Avast Free Antivirus: What It Is & Should I Uninstall It?

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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When it comes to protecting your computer from malware and other online threats, having a reliable antivirus software is crucial. Avast Free Antivirus is one of the most popular free antivirus programs available, but is it the right choice for you? In this article, we will explore what Avast Free Antivirus is, its features, and whether or not you should consider uninstalling it.

Uninstall Apps

What is Avast Free Antivirus?

Avast Free Antivirus is a comprehensive security software developed by Avast Software. It offers real-time protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, and other online threats. With over 435 million active users worldwide, Avast is one of the most trusted names in the antivirus industry.

Avast Free Antivirus provides a wide range of features to keep your computer safe:

  • Real-time scanning: Avast constantly monitors your system for any suspicious activity and scans files as they are accessed.
  • Web Shield: This feature blocks malicious websites and prevents you from downloading infected files.
  • Email Shield: Avast scans your incoming and outgoing emails to detect and block any potential threats.
  • Behavior Shield: It analyzes the behavior of programs and processes running on your computer to identify and stop any suspicious activity.
  • Wi-Fi Inspector: This tool scans your network for vulnerabilities and helps you secure your Wi-Fi connection.

Should I Uninstall Avast Free Antivirus?

While Avast Free Antivirus offers a range of features to protect your computer, there are a few factors to consider before deciding whether or not to uninstall it.

Performance Impact

One common concern with antivirus software is its impact on system performance. Some users have reported that Avast Free Antivirus can slow down their computers, especially during scans or when running resource-intensive applications.

However, it’s important to note that the performance impact can vary depending on your computer’s specifications and the specific tasks you are performing. Avast has made efforts to optimize its software and minimize resource usage, but if you have an older or less powerful computer, you may experience some slowdowns.

If you notice a significant performance impact, you may consider switching to a lighter antivirus solution or adjusting Avast’s settings to reduce its impact on your system.

Privacy Concerns

Another aspect to consider is Avast’s data collection practices. In the past, Avast has faced criticism for collecting and selling user data to third parties. While the company has made changes to its data collection policies, some users may still have concerns about their privacy.

If privacy is a top priority for you, you may want to explore alternative antivirus solutions that have a more transparent approach to data collection and privacy protection.

Alternative Antivirus Solutions

There are several other reputable antivirus programs available that you may consider as alternatives to Avast Free Antivirus:

  • Malwarebytes Free: Malwarebytes is a popular choice for malware detection and removal. It offers a free version that can be used alongside your existing antivirus software for an extra layer of protection. Malwarebytes Free is highly recommended for its effectiveness in detecting and removing malware.
  • Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition: Bitdefender is known for its excellent malware detection rates and minimal impact on system performance. The free edition provides basic protection against viruses and other threats.
  • Windows Defender: If you are using Windows 10, you already have a built-in antivirus solution called Windows Defender. It offers decent protection and is regularly updated by Microsoft.

Before uninstalling Avast Free Antivirus, it’s important to have an alternative antivirus solution in place to ensure your computer remains protected.

Conclusion

Avast Free Antivirus is a feature-rich antivirus program that offers real-time protection against various online threats. However, its performance impact and data collection practices may be a concern for some users.

If you are experiencing significant performance issues or have privacy concerns, it may be worth considering alternative antivirus solutions such as Malwarebytes Free, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition, or Windows Defender.

Ultimately, the decision to uninstall Avast Free Antivirus depends on your specific needs and preferences. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and choose an antivirus solution that best suits your requirements for both security and performance.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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