User Reviews
Avira AntiVir Personal
Avira AntiVir Personal offers the effective protection against computer viruses for the individual and private use on a single PC-workstation. It detects and removes more than 50,000 viruses and an I ...
Average of 76 user ratings: 
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- Oct 25, 2009
- For version:
- 9.0.0.407
Very good 
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 4
- Overall:
Nice, quiet anti-virus that doesn't constantly announce itself. You do get an advertisement pop-up when it updates, but its not too annoying (no animations, flash, etc). Good.
Review by: boofby (14)
Read all 14 reviews by boofby
- May 26, 2009
- For version:
- 9.0.0.386
Excellent
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I've tried all the free anti-virus software, and have used Kaspersky paid version. Though Kaspersky is very good, I've found that Avira is just less hassle and on top of this, the personal version is free. I read reviews of all of them, and to be frank there's nothing out there that can beat Avira, paid or unpaid, so it's a bit of a no-brainer. I have absolutely no problem with a nag screen popping up - it's a small price to pay for such an excellent piece of software and it's hardly a big deal just to click ' OK ' to remove it! Avira stops everything, end of story. Once loaded, that's it, forget about it. I had the free version years ago, which was a good enough, but evolution has made this into a heavy-duty, easy-to-use, brilliant anti-virus. 5 Stars, Excellent. Oh, almost forgot - and it updates itself automatically and frequently. The icing on the cake.
Review by: jono7777 (3)
Read all 3 reviews by jono7777
- Aug 27, 2008
- For version:
- 8.1.0.326
Viola, the best...
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Here is an excellent Anti-Vir for free. I have been using it for a long time, trying others in between but keep going back to Avira. Updates all the time which to those who complain about constant updates, "it's supposed to update, sign of a good AV" plus it scans thoroughly, detects quickly and does it's job without hogging resources. There is none better for free "or paid" except for Kaspersky maybe, in my opinion. Keep up the great work guys!
Review by: gimpguy (370)
Read all 370 reviews by gimpguy
- Aug 04, 2008
- For version:
- 8.1.0.326
Nice with minor flaws
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
It is a decent antivirus program. The only flaw is that it does not display infected files completely but shortens the name. A minor but annoying quirk.
Review by: Manifly (2)
Read all 2 reviews by Manifly
- Jun 25, 2008
- For version:
- 8.1.00.295
Very good, if a little annoying
- Interface: 5
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Good: It's free, it has effective virus recognition, it is not a memory hog, the database is updated frequently. Not so good: It nags every time the database updates, sometimes the update servers are borked and updates will not run for a day or so.
Review by: Rustyboy (25)
Read all 25 reviews by Rustyboy
- Jun 17, 2008
- For version:
- 8.1.00.295
Lightweight and effective
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I started using Avira AntiVir since 2 months ago and really like it. My desktop has Avast on it for a couple of years and it's been fine, but i replaced AVG on my laptop with Avira AntiVir, because this antivirus software uses less memory and is just as effective. Updates are automatic and frequent and i haven't experienced any problems or false alarms. I recommended this antivirus software.
Review by: hreeus (2)
Read all 2 reviews by hreeus
- Apr 14, 2008
- For version:
- 7.06.00.270
Not as good as it should be!
- Interface: 3
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 2
- Value: 2
- Overall:
Does what it should but vastly annoying very slow updates. Also a pain that it stops scanning if you are not at the computer to tell it what to do. It would be far better to finish the scan first. I could not see a way to set up auto updates or scans. Unless I missed something this is another area for improvement.
Review by: pantherman (15)
Read all 15 reviews by pantherman
- Sep 25, 2007
- For version:
- 7.06.00.268
Over-senstive
- Interface: 3
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 3
- Overall:
I used this for a week at the recommendation of a friend and I found that it tended to return false positives frequently. I think it creates the illusion of greater security that way; most users don't think to google results like I do, instead just immediately deleting or quarantining any file detected as malware. I went back to Avast, which I've used for three years now with very good results (Avast doesn't nag you to upgrade like AntiVir does either).
Review by: mistshadow (2)
Read all 2 reviews by mistshadow
- Jun 21, 2007
- For version:
- 7.00.04.15
Safe and sound!...
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Antivir PE has kept me protected for a couple of years now (lost my job and didn't have access to the big guns) and I see no reason why they shouldn't be considered top of the line! All home Antivirus programs should be free and I applaud Avira for providing this service...
Review by: Vortex (4)
Read all 4 reviews by Vortex
- May 22, 2007
- For version:
- NA
Great av
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Complete package with top performances, better than others commercial AV.
