Introduction of Avira Internet Security
Avira Internet Security is one of the most popular internet security programs on the market today. It received high praise from many websites, but other sites didn’t give it such good reviews, so how does it stack up? In this Avira Internet Security review, I’ll talk about how well it performed in my own tests and provide you with a fair and honest recommendation as to whether you should use it as your main antivirus protection or go with something else instead.
Avira Internet Security Features
Avira comes with a host of features that make it great for users of all experience levels. Its easy-to-use interface is self-explanatory, making navigation a breeze for anyone, regardless of their technical knowledge. Even first-time users can get up and running in minutes. For more experienced users, Avira offers an array of advanced tools and options, including scheduled scans and anti-ransomware protection.
Avira’s range of features extends to protection from all kinds of malware, including viruses, spyware, and ransomware. It also offers web protection for people who spend a lot of time online on their devices.
- Block online threats automatically
- Generate strong passwords
- Block ads and trackers
- Real time protection
- Stops infected websites
Avira Internet Security Speed
Avira’s Quick scan finished in 2 minutes and found no threats on our test system. The Full Scan took 20 minutes to complete a thorough search of every inch of our hard drive and also identified no threats. We were impressed by how quickly Avira finished scanning our system, even when we ran a full scan—it’s always a drag to wait around for your PC to be scanned but not with Avira. If you want speedier scans, there is also an option to schedule scans at specific times using Real-Time Protection.
Avira’s scan results are highly detailed and organized by type of threat. You can view your threats on a map, sort them by risk level or see which files they impact. The results also include instructions for removing each threat, as well as links to Avira’s forums where you can find help with any problems you encounter in removing a threat.
Installation and performance
Avira’s installation is simple and quick. I installed a copy on a clean test machine (Windows 7 Ultimate, SP1) and rebooted it after installation to allow time for Avira to complete its own initial scans and updates. On rebooting, I was greeted with Avira’s main screen, which displays three widgets—firewall status (green is good), scan status (blue is good), and overall system information (yellow means something isn’t quite right). If you choose to run an additional scan from here, you can click Fix Problems Now. The small number in parentheses tells you how many issues are being addressed in your system as part of that particular scan; four out of six isn’t bad.
Although Avira performed well in our malware testing, we found some issues with its system management interface. Unlike most other security suites, which store their settings in one unified place, Avira stores all its settings and management tools in two different places. The firewall and e-mail scanning features are under System Protection > Firewall & Email Scanner; each has a separate configuration screen where you can set up rules for behavior and notifications. You’ll also find your scanner’s update options here. The user interface is easy to navigate, but having two separate panels is an odd choice that makes finding what you need take longer than necessary.
Protection against viruses, spyware, ransomware, phishing sites, hackers, etc.
Avira is one of a few different types of antivirus software available on the market. It does not cost a lot and its many features are extremely appealing to anyone looking for a way to protect their computer from these various threats. However, many have claimed that when it comes to prevention and protection, Avira may not be as good as some other options available (most notably McAfee). While Avira’s anti-phishing technology has been ranked number one by multiple sources (like AV-Comparatives), their Live Grid does not provide live updates which could make protection against viruses more difficult. In addition, some users have experienced issues with malware attacks that were not detected by Live Grid, which means they could potentially compromise your system with keyloggers and spyware.
Customer service and prices
Avira’s 24/7 customer service is a huge plus for all users, especially because most of its competitors have limited or even nonexistent support. The prices and contracts offered by Avira are more than fair compared to other antivirus companies, particularly if you are looking for a short-term contract. What’s more, Avira offers generous discounts for businesses and individuals alike. For home customers, Avira starts at $39.99 per year for three devices with an optional 30-day free trial. And what’s more – there is no limit on how many devices can be protected with one license!
Best compatibility with other internet programs
If you’re using a particular program or service that’s part of your workday, or that you love using online (for instance, Netflix), then any security suite should seamlessly integrate with that. Avira Antivirus Pro lets you adjust its settings to suit how and when you like to work online so things won’t be interrupted. You can also set Avira to update daily for ongoing protection without having to think about it. It even backs up your personal data so you don’t lose anything if something does happen. Of course, there are other programs out there that can also do all these things, but few of them have as many features (without being overwhelming) as Avira Antivirus Pro; plus its price is super affordable.
With so many internet programs available these days, finding a security suite that can integrate with your workday or your favorite online services may seem next to impossible. It doesn’t have to be though – some are easier than others. Some suites can slow down your internet connection significantly, while others just do their job without getting in your way. In terms of compatibility, Avira Antivirus Pro is excellent at minimizing interruptions as you go about your day (at least as long as there’s no real threat), and it also automatically updates itself for ongoing protection. If you use Netflix a lot for example, you won’t have to put up with any interruptions from Avira trying to scan everything that comes through on their end.
Avira Internet Security Free trial available
Yes. If you want to try out Avira free, take advantage of their free trial option. A 14-day free trial is available for both Windows and Mac users; after that you can pay monthly, yearly or purchase a single license key. There’s also an option to test out Avira on three devices with a single license key.