A Look at Avira

Antivirus software is often available at no cost to the consumer. This has been the current trend with software from companies such as AVG and Avast that provide stripped-down freeware that gives basic virus protection at no expense. Avira has attempted to jump into this oversaturated market with their antivirus and identity-protection software with limited results. They offer three tiers of security, from basic protection for no cost to their Avira Premium Security Suite. Their free products are eclipsed by juggernauts in the arena of free antivirus software, while Avira Premium Security Suite has every possible avenue of protection, including the company's proprietary AHeAD Technology that can determine whether a file might be a virus based entirely on its behavior.

Avira AntiVir Personal

AntiVir Personal is the most basic virus protection that Avira offers, and it seems barely functional as antivirus software. It does not protect against spyware, adware or Trojan horses within your computer. It is the most bare-bones virus protection on the market. While it is certainly better than nothing, it would be unwise to download and use this paltry offering from Avira since you can find many better free antivirus software applications. AntiVir Personal provides passable protection against some viruses and worms, but its features are lackluster at best.

Avira AntiVir Premium

Avira's premium package is a vast improvement over the free version, and it has a very low price tag. It protects your computer against malicious sites while you are online, and protects you from viruses, worms, Trojans and identity theft, and also provides email protection. While other antivirus software relies on a database of known viruses, Avira has a slightly more intuitive system. This system is powerful, but it also requires much more action on your part. The interface is easy to use, but you are required to learn more about the software in order for it to run correctly. Whereas more advanced users will enjoy the software's higher intelligence, the average consumer who wants their antivirus software to work without much input will be disappointed with this software.

Avira Premium Security Suite

Avira Premium Security Suite is one of the most stunningly powerful antivirus protection products available on the market. It boasts not only excellent protection from viruses, but also outstanding data backup in the event of corruption or loss of data due to a computer malfunction. Avira Premium is naturally more expensive, but it becomes clear where that money goes when you see its spam filters, parental guards, easy virus removal, identity protection, web protection, content filters, protection from bots and other harmful automated programs that can infect a computer, and a wide range of other proprietary software on the cutting edge of antivirus technology.

Both of Avira’s cheaper software applications have better counterparts with other companies. Users who want high-end, bulletproof protection would be wise to spend the extra money for the Avira Premium Security Suite. It provides guaranteed protection from any threat that the internet can throw at you, all within a single, easy-to-use package.

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