If you were building a wish list of the features that you would like to see in a free anti-virus program, I’m sure you would include the following:
An easy to use and understand, yet comprehensive, user interface.
An on demand scanner to seek out viruses, Trojans, backdoor programs, hoaxes, worms, dialers and other malicious programs.
And, perhaps most important, the ability to stop a detected malicious program dead in its tracks.
The ability to repair, delete, rename and quarantine programs, or files.
Well you’re in luck. Avira AntiVir Personal will meet, and even exceed, all of your wishes. This anti-virus program offers comprehensive protection, driven by an easy to use interface.
Avira AntiVir Personal is not just another free AV solution. Avira may just be the best free AV solution available. It’s certainly the most popular in its class, and with good reason, in my view.
I’ve been using Avira, in one release or another for years on a Windows XP Professional machine, and I have never had to deal with an infection on that particular computer.
I’m not suggesting that Avira is the only reason this machine has never been infected, but – it is the foundation on which all of the other security solutions, specific to that machine, are built. Regular readers are well aware, that I faithfully follow the Three Commandments of Safe Surfing:
Stop – consider where you’re action might lead.
Think – consider the consequences to your security.
Click – only after making an educated decision to proceed.
If you’re a typical, or an average user, you should find that Avira AntiVir Personal will meet, and even exceed, all of your requirements.
As an indication of this programs popularity, Download.com reports 100+ MILLION total downloads – 665,000 last week alone.
Fast facts:
Highly Configurable
Protection from viruses, worms and Trojans
Includes anti-spyware and anti-adware features
Protection against expensive dialers
Protection from hidden rootkits
Protection from phishing
Extensive malware Recognition
Monitors every action executed by the user or the operating system
Reacts promptly when a malicious program is detected.
Automatic updates of antivirus signatures, engine and software – I have to admit, I love this feature
Now in Version 10.0.0.567 (updated April 22, 2010)
Quick Summary:
Easy to download, easy to install, easy to configure, easy to use, and very effective.
System requirements: Windows 7, XP, Vista (32-bit and 64-bit).
Download at: Download.com
Note: Free for home-users only.
If you find the nag screen annoying, take a look at “Remove Avira Notifier – Here’s How”, on this site. If you’re running a 64 bit system, then checkout my buddy G’s site –Disable Avira Notifier in Windows 7.
Note: Since we’re talking about Avira, you should be aware that Avira offers a free Avira AntiVir Rescue System, “which is a Linux-based application that allows accessing computers that cannot be booted anymore. Thus it is possible to repair a damaged system, rescue data, and scan the system for virus infections”.
If you are an active computer user, you should consider adding this application to your antimalware tool box.
If you found this article useful, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.