Review by: canapi
First post
- Apr 25, 2007
- For version:
- NA
Unable to do updates
- Interface: 5
- Features: 1
- Ease of use: 1
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I used to use AntiVir Premium but since moving back to the US, I recently downloaded the free version. I do not recommend this antivirus tool because due to the lack of more servers, you simply can't update your virus definitions. I have tried for 2 weeks now without success and when reading the support forum, numerous amount of people are having the same issue. What good is an antivirus program if it's outdated? I DO recommend the premium version though - with the premium version the updates were no problem and the software was very effective with blocking viruses.
Review by: Sandra30
First post
- Jan 19, 2007
- For version:
- NA
Good product
- Interface: 5
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Its a very good Virus scanner I have been using it for 3 years now switched from Norton cause i couldn't bother with the bills and i found that i works better than AVG so try it
Review by: hydrowisp (3)
Read all 3 reviews by hydrowisp
- Jan 06, 2007
- For version:
- NA
Terrible- freezes and is slow.
- Interface: 2
- Features: 1
- Ease of use: 1
- Value: 2
- Overall:
Having good results from two other programs I downloaded, I decided to give Antivir a shot. It was fast to download, but it was less then desirable once it was installed. It slowed down my computer considering I have high speed internet. Then it would freeze my computer and was slow when trying to surf. I could not update anything, tried 5 times. Reading the ratings, I am assuming that there are some programs that are just not compatible with some computers. Antivir was not compatible for mine. When I finally had enough and tried to uninstall the program, a message box came up that it must of been uninstalled? Fortunatley we have system restore and I simply restored my computer, to get AntiVir out. Once I got rid of Antivir off the computer, my programs loaded faster and my high speed came back. Not a good experience.
Review by: Justine (2)
Read all 2 reviews by Justine
- Aug 30, 2006
- For version:
- NA
Version 7 is fine
- Interface: 5
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I've been using version 7 for several months and have never had a problem. I'm using it because it caught several problems that other free antivirus programs didn't. No, it doesn't scan for email viruses, and yes, you do have to click OK to get rid of the request to upgrade when you do a definitions update, but it's not a problem for me. Is it nagware by definition? Maybe. Does it bother me? No. It's a price I'm willing to pay for a great, free antivirus program.
Review by: skim1124
First post
- Aug 27, 2006
- For version:
- NA
V6 was excellent, v7 problematic
- Interface: 1
- Features: 1
- Ease of use: 1
- Value: 1
- Overall:
AntiVir v6 was an excellent free antivirus program. Sadly, v7 seems to be plagued with issues, from no-loads to no updates and system crashes. Constant registration and expiry popups annoy. Moreover, there doesn't seem to be an acknowledgment of the severity of the issues by the vendor. Check their forums, the problems are still present. I tried to get this program to work on multiple Windows (XP and 98) and hardware (desktop and laptop), and simply abandoned it in frustration in favor of avast! v4.7, which works like a charm.
Review by: drfung (11)
Read all 11 reviews by drfung
- Jun 28, 2006
- For version:
- NA
Is the best free antivirus
- Interface: 2
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Is the best free free antivirus. Work in real time and easily make updates.
Review by: noxyus (2)
Read all 2 reviews by noxyus
- Jun 06, 2006
- For version:
- NA
I can't recommend nagware
- Interface: 3
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 3
- Overall:
It works fine, but the daily nagware screens have driven me away. I am going over to Avast. (Let me know if they kill off the nagware screens, and I might come back...)
Review by: daedae
First post
- May 24, 2006
- For version:
- NA
One of the best and it is free!
- Interface: 3
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I have tried others like avast and avg, but was SADLY disappointed, especially with avast, which did not recognized some trojans that really DECREASE the productivity of my computer. After removing avast and installing AntiVir my computer ran like it should and Antivir found three trojans that avast let on my computer and refuse to get rid of. I do not need to change the skin of my programs or any other little toys that some people find interesting. All I need is a good program that does what I it is suppose to do and do it well. So don't believe the HYPE (avast, avg and co.), go with German know how! You will not be sorry. "Auf Wiedersehen"
Review by: MikelGraham (5)
Read all 5 reviews by MikelGraham
- May 01, 2006
- For version:
- NA
Antivir is nagware
- Interface: 3
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 1
- Overall:
Annoyingly you are nagged every single time it updates to "check out" the Premium version. You must manually click "OK" with every single update. It gets old VERY quickly. All of the Free antivirus programs I've used this is the most annoying. We already know about premium version and choose the Free one. Don't remind us 5 times a day. This software works pretty well, but it is Nagware. There should be a warning on the Snapfiles download page about this software.
