Here are some key features of "Avast! Free
Antivirus":
Core and detection:
· Antivirus and anti-spyware engine
· State of the art scanning engine provides reliable protection against
viruses, spyware and other forms of malicious software.
Real time anti-rootkit protection:
· Unique "on access" technology checks all kernel-mode drivers that
the operating system is loading for signs of rootkit behavior. This enables
even unknown rootkits to be detected and stopped before they can do any damage.
avast! Community IQ:
· Most samples we process come from sensors deployed throughout the avast!
community in the Behavior shield and anti-rootkit modules. This is a unique
source of data made possible only thanks to our huge user base. Most of the
collected samples are analysed by a number of automated processes and only a
small fraction of the samples need to be processed manually by our virus
analysts.
Code emulator:
· When a suspicious executable is encountered (during both on-demand and
on-access scanning), avast! is able to emulate the program’s code in an
isolated environment. The code emulator is used for two purposes. First, it is
used for generic unpacking. Secondly, it is used in the heuristics engine.
Technically, this is done using dynamic translation, a method much faster than
traditional emulation techniques.
Heuristics engine:
· avast! features a new heuristics engine designed to proactively detect
malware undetectable with normal definitions. The heuristics engine is able to
cover both binary (executable) and script malware.
Potentially unwanted programs detection:
· avast! detects potentially unwanted programs, such as remote admin tools and
commercial key loggers. Custom rules can be set for dealing with these types of
programs.
Scanning:
· Boot-time scanner
· Allows you to scan your computer for infections before the operating system
has started and before a virus can be activated (32-bit operating systems
only).
Command-line scanner:
· Enables you to run a scan directly from the command line.
Wake-up for scan:
· Microsoft Windows is woken from sleep or hibernation mode, performs a
scheduled scan, then returns back to sleep mode.
Scheduled scanning:
· Allows users to define the scan time and files to be scanned.
avast! Intelligent Scanner:
· Can reduce the number of required file scans by up to 80% through a white
list of proven safe applications. Files identified as safe are not rescanned
unless they change.
·
Behavior Shield
· Monitors activity on your computer using a number of sensors (file system,
registry and network based) and reports/blocks any suspicious behavior.
· Behavioral Honeypots
· avast! sensors identify and monitor suspicious file activity on selected
computers, automatically submitting files to the Virus Lab for additional
analysis.
· File System Shield
· Real-time scanning of opened/executed files.
·
Mail Shield
· Scans all incoming/outgoing e-mails for malware. For MS Outlook, a special plug-in
is used. Other email clients are protected by a generic POP3/IMAP4/SMTP proxy.
New in version 5, the proxy also supports scanning of SSL communication
(gmail.com, sympatico.ca, ….)
· Web Shield
· Scans all visited web pages and checks all files, pages and java scripts
downloaded from the internet. Thanks to the Intelligent Stream Scan feature,
the Web shield doesn't slow down your web browsing.
· P2P Shield
· Checks files downloaded using P2P programs. - ABC, Ares, Azureus, BearShare,
Bit Torrent, BitComet, BitLord, BitPump, CZDC++, Direct Connect, eDonkey,
eMule, iDC++, iMesh, Kazaa, Kceasy, LimeWire, Morpheus, Opera's DC++, Overnet,
Qtrax, Shareaza, SoulSeek, StrongDC++, uTorrent, Vuze, WinMX, Winny2, Zultrax.
· IM Shield
· Checks files downloaded while using instant messaging or “chat” programs. -
AIM (AOL Instant Messenger), Gadu-Gadu, gaim/Pidgin, Google Talk, ICQ, IM2
Messenger, Infium, Miranda, mIRC, MSN/Windows Messenger, Odigo, PalTalk
Messenger, Psi Jabber Client, QIP, QQ, SIM, Skype, Tlen, Trillian, WengoPhone,
XFire, Yahoo! Messenger.
· Network Shield
· Provides protection against network-based viruses. The module has two main
components: a URL blocker, designed to block malicious URLs (as defined by the
Virus Lab), and a lightweight intrusion-detection system.
· Smart virus definition updates
· Incremental updating system minimizes the size of regular update files.
· Fast application of updates
· New format for the virus definition file speeds up application of updates
into avast! 5.0 and reduces demand on CPU/memory, resulting in uninterrupted
computer use.
· New format for the virus definition file means faster updates and reduces
demand on CPU/memory, resulting in uninterrupted computer use.
Gaming:
· New Silent/Gaming Mode automatically detects full-screen applications and
disables pop-ups and other on-screen notifications without degrading security.
Optimized for latest Intel Core i7 CPUs:
· Critical sections of the avast! scanning engine code have been optimized to
deliver unrivaled performance on the latest Intel chips.
CPU optimization:
· Multi-threaded scanning optimization
· avast! runs faster on new multi-core CPUs. A new avast! feature allows the
splitting of large individual files between cores, accelerating the scanning
process.
Green computing:
· Reduced demands on the disk drive result in lower energy consumption.
Miscellaneous:
· avast! iTrack - Real-time graphic scanning reports.
· Graphical user interface - Easy to navigate graphical interface.
· Automatic processing - Infected files are processed automatically without
requiring user instructions.
Requirements:
· Processor Pentium 3
· 128 MB RAM
· 200 MB of free hard disk space
What's New in This Release:
· SecureLine - is a paid VPN service that both secures and anonymizes your
internet connection on public or "open" (unsecured) Wi-Fi. Nobody can
see who you are or what you are doing on the internet. Please be patient, this
feature will be unblock for your test soon
· Screen readers compatibility
· Software Updater improvements (including a way to turn off Software Update
persistently)
· Shredder tool is showing a progress now
· Improved stability & performance
· Fixed glitches in UI
Users are advised to pay attention while
installing this ad-supported application:
· Offers to download or install software or components (such as browser toolbars)
that the program does not require to fully function
Click Here to Download
