Pros
- 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
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.