Review by: MarkBowman (3)
Read all 3 reviews by MarkBowman
- Mar 18, 2006
- For version:
- NA
Antivir very nice.
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Small footprint, I have used the freeware and have like it enough to take a trip to Germany and buy it over there for 20 bucks. Course you can order it by mail I'm sure. Works nicely and updates frequently. Catches a lot of internet virus junk. Nice new interface too.
Review by: Schalke
First post
- Feb 18, 2006
- For version:
- NA
A great software
- Interface: 5
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I have been using AntiVir PE for a long time. I tried several other similar antivirus softwares, however for my needs, this is the best. I have no problems recommending it.
Review by: Clobrun (2)
Read all 2 reviews by Clobrun
- Feb 17, 2006
- For version:
- NA
Better wait a while before using version 7
- Interface: 3
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 3
- Overall:
I used Version 6 for quite a long time and liked it very much. Updating is now faster since it has been changed to incremental updates. But beware, there have been reported several problems with the new release (Version 7). Google for "antivir 7 problem" - there seem to be some bugs left, which can freeze your machine or clog your cpu. I did not want to update to version 7, but i didn't find a way just to update the signatures without switching to Version 7.
Review by: latelounge123
First post
- Jan 23, 2006
- For version:
- 6.32.00.51
Excellent freeware
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I use this antivirus from ver.1,this is one of the first antivirus,that was released as freeware.Realtime antivir guard work very excellent,no know viruses have chance to infect you pc.In this time AV PE detect and can remove 200000 know viruses.trojans,keyloggers and dialers.On first installation,leave the creation of unique ID key,when not ,you must download and reinstall the program any time ,when you will upgrade new definition files.With ID key,only new definition files/400-800kB/ are downloaded and this is very fast.
Review by: xenestis (5)
Read all 5 reviews by xenestis
- Jan 14, 2006
- For version:
- 6.32.00.51
The germans can engineer.
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Anti-Vir has all the features a commercial ant-virus program has and updates are always being kept up with-ON TIME. It's the first thing I goto when I'm even a little bit suspicious of Trojans are a virus. The work that goes into this product is above the call.
Review by: Sawyer (3)
Read all 3 reviews by Sawyer
- Nov 22, 2005
- For version:
- 6.32.00.51
Whadda ya want fer free?
- Interface: 3
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 4
- Overall:
Occasional false positives (the Java SDK is one of its favorite targets), rather slow scanning, misses every once in a while, updates can take a looooonnnnggggg time, the resident guard gets deactivated sometimes (though an update usually fixes it), and it consumes some system resources. Still, for free, AntiVir ROCKS! Easy to install, frequently updated, better detection than most other freebies, VERY configurable, and its positively anal about security. One of the best (if not THE best) free anti-virus tools out there.
Review by: estople (8)
Read all 8 reviews by estople
- Nov 06, 2005
- For version:
- 6.32.00.51
Better than ever
- Interface: 3
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Have been using antivir for about a year now. It has been the only free anti virus program that really has protected my pc. I have from time to time tried the others. Most were very bloated, took up loads of system resources, didnot protect as well but had attractive interfaces (big deal). Antivir does take the smallest amount of system resources, is not bloated, protects and is fairly fast at scanning. The newest version of antivir NOW offers quick,small update downloads versus the 2,3 and 4mb updates it used to have. I can say that antivir isn't the best for wiping out a virus already on your pc however it keeps them out in the first place!
Review by: alnjk01 (125)
Read all 125 reviews by alnjk01
- Oct 14, 2005
- For version:
- 6.32.00.07
Great! but needs some improvement....
- Interface: 3
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This is a great virus detection software. I used to use [..], but my pc was infected by the trojan when i enter a website named [..] It never alert me. So, i decide to uninstall [..] and try to use AntiVir. I try to visit same website, AntiVir blocking me to enter this site...so smart!! but the fault of AntiVir is don't have mail scanner. Don't mind it, coz i love AntiVir....
Review by: b-jonk
First post
- Sep 26, 2005
- For version:
- 6.32.00.07
What's up?
- Interface: 3
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This is truly still the best protection out there,however this definitions update is for the birds. Downloading the entire file is great if you have roadrunner but the server hardly works at all lately. Makes you want to switch....
