I've switched over from AVG to AVAST two weeks ago.Originally Posted by Jman
Advantage of Avast compared to AVG:
-Higher catch rate in both antivirus and (especially) antispyware capability (reports only, not from personal experience)
-More tweakable scanning parameters - can change sensitivity etc
-More resident shield modules
-File database update utility
-Updates more frequently, every 4hrs is default.
-Free version has root-kit detection
Disadvantages of Avast vs AVG
-GUI is bad
-Much slower scanner
-More tweakable scanners/options
-More resident shield modules.
-More false positives (highest settings - not from personal experience)
Impressions:
Avast is probably the best free antivirus/antispyware solution out there. Avira scores a touch better in virus detection rate, but comes with no antispyware. You can try to patch up that weakness with something like Spyware Doctor Starter Edition, but news that it only downloads selected detection signatures raises question to its effectiveness.
So in terms of detection rate, Avast is definitely a good antimalware consideration.
That said, Avast on the highest settings can also turn up more false positives than AVG, though I haven't personally encountered any, and AVG is known to be high in FPs anyway.
A major drawback of Avast is its slow on-demand scanner. I repeat, SLOOOW. On the highest sensitivity, it took hours (I lost track of how many, maybe 3) to scan my computer (XP, Intel 2.4GHz Duo, 250GB HDD -70% full). It slows down the rig for the entire scan, but CPU usage never peaks above 40% usage (usually much less). I don't know why that is. AVG runs on 100% CPU and gets it done under an hour. You'll only need to scan once though, since after the comp is cleaned, the resident shield should keep all the bugs out.
Theoretically, that is.
Avast is also a whole lot more customisable in terms of scanning parameters, sensitivity, and all the other tweakable little bits. That's to be expected from a company that wishes to bring household owners a full-powered AV product, as opposed to AVG and a cut-down version. The resident shield is also split into 7 components, allowing more control over how Avast works.
However, this customisation ability is also a disadvantage of Avast. With limited guidance as to how to set all this up, new users wishing to play with some settings are thrown in the deep end, having to wade through all the ticks and boxes by googling home-made tutorials. Those often tell you what to select and what not to, but not all tell you why.
That leads me to the graphic user interface. In short, it sucks. You don't want to hear the long version. The media player-like interface pissed me off when I first started using computers. 7 years or so down the track, it still does. Luckily, a guy named SZCraftec has made beautiful skins for this contraption, which is a must get for anyone using Avast.
My two favourite skins:
1) aVist- a Vista-like interface. It's got a very familiar feel, no matter which Windows version you use. Buttons are also arranged in a handy manner.
2)Silhouette 4 in 1- a skin based on Avast's website design. Not as familiar to the hand as aVist, but just as elegant to the eye. I'm left wondering why Avast didn't come up with the idea for this one.
One important thing to note is that, for full effectiveness, both AVG and Avast need to be up to date. Neither has a particularly strong heuristics engine, and heavily rely on detection signatures for their virus recognition ability. While Avast, updating 6 times a day, may sound much more sensible, and desirable, than AVG's daily updates. you also have to look at how often updates are released. In that regard, I can not say personally, but google may help you.
Two knew features I noticed when I switched over:
1) Avast's Virus Recovery Database - Avast runs a version check of all your files once every 3 weeks by default to keep a file history. It uses that when repairing infected files to a backward state. It's the first I've heard of this function, so I'm curious as to how other AVs heal infections.
2) Avast's webshield module comes with a local proxy. It was not recommended to activate this feature with my Zone Alarm version, so I turned it off. I have no idea what that does, what protection it offers, or any problems it may cause.
Avast does have its drawbacks especially for non-advanced users. However, a little reading, a little tweaking, and a little GUI change is little sacrifice in knowing you've settled with one of the best anti-malware solutions available.
And of course, it's free!!
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