In the late 1980s, Czech scientists and innovators Eduard Kucera and Pavel Baudish developed what they then called the “anti-virus advanced set” (AVAST). Later, they discovered that the meaning of the word 'avast' in English was a term meaning "stop!" This is how the name of one of the most popular anti-virus products appeared, and the company itself was then called Alwil Software.

We believe that all Internet users need and deserve a reliable, fast and discreet antivirus product that will automatically scan and update with only occasional reminders of its work. This is exactly what our antivirus product avast! Free Antivirus, which provides comprehensive protection and keeps users safe, and thus surpasses some well-known paid products.

Our business model is unique. Instead of allocating our resources to advertising and marketing, we decided to focus on our product development, viral research, online distribution, and recruitment of a professional workforce. Consequently, two-thirds of our users started using Avast on the recommendation of their friends.

Every month, thanks to our Avast Community, we discover between 1.1 and 1.4 billion pieces of malware, most of which are brought in through infected websites.

How it all started

AVAST Software a.s. (formerly ALWIL Software a.s.) was founded in 1988 by two Czech scientists who had a passion for computers and programming. Today, the company employs 1,000 people in the Czech Republic, not counting employees in other offices located around the world. AVAST Software a.s. offers a portfolio of computer security software in 30 languages ​​and has more than 444 million users.

The Avast product line begins with Avast Free Antivirus for home computers and continues with Avast Business Antivirus, an advanced enterprise solution.

History of development of AVAST Software

For operating systems Windows , Linux , Mac OS , as well as for PDAs on the platform Palm , Android and Windows CE . Developed by AVAST Software, founded in 1991 in the Czech Republic. The main office of the company is located in Prague. Home is available in several versions: paid (Pro and Internet Security) and free (Free) for non-commercial use. There are also versions for medium and large businesses (Business Protection and Business Protection Plus) and versions for servers (File Server Security and Email Server Security). The product is certified by ICSA Labs.

Name avast is short for anti-virus advanced set. The fact that the English language has the word avast (“stop”) was noticed later.

avast! Free is considered the most popular free antivirus. In total, the antivirus avast! used by over 170 million users worldwide.

Program features

The main functions of the antivirus

Posted by avast! 7 about the successful update of the virus database

Posted by avast! 7 about virus detection

Posted by avast! 7 about placing a suspicious program in the AutoSandbox automatic sandbox