Review by: wyzmet (5)
Read all 5 reviews by wyzmet
- Sep 23, 2005
- For version:
- 6.32.00.07
What is the fuss about?
- Interface: 3
- Features: 2
- Ease of use: 1
- Value: 1
- Overall:
This program is nowhere near ... or ... The latter being my favorite. It is simply put a very crude program with poor to understand features.
Review by: diecompnut (3)
Read all 3 reviews by diecompnut
- Sep 19, 2005
- For version:
- 6.31.00.03
Great, but...
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
A superb piece of software which has saved me on more than one occasion. However, downloading updates is truly abysmal. You have to download the entire vdf (virus definition file) but the server is always overloaded and your download (if it starts) takes forever, even on broadband. There is a beta version of AntiVir that can download incremental updates to the vdf, meaning a few hundred k to download an update instead of a few mbs, but (surprise surprise) getting this beta version to download is a real pain. I gave up. I don't know why they don't just have a list of mirrors to take some of the pressure off their servers. Having said that, I continue to use AntiVir simply because it does what it is supposed to do and does it well. And you sure can't beat that price. ;-)
Review by: rusty60
First post
- Sep 12, 2005
- For version:
- 6.31.00.03
Good product, but...
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Excellent detection, removing and blocking of viruses. I downloaded AntiVir from their website, because that is with uninstaller. AntiVir makes the internet connection window come up slower and sometimes slows down internet browsing. The updates are often, but takes a lot of time downloading even with the new Beta version.
Review by: Mike98 (10)
Read all 10 reviews by Mike98
- Sep 08, 2005
- For version:
- 6.31.00.03
Needs a better interface !
- Interface: 2
- Features: 2
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 3
- Overall:
This needs a better interface badly. The Guard also gets deactivated sometimes...
Review by: bringshu
First post
- Aug 31, 2005
- For version:
- 6.31.00.03
Easy and effectives antivirus...
- Interface: 4
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Hey...why would we care about how the interface(for me, i never care how the interface of a program as long as it looks simple)...this is an antivirus program, what important is the virus detection capability... this program is also quite easy to use(what you have to do are just update often and scan your pc) this program can detect many virus that other famous antivirus program can't! and...my last point is...this program is free!
Review by: Eason47 (2)
Read all 2 reviews by Eason47
- Aug 22, 2005
- For version:
- 6.31.00.03
Excellent free product!
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
First of all: thank you for this wonderful piece of software! In the past I've been using Norton and lately eSCAN which is an EXCELLENT product too (but it's not free and now is very expensive). But AntiVir is now my choice as it doesn't slows down my system and it's detection rate is excellent too. Have tried AVG in the past and I agree with the people who says that it is unable to clean Trojans and the annoying pop up windows keeps on appearing in the middle of your screen. The interface is clean and free of fancy stupid little icons and colors that only clogs your system. The only thing I could complain is the ssslooowwww update process. At midday is almost imposible to update the software as the servers are too busy, that's why I prefer to to it very early at morning or at night. I cannot see the point of some people complaining that AntiVir doesn't scan email... AntiVir WILL DENY ACCESS to any infected file it can catch be it an attachment or not!
Review by: ElGonzi
First post
- Aug 12, 2005
- For version:
- 6.31.00.03
Very dependable. superior to overrated avg
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I dumped my AVG when it let through some Trojans, and then was unable to heal them! I experimented with AntiVir which was able to detect the same Trojans in a scan AND REMOVE THEM. AVG is way overrated. The above scenario with AVG happened more than once. Avast! was another program I discovered could remove some trojans AVG could not. Although AntiVir is very effective, don't push your luck and feel "immune". If you land on a site trying to install viruses,deny access,then close the window and get out! Don't linger. I lingered once, despite a barrage of trojan attempts. AntiVir kept allowing me to "Deny Access". I foolishly clicked on something else on the bad site page. Finally a Trojan got through. I blame myself, not AntiVir. I wasn't using common sense, pushed my luck, and paid a price.
Review by: Bobb999 (8)
Read all 8 reviews by Bobb999
- Jun 10, 2005
- For version:
- 6.31.00.03
Antivir guard pe
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Easy to use, does not consume valuable resources and by far the best anti-virus program around. Forget ... and all the others - This is fast reliable and works well - I'd recommend it it anyone!
Review by: Eldertree (2)
Read all 2 reviews by Eldertree
- May 27, 2005
- For version:
- 6.30.00.17
Has never failled me
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I have been using this program for about 3 years with Win98, Wint4 and Xp it just gets on with the job and unlike Avast I get no false positives. This program won't slow your PC to a crawl like the over priced Norton it just works quietly in the background using very little resources.
