, Intermediate and Expert) so that you can make the most of it no matter what your level of expertise is.

BitDefender Antivirus Plus 2013 is a complete antivirus system that's constantly updated and features handy modes for gamers and laptop users.

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Visually appealing

Traditionally here at Softonic we have a lot of time for avast!, so we were really excited to get a look at the newest version. For starters, it looks really slick, with a slim-lined installation process (which looked good, but still took a while), and a very user-friendly and clear interface. While the interface is similar to avast! 6, it's got many more options, something you'll see as soon as you open it.

Good installation options

Another nice addition that you'll notice when setting up avast! 7 Pro is the option to install as the second line of defense on your computer. There are also plenty of installation options, which allow you to get the most from your anti-virus before it's even installed. Of course, there's also a default installation if the nitty-gritty's not for you.

Security improvements

What else does version 7 add to avast!? Well, in the first place the developer assures us that there have been considerable updates on a security front, which is obviously what you want from an anti-virus. It also offers a nice Statistics module, as well as a comprehensive Support function that allows you to general a support package to send to the avast! personnel who are trying to troubleshoot your problem.

New features

Two especially useful new functions are the AutoSandbox feature and the Remote Assistance. AutoSandbox allows avast! 7 Pro to automatically place any program it deems suspicious inside a sandbox, so it cannot do damage to your computer. You can edit the programs that are excluded from this behavior in the general settings.

Remote assistance

Remote Assistance is much as it sounds, but it's a great feature to have. This allows you to either connect to or be connected to by another user, so that you can help them with computer problems or so that they can help you (especially when tech support personnel are involved). Obviously, both of you will have to have avast! 7 Pro installed, but it's a feature we can see coming in really useful.

avast! has always been one of Softonic's favorite anti-virus suites, and version 7 of avast! 7 Pro is no exception. It's awesome!

Download avast! Pro Antivirus 8.0.1489 in Softonic

In a colorful, original interface Rising Antivirus offers all the tools you need to protect your system while browsing the web, emailing your friends or just using the computer. The program includes monitoring filters for email, files and web browser, as well as special protection for USB devices and office software.

You’ll find three types of system scan in Rising Antivirus: quick, overall and custom. The program also features Rising Cloud security, a cloud-based security solution that provides professional protection based on the behavior from past threats, computer user habits and computer defense.

Rising Antivirus seems to be quite light on resources. Also, we liked the fact that it's quite unobtrusive and doesn't bother you with warning messages all the time, like other antivirus tools do.

Keep your system safe from all online threats with Rising Antivirus, a free antivirus solution.

Download Rising Antivirus 2011 Free Edition in Softonic

There are lots of antivirus programs out there to choose from. If you're an AOL member, there's also a program just for you!

McAfee VirusScan Plus AOL Edition is an antivirus tool available for use by paid AOL account holders. The interface is simple to use, even if you're new to PC protection tools such as this. Navigating is also no problem. Upon running a scan, McAfee VirusScan Plus AOL Edition will locate and record any threats to your computer's safety. From there, you'll be able to eliminate the malware or virus in a few quick clicks.

Scanning is a quick process with McAfee VirusScan Plus AOL Edition. Along with the virus scan capabilities, this tool also comes with a free AOL Computer check-up that'll ensure your PC is running properly and to its maximum potential. There's also AOL parental controls included free, so you can block specific content from appearing while your children are browsing the web.

Unfortunately, the installation process for McAfee VirusScan Plus AOL Edition takes a considerable amount of time, which some users might find frustrating. When you compare it to other antivirus programs, McAfee VirusScan Plus AOL Edition also comes out pretty low on configuration options beyond the bare essentials.

AOL users will appreciate the protection McAfee VirusScan Plus AOL Edition provides while browsing the web, if they are willing to deal with the lengthy installation process.

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Being a portable application, Comodo Cleaning Essentials doesn’t have all the tools you find in complex security suites. It does, however, include some interesting features, such as an antivirus tool, a malware scanner and the so called KillSwitch, which enables you to identify and stop any potentially dangerous active process on your system.

The analysis in Comodo Cleaning Essentials can take a while, but it’s pretty thorough. You can choose between a Full scan or a Custom one, and have Comodo Cleaning Essentials look for viruses, rootkits and malicious Registry keys. As for KillSwitch, it’s like the Windows Task Manager, only better. It displays detailed system stats and lets you close active processes and services.

Though slow and not as full-featured as other security suites, Comodo Cleaning Essentials is still a handy malware removal tool – a good choice to carry in your USB key as a portable first aid kit.

Comodo Cleaning Essentials is a light, simple, standalone security app that analyzes your system for viruses, rootkits and other sorts of malware.

Download Comodo Cleaning Essentials (CCE) 1.6.183539.73 in Softonic