
The latest update to
Avira Antivirus adds Online Essentials, Avira's Web dashboard, a more
approachable, more modern, and more encompassing way to manage security
across your devices. While Avira Free Antivirus looks and runs the same
as prior versions, the integration of Online Essentials redefines how
you scan and protect your computers.
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Pros
Basic UI: The old tweaks and settings are still there,
Internet Download Manager but you
probably messed with them just once a year, and then by accident. Now,
Avira directs all management functions to the Online Essentials Web
dashboard, greatly simplifying the primary user flow of running scans
and managing devices.
Online Essentials: Avira Online Essentials is the new Web
dashboard that makes managing Avira on your devices one consistent
experience. Your novice friend might have trouble protecting their
computer, but with Pilot, they might never have to.
Performance:Avira ranks relatively high on the detection scale, scoring above the industry average in detection of malware from the
AV-Test reference sets.
Design:
Avira Antivirus's design has started to reflect the Online Essentials
dashboard, and the results look great. Design assets and direction, such
as icons and avatars, are distinct, bright, fun, and -- most
importantly -- consistent. The prominence of the new design will
drastically reduce surprises and confusion when you switch between
devices.
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Cons
Subscriptions: Avira automatically signs you up for e-mail notifications by default, so make sure to tweak your account options.
Final Verdict
There's a lot to love about what Avira has done to its flagship
product. Online Essentials shows that the free and premium versions of
Avira's Antivirus line are part of a greater vision of security
management. That vision conceives device protection not as task but as a
lifestyle, and encourages security management through leaps in improved
usability. By combining Free Antivirus with the Online Essentials
dashboard, Avira has transformed its app from a PC utility to a
cross-platform security solution.
Avira Free Antivirus eliminates many forms of malware including
worms, rootkits, and costly dialers. Features include system scanner
prevents infection from viruses, worms, and Trojans, blocks new viruses
before they run and halts unknown code that looks suspicious, and click,
run, and protect no awkward options express installation sets up your
security system for you.
What's new in this version: Version 14.0.2.286 may contain unspecified updates and bug fixes.