• Resident anti-virus scanner, work is carried out by independent modules (“screens”):
  • File system screen- the main component of the real-time scanner. Tracks all local file and folder operations on the computer.
  • Mail Screen- monitors all email program traffic and scans all emails before they reach the computer, thus preventing possible harm. Performs traffic checks using POP /SMTP /IMAP /NNTP protocols.
  • web screen- analyzes all user actions when visiting websites on the Internet.
  • P2P screen- monitors downloads of most file-sharing network clients and torrent clients.
  • Internet chat screen- intercepts all downloads from instant messaging applications and checks them for viruses.
  • Firewall- a lightweight firewall built into the program (IDS, Intrusion Detection System - intrusion detection system). Monitors all network activity and blocks viruses that try to infect the system through the network. In addition, the screen blocks access to known malicious websites.
  • Scenario Screen- intercepts all scripts running on the system, both local and remote. Until the sixth version, this feature was present only in paid versions, then it became available to users of the free version.
  • Behavior Screen- Monitors the system for suspicious program behavior, alerting the user of any unusual activity.
• Heuristic Analysis. Usually effective against rootkits hidden in the system.
• Removing spyware from your computer.
• Scan your computer for viruses while the screen saver is running.
• Checking the computer for viruses during startup, before the operating system is fully loaded. At the same time, avast! uses direct access to hard disks, i.e. bypassing the Windows file system drivers. avast! - the only antivirus in which this kind of function occurs.
• Communication with the user account on the official website of avast!. Appeared from the seventh version.
• A range of hybrid technologies for processes running in the Cloud. Includes "Reputation Service" (to monitor the reputation of certain files and identify malware) and "Streaming Updates" (speeds up the usual antivirus update to deal with the latest threats). The feature has appeared since the seventh version.
• Automatic sandbox (AutoSandbox). Allows you to run suspicious applications in an isolated environment from the rest of the system, but only for those applications that, according to avast!, are considered suspicious. The application window in the sandbox is highlighted with a red frame. If the program detects malicious properties, it closes without saving the results of its work. It appeared in the free version starting from the sixth version. AutoSandbox is part of the Filesystem Shield.
• Starting with the sixth version, the free version of the antivirus includes an additional WebRep feature. This feature informs the user about the reputation of the sites they visit based on ratings given by the avast! user community. Works in Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome browsers. The seventh version is also implemented for Opera.
• SiteCorrect module to control the correctness of the entered site addresses. Appeared in the seventh version.
• Remote assistance to other antivirus users, allows you to establish a connection and show each other desktops of computers. To do this, one user generates a special code in the antivirus window, which is then sent to the person with whom it is necessary to establish a connection. Appeared from the seventh version.
• Blocking certain websites by their address. Can be used as parental control. Appeared from the sixth version.
• Starting with the seventh version, you can choose a normal installation or installation in compatibility mode as a second antivirus.
• Automatic updating of anti-virus databases, as well as the program itself. This also includes the ability to automatically upgrade to a more advanced version of the product if a license key has been entered.
• Voice messages when malware is detected, the virus pattern is successfully updated, and the scan is completed. Until the fifth version, a male voice was used. Starting from the fifth - female. Also on the official website you can find other voices in different languages ​​(there are no additional voices in Russian yet).
• Game mode in which antivirus messages are not displayed.
• Ability to set a password to change the program settings.
• Ability to backup settings. Appeared from the seventh version.
• The function of generating a monthly security report. You can also do it manually. Appeared from the sixth version.
• Multilingual interface, support for 44 languages.
• Fully localized help guide.

Features from paid antivirus versions

• Built - in firewall . Controls all applications that send and receive data from the Internet. Not available in Pro version.
• Built-in antispam. Used to filter unwanted emails with promotional content. Also missing from the Pro version.
• Sandbox on demand (Sandbox). Unlike AutoSandbox, the user can choose which applications to run in the sandbox.
• SafeZone (isolated desktop) technology. The antivirus creates an isolated desktop with a built-in avast! SafeZone Browser based on Chromium. Designed for absolutely anonymous work on the Internet and banking operations.
• Command line antivirus scanner. Starting with the seventh version is in the Pro version.
• Complete blocking of the network on demand.

Functions from business-oriented and server versions of the antivirus

• Comprehensive endpoint protection for desktops and laptops.
• Scanning traffic handled by servers.
• Tight integration with SharePoint servers through native Microsoft AV interfaces.
• Mail server protection. Support for an unlimited number of mailboxes, provided that each mailbox has a license.
• Centralized remote management - the ability of network administrators to manage installations and updates of all computers on the network using a single centralized console.

Not relevant

• Maintenance of VRDB (Virus Recover Database) - databases for recovering corrupted executable files. Used until version 5. Starting with the fifth version of AVAST Software antivirus, this feature has ceased to be used.
• Support for skins (themes), since the fifth version, this feature is missing.

Differences between program versions

Avast Antivirus! available in the following versions:

Versions for home use

• avast! Free Antivirus- free version of the antivirus for home (non-commercial) use. It is considered the most popular free antivirus in the world. Contains all the basic functions needed by a home user. From the moment of installation, it works for 30 days, then it requires free registration. After filling out the registration form, the program is considered activated. There are free options for Linux - avast! Free Antivirus for Linux and for Mac OS - avast! Free Antivirus for Mac(still in beta testing).
• avast! Pro Antivirus- shareware version of the antivirus, works without restrictions for 30 days, then requires a license file. Unlike the free version, it has an on-demand sandbox, a SafeZone sandbox, and command line scanning support. Can be used for small and home offices.
• avast! internet security- more advanced shareware version of antivirus, security package. It also works without restrictions for 30 days, then it requires a license file. It differs from the Pro version in the presence of a firewall and anti-spam. Can also be used for small and home offices.

