Product Details

Avast's latest internet security suite gains a new installer, interface and cloud-based services

avast! Internet Security 8 is avast's next-generation suite, which now comes with a new interface and more extras and options than ever before.

Installation was quick and easy on a test Windows 7 system. If you're familiar with the product then you'll immediately notice the new interface. A compact and clean Home Page separates the beta's key functions into six panes, and clicking Scan for the first time immediately launched a Quick Scan. Click the Security tab, though, and you'll find all the usual controls for the suite's antivirus engine, spam filter, firewall and more, so there's plenty here to explore.

The left-hand toolbar also provides access to some interesting new tools. Software Updater checks your installed applications and alerts you to any available updates; Browser Cleanup aims to help you remove annoying addons from your browsers (although only IE and Firefox at the moment, at least on our system); and AccessAnywhere allows you to set up remote access to your PC.

And of course there have also been improvements to the core protection technologies, so for instance FileRep and WebRep are now better able to identify and new threats in near real time.

This is the avast! internet security suite. The program also comes in a Free, Pro and Premier antivirus edition, and even the most basic of these delivers plenty of power, including a lot of real-time and browsing protection. 

Includes a 1-PC, 1-Year license.

Review by Mike Williams.