Windows users who are interested in participating in the beta to get their hands on the security software early, need to head over to the new Avira Beta Center where they need to register an account before they can do so.
Avira promises increased usability, reliability and stability in the new versions. This begins with the installation process which has now been streamlined so that for example Free Antivirus can be installed with just two clicks in express mode.
The programs will furthermore scan for potentially incompatible software like other security software automatically, giving the user the choice to remove the product or keep it installed regardless of the situation.
All program modules have been hardened to take into account new targeted malware attacks against security software. Avira notes that this includes the “ability to function without many registry keys, better protection against process termination and component deletion”.
A Fix Problem button has been added to the software to five users a one-click solution to issues that they encounter. That’s handy for inexperienced users in most cases as the software makes decisions for them.
Components have been updated in the 2012 releases. The firewall for instance is now able to filter IPv6 addresses on the adapter level, and mail and web protection are now able to work in IPv6 environments as well.
The Windows Hosts file will be protected in all Avira 2012 product versions against manipulation and tampering, a feature that was previously only available in Avira Internet Security.
Do the new features justify upgrading or installing the beta versions of the 2012 products? I personally would suggest to wait with the upgrade or installation in work environments, considering that beta products may still cause issues on a system.
I was a big fan of Avira, evangelizing to anyone who asked me what free AV I would recommend. That is, until Avira started installing a toolbar. For shame. Now I recommend either MSE or Avast. Does the new version have the offending toolbar?
ReplyDeleteI would still recommend avira. I am using the premium version with a promotional key for 6 months to 2012. There are lots of promotions running for avira and if you look for it, you can use avira premium without annoying ads and popups and without shelling out lots of cash
ReplyDeleteOne thing I hate about Avira is it keeps asking you what to for every viruses it found. If your friend’s USB drive have 100 viruses, expect to click “Clean”, “OK” for a hundred times.
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