Mobile versions

• avast! Free Mobile Security- free version of antivirus for PDAs on Palm, Android and Windows CE platforms.

Business versions

• avast! endpoint protection- paid version of the antivirus for small and home offices, does not have a trial version. In addition to the main functions of the antivirus, it includes endpoint protection functions and remote management.
• - a slightly more advanced version of Endpoint Protection. It features a firewall for workstations and anti-spam.
• (previously Business Protection) - a paid version of the antivirus for medium and large offices, also does not have a trial version. In addition to the main functions of the antivirus, it includes the functions of endpoint protection, file server protection and remote control.
• (previously Business Protection Plus) is the most advanced business version of the antivirus, which includes the functions of all the above products.

Server Versions

• avast! File Server Security- this server version is focused on file protection, so it lacks the functions of protecting mail servers and protecting against spam.
• avast! Email Server Security- this server version is focused on email protection, so it does not have the function of protecting file servers.

Other versions

• avast! Virus Cleaner Tool- free anti-virus scanner, similar to Dr.Web Cureit! and Kaspersky AVP Tool, however, unlike them, it is able to remove a limited number of viruses (only the most famous and dangerous ones). It does not have resident protection, so it does not conflict with other antiviruses.

• avast! Windows Home Server Edition- paid version for home server. Runs under Windows Home Server.

Criticism

In general, criticism of the antivirus is positive. For users, the free version is very attractive, which has everything a home user needs without any restrictions. The main advantage of avast! is its low resource consumption and high scanning speed. However, there are also disadvantages. One of the most famous is the inability to treat infected files (despite the fact that this feature is present) and, in the vast majority of cases, such files are either deleted or moved to quarantine. Other disadvantages include the inability to remove a resident virus

Antivirus Avast! - one of the most famous and, perhaps, the best anti-virus programs to date. Effective virus protection, a user-friendly interface and the availability of a free version explain the love of computer users around the world for this program.

Despite the wide variety of existing anti-virus programs, one of the most popular among users for several years now has been Antivirus Avast! According to the official website of the Czech company AVAST Software, which developed this antivirus, more than 230 million people on the planet use it.

Antivirus Avast! - what is the secret of special popularity?

Avast! in English it means “Stop!”, and this exclamation, without a doubt, well characterizes the functions of an anti-virus program. But initially this name arose from the reduction of the phrase "Anti-virus advanced set", because this product was conceived that way. Well, it turned out to be so - advanced - and the annual improvements of the program only increase the number of its adherents around the world.

Antivirus program Avast! designed for operating systems, Mac OS and, as well as for pocket gadgets on the Android, Windows CE and Palm platforms. It comes in several versions.

Versions for non-commercial use:

• free - the most popular - Avast! Free Antivirus;
• paid Pro Antivirus;
• paid Internet Security;
• Paid Premier.

Business versions:

• Endpoint Protection series: Plus, Suite and Suite Plus.

Server versions:

• File Server Security
• Email Server Security.

Avast! Free Antivirus - free version

– This antivirus is convenient because it is completely free. However, its widespread popularity is explained not only by this - the program provides excellent protection against viruses, and virus databases are updated daily automatically. A feature of Avast! Free Antivirus is a feature that checks the operating system for viruses even before it boots up.

Antivirus is equipped with:

• real-time file protection module;
• a mail module that scans email;
• a web screen that checks the web pages you view in your browser;
• an internet chat screen that controls instant messages;
• behavior module - it monitors suspicious behavior of programs.

The program interface is very convenient, it allows you to check the current state of computer protection, configure anti-virus settings and perform a manual scan. In the interface window, you can see the current state of the system.

