Avira AntiVir

Avira AntiVir the antivirus software from German company Avira. There are two types of the Avira AntiVir software freeware and premium. The free version includes basic virus protection, anti-spyware/ad-ware and web guard with the premium version providing more advanced features making it a complete software security package.

The engine used in the Avira AntiVir program was developed way back in 1988 and has gone on to be one of the most widely used antivirus programs to date. Avira AntiVir is designed like most antivirus software on the market, to run as a background process scanning and checking files on the hard drive and any new additions of files download or copied to the hard disk. Over the years new updates to the program include a web guard checking websites for any malicious content which could harm your PC. An important root kit detection and removal feature was included with the release of version 7.0.x in 2007 preventing certain detrimental effects to the hard disk. Avira AntiVir 8.1.x saw enhancements to the user interface along with a new and improved engine producing faster scanning and detection times.

For compatibility Avira AntiVir 7.0.x was the last version supported for Windows NT/98/SE, later versions are supported on Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7. Avira has ended support for version 9.x as of June 2011; however the version is still functional as are all older versions of Avira AntiVir.

Pros: Light on PC resources, simple UI, automatic updates, fast, anti-spyware/ad-ware, rootkit protection.

Cons: Free version doesnt include e-mail guard, dated UI, lacks advanced controls.