Avira’s latest interface is straightforward and usable – but in this free version, most of the features don’t actually work, and are there only to tempt you to upgrade to the paid-for suite.
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The package also ties its web protection into an Ask.com toolbar that’s installed by default for Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. Still, the suite no longer pops up a big advertisement when it updates, so overall it’s less intrusive than previous versions.
It’s nimble, too, adding a creditably low nine seconds to boot time and completing a quick system scan in 14 seconds. When we tried downloading a malicious file, the software warned us immediately – although, as well as removal options, the notification included a shameless link to paid-for support, which clearly wasn’t needed in this case.
Ultimately, though, it isn’t the advertising that lets Avira down, but the test results. AV-Test saw Avira achieve a low 84% detection rate against brand-new threats, and a similar overall repair rate of 85%. That puts its protection some way behind Avast Free Antivirus and AVG AntiVirus Free, making it an unattractive choice.
Details | |
|---|---|
| Software subcategory | Internet security |
Operating system support | |
| Operating system Windows Vista supported? | yes |
| Operating system Windows XP supported? | yes |
| Operating system Linux supported? | no |
| Operating system Mac OS X supported? | no |
| Other operating system support | Windows 8 |
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