System requirements for Avast! Free Antivirus 2015:

• the processor must be at least Intel Pentium III;
• at least 750 MB of hard disk space on the computer;
• at least 128 MB of RAM;

Avast! Internet security - advantages over the free version

Avast! Internet security – is a powerful anti-virus program with the highest level of protection among AVAST Software products. It protects your computer in real time, scans files for viruses before they are opened, checks email and
controls all your activity on the Internet. It has an anti-spam filter, protects against hacking attempts from the network, and ensures security when working in unsecured networks. Cloud technologies allow you to constantly update virus databases.

This antivirus is also equipped with a special SafeZone technology, which allows you to safely make purchases on the Internet using bank cards.

If you have a firewall installed on your computer, you can do without using Avast! Internet security, and install antivirus pro- Avast! Pro Antivirus. This program will provide full protection of your computer from viruses.

How to download Avast antivirus?

Download antivirus programs Avast! You can on the official website, as well as on other resources. Paid antiviruses can be downloaded as trial 30-day versions to familiarize yourself with the program.

A few years ago, when the Internet in Belarus was slow as a turtle, the choice of high-quality free antiviruses was much smaller.

Today the situation has changed radically - the choice of good antiviruses is great. It remains to choose the best from the good ones (). We, like many colleagues from competing firms that produce , often installed the most accessible anti-virus program avast! on the computer of our clients at that time. Then it really was "almost free" antivirus program. The Internet was full of key generators for the paid version of this antivirus - everyone used them, used them for free.
With the growing competition in the development of programs for the PC platform, AVAST Software has chosen, in our opinion, the only correct evolutionary path for the development of a global modern anti-virus software developer and divided its products. The division took place into advanced versions with a firewall and additional goodies, such as: avast! internet security, avast! Pro Antivirus And avast! Premier. As well as simple, frequently updated, free versions: avast! Free Antivirus 6, 7, 8. Which became the engine of success and worldwide popularity. And the success is obvious - AVAST Software is the leader in the use of PCs. A list of all antiviruses: paid and free can be viewed.

Here comparative characteristics of the effectiveness of avast! Free with the most effective paid and other free antiviruses according to the most authoritative Internet publication Virus Bulletin: avast! vs. Microsoft Security Essentials, AVG, Avira, Eset and Kaspersky.

The main features of the avast! antivirus program.
The resident antivirus module works independently of each other with various component components ("screens"), which together provide protection against malware, viruses, trojans, network worms:

• The file system screen is the main component of the real-time scanner. Keeps track of everything that happens on the computer.
• Mail screen - monitors all incoming traffic, preventing harm from infected emails, files. Filters file exchange using POP/SMTP/IMAP/NNTP protocols.
• Web screen - analyzes the interaction of the user's computer and web resources, protecting against aggression from the latter.
• P2P Screen - monitors peer-to-peer networks and torrent client traffic.
• Internet Chat Screen - Checks chat files.
• Firewall - through the intrusion prevention system provides protection against infection through the network. At the same time blocking access to malicious websites.
• Script Screen - Intercepts and analyzes scripts executed on the computer and remotely to determine the possible risk of data corruption or infection of the computer.
• The behavior screen is the so-called behavioral analyzer of programs and utilities. A suspiciously hosting program is blocked.
• Heuristic analysis is a simplified artificial intelligence to prevent threats like ZERO DAY - unknown, ultra new.

