The Protection tab gives you fast access to features including instant virus scanning and custom scheduled scans, as well as an advanced settings link to configure exactly how the scanner works and a slightly oddly located link to Avast’s rescue disk creation tool. A status screen shows your protection status and whether any outstanding updates are needed for your system or software. Premium Security comes with a wealth of other options that the free version lacks, but has the same basic interface, so upgrading free users will feel at home. It’s easy enough to find, but we’d have preferred to have everything in the same place. Avast does at least prompt you make sure that your network actually is public – such as a Wi-Fi hotspot in a cafe – and provides a quick button to switch your network’s status between public and private.Īvast’s firewall interface is pleasant to work with and its default settings more secure than those of the Windows Defender firewall, but the setting rules for applications, system-level components such as RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), and specific ports and traffic packets are scattered between the firewall section of the main Protection interface and the advanced settings. Like many antivirus suites with an integrated firewall, Avast Premium Security immediately locks down public network connections without giving you any advance warning or configuration options, which can throw up problems depending on how Windows is configured. It’s definitely worth having to supplement or even replace your usual browser. It integrates with Avast’s other features and software, as well providing integrated advert and tracker blockers and a secure sandbox for online banking among a wealth of other features. Avast Premium Security – Features, set-up and usabilityĪt install time, you’re asked it you want to also install Avast Secure Browser, the company’s own Chromium-based browser. Clients for Windows, macOS, Android, iOSĪvast has recently re-jigged its antivirus offerings so that there are now just two options to choose from: Avast Free Antivirus and Avast Premium Security, alongside an Ultimate bundle that gives you all of Avast’s security and VPN software.

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