avast! Free Antivirus 7 is the latest offering from avast! and offers a chance to see how far this excellent anti-virus has come.
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 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! Free Antivirus? 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! 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! Free Antivirus 7 installed, but it's a feature we can see coming in really useful.
avast! 7's top new features:
- New installer
- UI facelift
- FileRep service (cloud based)
- Streaming updates
- Sandbox & Autosandbox improvements
- Browser protection improvements
- FileRep service (cloud based)
- Remote assistance feature
- Support tool
- Browser protection improvements
- Export/Import settings
- Runs on Win8 Developer Preview
avast! Free Antivirus has always been one of Softonic's favorite anti-virus suites, and version 7 is no exception. It's awesome!
