Features and Benefits of Avast Free Anti-Virus

Protects against viruses, spyware and other forms of malicious software.

Able to detect Root-kits deep within the computers operating system and stops them in their tracks.

Uses information gathered from their user community called Avast Community IQ. Users send back samples of malicious software which is analyzed for up-to-date protection.

Code emulator helps check suspicious code in an isolated environment to protect your computer from damage.

Boot-time scanner can scan your computer before viruses are activated. Only 32 bit operating is supported.

Wake-up for scan allows Microsoft Windows to be taken out of sleep mode, perform a scan and then sent back into sleep mode.

Scheduled scanning allows what files are to be scanned and when.

Avast Intelligent Scanner uses a white list to determine which files should be scanned and then only scan those "white listed" files if they have changed.

Behavior Shield monitors your computer and blocks any suspicious behavior and informs the user.

File System Shield scans opened and executable files in real time.

Mail Shield scans all incoming and outgoing e-mails for malware.

Web Shield scans web pages for malware and doesn't slow down you computer. P2P Shield checks your downloaded files.

IM Shield checks downloaded files while using instant messaging or chat.

Network Shield blocks viruses on your network by blocking URL's and using an intrusion detection system.

Smart virus definition updates are done in small portions reducing the overall load on the computer.

New Silent/Gaming Mode disables pop-ups when you're playing online games.

Automatic processing mean infected files are processed without requiring user involvement.

Not included in Avast free:

Silent Firewall Antispam Avast Sandbox - allows opening suspicious programs in a secure area.

Script Shield - detects scripts running on web pages.

Command-line scanner - run scans from command line.