Avast Features

computer image by blaine stiger from Fotolia.com Avast! protects your computer from viruses.Avast! (abbreviated for "anti-virus advanced set") is a computer security software package originally developed in the 1980s by Czech computer programmers Eduard Kucera and Pavel Baudis. It is one of the most widely used virus-protection applications on the market today with over 130 million registered users as of 2010. Both business and home users take advantage of its many features to protect their computers from virus and spyware problems. Please note that paid versions of the software contain more features than the free one.Virus ProtectionAvast! keeps your PC operating system and files free of viruses, trojans and spyware. The software makes downloadable updates in order to provide continuous protection. It performs scans before start-up (before a virus can be activated), on demand or on a schedule determined by the user. Its scanner is also intelligent and will not bother to rescan old files or proven safe applications. Notably, the reduction of excessive scans puts less demand on your disk drive and will reduce your computer's consumption of energy.EmailAvast! keeps your inbox free of spam and also inspects all emails for possible infection. It can be used as a plug-in for Outlook Express or as a generic POP3/IMAP proxy for other email applications.Applications and ExecutablesDownloading an unknown application often can be a risky encounter if it does not come from a trusted source. Fortunately, Avast! has a code emulator which can run the executable in an isolated environment to make sure the application will not harm the computer. The module uses dynamic translation, making it much faster than traditional emulators.InternetAvast! not only stops attacks from hijacked websites but also lets you browse suspicious ones without any risk. The software uses a firewall to monitor incoming and outgoing traffic from your computer. Using its "Intelligent Stream Scan" feature, Avast! does not slow down web browsing.Other ProtectionsAvast! checks all files downloaded via P2P programs such as Bit Torrent, Azureus and Vuze. It also checks any files downloaded during instant messaging chats in AOL, Google Talk and Skype. Besides executable files, Avast! detects malicious scripts hidden in web pages and prevents them from infiltrating your computer. (Please note that this feature only works in the 32-bit version of Internet Explorer.) References Avast!: About Avast!: Internet Security Features Computing Help: Avast AntiVirus Review