In Windows 8, Microsoft reinforced the Windows firewall by expanding its features, added virus protection, device performance checking, apps & browser control, parental controls, etc. and relaunched the software as Windows defender promising that with this pre-installed software, you won’t need to install any antivirus.
After Windows 8, 8.1 released and then Windows 10 and with them, new versions of Windows defender arrived but even after years of improvements, do you believe that Windows Defender is strong enough to protect your PC? It’s way better than Windows firewall but the software isn’t even close to the standard of virus & spyware protection that antivirus software are providing for years. Windows defender can identify very few virus, spyware and PUPs. It lacks quick, custom, scheduled and boot time scanning. Neither the performance tools it provides are strong enough to take on tune-up utilities.
So, the thought of depending on Windows defender thinking that it will keep you protected from all latest viruses, spyware, adware, PUPs and privacy threats is plain stupid. You need a good antivirus and if you can afford, you should have the best antivirus available right now to keep sensitive data available on your PC protected. And that’s why more and more people are installing Avast antivirus.
Available in both free and paid versions, Avast antivirus surpasses the Windows defender and challenges many popular antivirus software through its free version only and with the addition of premium features in its Internet Security, Premier and Ultimate versions, the antivirus software outpasses every other premium antivirus software available in the market.
Avast Free Antivirus
With a user base of over 400 million happy customers, Avast Free Antivirus is the most downloaded antivirus for past few years. The free version comes with all the standard antivirus features. You will get the top level of protection from viruses, ransomware, spyware, rootkits, trojan horses, malware, phishing and PUPs with real-time threats scanning in PC and on the network.
The software automatically scans every unknown file before it reaches you to ensure that your data is 100% secure. If it isn’t able to identify, it sends the suspicious file to cloud using the CyberCapture feature and the cure is sent to all avast users if it’s a threat. The Avast free antivirus uses multiple levels of security to keep you safe even from the newest, never-before-seen threats.
- Wi-Fi Inspector – Automatically detects weakness in your home WiFi and captures strangers piggybacking your network
- Smart Scan – Finds those cracks from which malware can slip into your system: unsafe settings, weak passwords, out of date software, etc.
- Gaming Mode – Not only blocks Avast notifications but also those coming from your Windows so that you can totally enjoy playing the game on full screen without getting interrupted by disturbing notifications
- Behavior Shield – Avast doesn’t only scan files to find malware, it also keeps an eye on the behavior of the software to that even the smartest malware can’t escape.
The interface is so simple and straight forward that you don’t need to even consult the manual or use software’s help. From the left hand side, click Protection to view all the important tools such as Scan, Virus Chest, WiFi Inspector, Software Updater, etc. Privacy & Performance consist of other important tools such as VPN, Password protection, Webcam Shield.
Below on the left, you’ll find the option to Upgrade your free Avast antivirus to Avast Internet Security, Avast Premier or Avast Ultimate protection. And at the bottom, Settings is provided to manage language, virus chest size, Scan settings, Popups, Sound, Alerts, etc. to personalize the antivirus according to one’s need.
Avast Internet Security Antivirus
Avast Internet Security is the first premium version of the antivirus which expands to provide online protection for a safer shopping, separate space to run suspicious apps without putting your PC at risk, advanced firewall to block eavesdropping of hackers and keeping eye on what goes in and out from the system, stop spam and phishing attacks and provide extra layer of ransomware security to keep your personal photos and file safe from unwanted changes.
All of this at just $59.99 per year and you can get even more discount by paying for up to 3 years in advance.
Avast Premier Antivirus
The Avast Premier version is the most loved version among the customers who want total protection because with Avast Premier along with getting all the security benefits of Avast Internet Security, you will get essential webcam protection to prevent hackers from monitoring you via webcams, the feature to shred sensitive files so that they can never be restored and the auto-update feature for all the apps into your PC.
These additional features make up to you for just $79.99 per month
Avast Ultimate Antivirus
Avast Ultimate Antivirus, is not a separate premium version but rather a software bundle that comes with Avast Premier, Avast Passwords Premium, Avast Cleanup Premium and Avast SecureLine. Together all of these software not only provide the highest level of security but also easy password remember and protection, PC Clean up tool to remove junk space, empty RAM and make PC Fast. The Avast SecureLine included provides premium Avast VPN which not only allows you to browse internet anonymously but also to unblock websites & apps which are otherwise blocked in your geo-location.
The Avast Ultimate will cost $119.99 per year. PC Tune Up tools, VPN and Password protection tools are essential. If you use your PC more than a normal computer user and for comparatively more important tasks, you will need these software sooner or later. So, instead of going with other companies to purchase similar software, I recommend you to purchase Avast Ultimate software bundle because not only it will cost you very less but it also provides these tools with most powerful features and frequent updates just keep making them more and more amazing.
