The most popular and trusted antivirus, AVAST, has recently announced the (beta) release of avast! 2014 – the latest edition to its antivirus and antispyware range. The product is available in four different variations: avast! Free Antivirus 2014, avast! Pro Antivirus, avast! Internet Security, and avast! Premier. We have previously reviewed the earlier version of avast! Free Antivirus, and today, we are going to compare its features with the new built of avast! 2014. Let’s check out what the new version has in store for you.
The Slim and Sleek Interface of Avast Free Antivirus 2014:
avast! has done nice modifications to the user interface of its Free Antivirus. The Windows 8-styled square theme, minimalistic icons, and plain colors are attention grabbing. Plus improved design makes it easier to locate available options. Everything can now be accessed with the ease of a click.
New Range of Protection Features:
With every upgrade, avast! incorporates better PC protection features to its antivirus and avast! 2014 too, has a great list of improved and more powerful protection capabilities. This includes the new DynaGen technology for virus detection and prevention, anti-malware, anti-spyware, and anti-rootkit protection. The free version also provides File system Shield, Web Shield, and Mail Shield.
A Handful of Additional Tools:
Apart from the smart PC protection, avast! is offering various useful tools (some of them are available in the previous versions as well). These include a software updater, a browser cleanup utility, and a Rescue Disk tool to create bootable USB or CD for offline cleaning and scanning.
Though the interface lists some more tools like SecureLine (VPN Service), AccessAnywhere (to remotely control PC), Sandbox, SafeZone, and Firewall, but you will have to upgrade to the pro version to avail these features.
Improved Performance:
avast! 2014 has shown great improvements in its scanning process, which is much faster for some specific file types (for in-memory scans), including EXE files.
Global Statistics:
Another thing that might impress you is the availability of your own, and global statistics data. Your stats shows real time data (for shield activities), historic data (for shield traffic history), and component status. While the global stats provide security stats and user stats from all over the world.
Key Features of avast! 2014 Free Antivirus:
- Free antivirus, anti-malware, anti-spyware, anti-rootkit protection.
- New Deep Scan technology for effective virus detection.
- Improved interface.
- Fast scanning.
- Advanced protection features, with protection shields.
- Browser cleanup utility and software updater.
- Global and local stats with graphical representation.
- Availability of Store to find more products.
The Final Verdict:
avast! has always been a remarkable and widely used antivirus software, and with this latest edition, it has shown some noticeable improvements. Though the actual results might depend on its final release, the beta version sounds to be a potential upgrade to the antivirus range. Try it now and share your views via comments.
Get avast! 2014 Free Antivirus here!
Also check out some other free antivirus software we have reviewed earlier.
