Avira AntiVir 10 stumbles slightly

[DKT27]

Avira's AntiVir has been a player in the security world for some time, but it boomed in 2008 with remarkably strong detection rates. Available today exclusively from CNET Download.com, it still remains near the top of independent efficacy tests. Version 10 of Avira's suites maintain the status quo, but don't really go beyond it with AntiVir Free, AntiVir Premium, and AntiVir Premium Security Suite. The free version is the best-known, and while the 2009 version more or less kept pace with the competition, the 2010 edition isn't quite as good as it could be.

Avira has streamlined their threat removal options

Like most security suites, these versions contain the same core engine and features, but when you upgrade to the various paid versions you get additional features. The free version contains the main antivirus and antispyware engine, detection but not removal of rootkits, Netbook support for low-resolution monitors.

This isn't to say that AntiVir Free 10 isn't stuffed with robust features. The program offers a wide selection of scan customization, allowing the user to fully scan both internal and external hard drives, run a preloaded scan--for rootkits, for example--or customize a scan. On a real-world computer, the full scan took about an hour and 12 minutes, which is about average. There's scanning tech that can crack open "locked" files, improved internal security to prevent AntiVir's files from being maliciously altered, and one-click threat removal--baby-sitting was taken out in the last version.

In addition to those features, AntiVir Premium 10 introduces antiphishing protections, a download blocker to stop unwanted ''drive-by'' downloads, an e-mail scanner, Web guard, rescue CD creator, and a behavioral engine tuned to unknown threats. AntiVir Premium Security Suite 10 adds to all those a botnet protector to prevent bot hijackings, a backup utility, firewall, and parental controls.

New features are a bit thin in the free version of Avira 10. There's a new generic repair mode, which really just takes the choice out of how Avira tells you about threats it has discovered. In version 9, you could be informed in the middle of a scan or at the end; now, only the latter is available. This streamlines the process, though, so it's actually beneficial.

Windows 7 users will get the ability to run a scan as an administrator directly from the interface, which is a smart but minor development. The installation sequence has been revamped, and now only takes users through five windows. Theoretically, this means it's a five-click installation, but new users will have to complete the registration form. However, the installation file unpacking process appeared faster, and it was no longer necessary to reboot after the install.

Both longtime and new users alike will note the pop-up ad that appears whenever a program update is downloaded, but it has been the unaddressed focus of critical and user dislike for several years. While the occasional ad that interfered with user workflow used to be considered tolerable for effective free security, that's no longer the case. The lack of a silent-running entertainment/gaming mode is also noticeable, since so many free and paid competitors now offer one.

Avira says they have cut down on the number of installation screens to speed up the process

The scheduler, once a major selling point because it was light-years ahead of other free security suites, has now been caught up to by the competition. AntiVir 10 doesn't require a special uninstaller like some of its competitors, but it doesn't come with an uninstall utility, either. Using the Windows uninstaller or a third-party program like Revo Uninstaller should work.

Avira AntiVir Free 10 requires registration, but is available to all users. AntiVir Premium 10 costs $21.43 for a one-user license and a 30-day trial. AntiVir Premium Security Suite 10 comes with a 30-day trial and costs $53.95 for a one-user license.

Avira 10's free suite makes for an excellent backup suite, but competitors have since caught up with or surpassed what it can do. The paid versions offer solid tools and competitive pricing, but they lack the sharp confidence of the bigger-name paid-only suites like Norton, Eset, and Kaspersky.

Source: CNET

[dougbrad82]

Doesn't seem like much changes from 9 just hoping the memory footprint is still just as small as 9.

[DKT27]

How is free version when compared to paid?

[henz]

just use eset since join nsane, avira is a good choice too..

[Naota]

How is free version when compared to paid?

If your interested DKT27, you can actually get the full version of the Avira Security Suite legitimately for 3 months at a time on Avira's site. You just fill out the information on their promotion page, and you can download a 3 month key. Although they say it, you do not need to verify your email address, as you can download the key right after your fill out the form.

http://www.geekmontage.com/3-free-months-of-avira-premium-security-suite-antivirus-firewall/

They don't seem to keep track of how many times you do the three month license apparently so some users sign up for the three month license each time their old one runs out - with no reinstall required. :rolleyes:

I use Avira Security Suite and it works like a charm for me. I did edit the registry though so that their ghastly looking splash screen wouldn't show on startup.

[aben4rent]

How is free version when compared to paid?

actually its only basic av compared to the paid products which comes with antispyware firewall and lots of other stuff

in my laptop where 80% of my software are free or open source avira is my top choice of av which is why i found this news is a bit disappointing

alternatively i pick avast free and msse is building a good reputation as well

to me basic av that avira offers is more than enough for the other stuff like firewall, antispyware, etc. i can find good or better alternatives

[Sl@pSh0ck™]

in my laptop where 80% of my software are free or open source avira is my top choice of av which is why i found this news is a bit disappointing

alternatively i pick avast free and msse is building a good reputation as well

In my laptop at least 95% of my softwares are :pirate: ... from OS to AV to games :lol: .... I did try avira 10 premium for about 2 days ... but decided to dump it for good it's webshield slows down my browsing and download speed big time.

[chlorophyll]

one of my frens using avira av got his system fkuced.due to virus attack.hhhmm this avira was unable to give him realtime protection.soooo sad :frusty:.

[DKT27]

@nirvid05: :lol:

My computer has 97% of pirated software. :tooth:

Thanx for the info Naota and aben4rent.

It's quite interesting that it gets high marks in test. :think:

[aben4rent]

in my laptop where 80% of my software are free or open source avira is my top choice of av which is why i found this news is a bit disappointing

alternatively i pick avast free and msse is building a good reputation as well

In my laptop at least 95% of my softwares are :pirate: ... from OS to AV to games :lol: .... I did try avira 10 premium for about 2 days ... but decided to dump it for good it's webshield slows down my browsing and download speed big time.

yeah! i must admit im running on :pirate: OS but as much as possible i want to keep it clean meaning keygens is ok as long as its executed in sandbox patch/crack i want to stay away as much as possible i'll run it invirtualized enviroment (virtualbox) unless there no other way and the software is a necessity.

i believe, support and recommend open source/free software.

[Bizarre™]

'sigh' why the f**k does Avira stay with the same old shitty GUI :doh:

[SacredCultivator]

No idea... They just shaded it a different color ><, but I still stick to using it

[alireza]

Key For Avira AntiVir Premium Security Suite 10

site: http://rapidshare.com
sharecode: /files/368362212/Key_until_2010-5-24.zip.html

[someone]

For what i read the behaviour shield is not implemented in the free version yet , but will be and a x64 version too...

[voidoid]

Also note that the behaviour shield DOES NOT WORK on 64 bit systems. Avira say that it will at some future date although they make no commitment.

[Rakeash]

Key For Avira AntiVir Premium Security Suite 10

site: http://rapidshare.com
sharecode: /files/368362212/Key_until_2010-5-24.zip.html

Someone please give the link for key to extend further.

Thanks