Improvements and additions applied in various versions of avast!:

• Detection and termination of spyware.
• Possibility to install scanning when the screen saver appears on the computer.
• The ability of the antivirus to scan running software components before loading Windows drivers. Which basically eliminates the masking of malicious processes. avast! - the only antivirus in which this kind of function occurs.
• The ability to work with your account on the official website of avast after registration.
• Leverage cloud technologies for some support functions that speed up the process of updating and analyzing files to prevent instant virus outbreaks.
• Automatic sandbox (Auto Sandbox). An application that blocks unknown programs and files on first launch offers the user time to assess the risk of launching.
• A voting module and analysis of the reputation of sites and portals that are built into well-known browsers to assess the risk when switching to a given resource on the Internet.
• Site Correct module to control the correctness of the entered site addresses.
• Built-in Software Updater module to remind users of the importance of updating third-party software such as Java package, Flash web animation player, RAR archiver, and browsers. Outdated versions of these programs can become "entrance gates" for malicious programs, exploiting known vulnerabilities.
• A function that helps return the browser to its default state is the Browser Cleanup service. If unnecessary toolbars have been built into your browser and you want to get rid of them, this function is for you.
• Parental control - blocking sites by IP can help block some sites - a feature for dummies. Why is she?
• Remote assistance to other antivirus users, similar to TeamViewer. A useful feature not available in avast! Free.
• There is a controversial function of choice as a second, auxiliary antivirus - compatibility mode.
• Automatic update mode for both signatures and versions of the anti-virus engine.
  Voice function in Russian and even Belarusian. Turn on the Belarusian - it sounds quite interesting!
• Game mode is when informational messages are not displayed to the user. Can be used to prevent program or game windows from minimizing during an event in the antivirus (signature updates, blocking a network attack).
• Ability to set a password for the program.
• The ability to export the created antivirus settings for saving and transferring to other computers (for example: when finishing or a computer). Appeared in the seventh version of the program.
• Security reporting function.
• 44 interface languages, including Belarusian. And reference materials.

Antivirus programs make it possible to work on any device without fear of infection with viruses and other pests. These software products are designed to constantly monitor the indicators of viral activity. Thanks to this, users do not have to worry about the PC being infected. And this leads to very disastrous consequences.

Utilities of this kind can be downloaded completely free of charge or you need to purchase special licenses. The peculiarity of antivirus programs is the constant updating of virus databases. This leads to the fact that applications are able to instantly identify various types of threats that may be trying to penetrate the device.

If you enter a query on the subject of anti-virus programs. Then there are a huge number of such applications on the network. Before downloading one of them, you definitely need to read the description, find out the technical characteristics and other parameters. After that you can
also check out the reviews. left by other users.

One of the most high-quality, productive and efficient is Avast. This antivirus utility protects against Trojans, worms, spyware, viruses. It is these pests that can cause significant damage to the operation of the operating system and the device as a whole.

Description of Avast features

This is a pretty powerful protection system for any device. The application will help to block all kinds of pests that are constantly trying to penetrate the computer. The utility is distributed free of charge.

During operation, users can install updates. When a new version of Avast is released, a notification will immediately appear on the screen. So the user accepts it or ignores it. Virus databases are updated automatically. This is what makes it possible to constantly monitor the process of the emergence of new threats.

Main features of Avast:
1. Flexibility of settings.
2. Convenient control.
3. Free.
4. Intuitive interface.
5. High performance.
6. Guaranteed privacy and security.

The app works like a scanner. During the scan, a complete analysis of all systems, archives, registries and other places where viruses most often live is carried out. The utility prompts users to select one scan option out of three possible. So users can do quick, deep or selective analysis.

Avast is a simple program with great features. The application scans individual drives, files, folders and even removable media. The utility helps to calculate the parameters of virus activity. If the threat is identified, then its location is immediately determined and subsequent blocking.

This antivirus program has received several well-deserved awards in the course of various tests and checks. The utility can even be customized. To do this, go to the menu and select the appropriate item. Even a beginner will be able to deal with all the intricacies of Avast.

The program works great with other antivirus programs without causing conflicts. This application at one moment is able to identify a threat and block its action. The service removes the entire virus without leaving a single file on the device. Avast works very quickly and efficiently in the background. When a virus is detected, the software issues a message and applies all the necessary manipulations to extract the threat. If a malicious file cannot be cured, Avast removes it permanently from the system.