Review by: Btrident (14)
Read all 14 reviews by Btrident
- May 01, 2005
- For version:
- 6.30.00.17
Highly recommended
- Interface: 3
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
The best of free antivirus program
Review by: XPower (2)
Read all 2 reviews by XPower
- Apr 13, 2005
- For version:
- 6.30.00.17
Fast
- Interface: 3
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
It a great program, I found that its quite fast at scanning, but updates are a little slow. it could use a better interface. It is great for finding those annoying Trojans. -Thomas
Review by: frostnova
First post
- Apr 01, 2005
- For version:
- 6.30.00.17
It deserves a medal
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This is a thoroughbred and simplicity all in one the people who thought this one up want a medal Trojans worms virus hackers it roots them all out and there is also a pop up to ask you what you want it to do. If this was a standard on all pc,s my what a dream.Marks out of ten Its got to be ten with a plus A big thumbs up BRILL.
Review by: appollo13 (3)
Read all 3 reviews by appollo13
- Mar 29, 2005
- For version:
- 6.30.00.17
Small memory & cpu foot print
- Interface: 3
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 3
- Overall:
While Avast seems to be the best of the free. I have installed and run Avast, AVG, and AntiVir on W98. For my W98 machine 200mh and only 64K AntiVir is the only one that is small enough. Virus definiton download is slow. No email scanning. If you are resticted in terms of memory AntiVir is for you. With AntiVir Machine boots much faster and has much more memory available for regular programs. Also get RamBoost for W98 machines. For xcanning I set the scan to run at low priority, it finished in relatively little time, while I was able to do other work. AVG updates failed on W98 and XP. On XP Avast found Netsky virus in my email, AVG did not.
Review by: HotShot (25)
Read all 25 reviews by HotShot
- Mar 21, 2005
- For version:
- 6.29.00.03
Fast and efficiency
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
It is simple and good to use. Online VDF update quickly
Review by: lexel225
First post
- Mar 17, 2005
- For version:
- 6.29.00.03
The best of the freebies
- Interface: 5
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
AV-PE is head & shoulders above Avast or AVG (the other 2 free AV's). AVPE has very powerful heuristics... Updates signatures daily. Scan engine is maintained much more frequently than other freebies -- many NON-freebies as well. On the downside, AVPE is working on incremental signature updates but, as of now, updates are cumulative run to ~2.5MB each.
Review by: bellgamin (17)
Read all 17 reviews by bellgamin
- Mar 04, 2005
- For version:
- 6.29.00.03
The best freeware antivirus
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Antivir has the second biggest signatures database in 4/3/2005 (147.700). if anyone interested it can go at: http://www.av-comparatives.org/seiten/ergebnisse_2005_02.php certainly antivir finds more than avast even with the old database (6/2/2005 97.143 signatures only) In my test, antivir found more than McAfee, Nod32, and Panda. ONLY KASPERSKY FOUND MORE. I'am sure now, antivir is the best second opinion.
Review by: postmaster
First post
- Feb 28, 2005
- For version:
- 6.29.00.03
An excellent free antivirus.
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
AntiVir PE is the free av program that I installed on a friends older,resource-limited computer.It was a replacement for Norton 2004 antivirus.It installed easily and I was surprised that it was already up to date for updates.AntiVir PE has a memory scanner.The Guard didn't slow the pc down.It runs light!It found 4 malware(a dialer and 3 trojans) during the initial scan and deleted them successfully.The scanner can unpack files.The interface isn't fancy,but it doesn't need to be to do the job.This av is one that is very easy to use for anyone.I can't compare it to Avast but I had AVG before and I prefer AntiVir PE over AVG.
Review by: moparmac (20)
Read all 20 reviews by moparmac
- Feb 24, 2005
- For version:
- 6.29.00.03
Great on any system
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
AntiVir PE is, and by far...a better product than Avast. I ran this software without a glitch on Win XP, Win ME and Win 98 SE. No problem with it whatsoever. This IS the greatest free anti virus around.
Review by: tv2rob
First post
- Feb 23, 2005
- For version:
- 6.29.00.03
Tried 'em all... sticking with this one.
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This nice little program found a virus the others missed even with current updates, and after a day of trials this one is hands down the easiest to learn/use. Doesn't hog resources, took me about 10-15 mins to download install and config the way I needed it. The GUI is fine by me too, I prefer the basic look and feel. If the pretty colors and hand-holding are important to you, then you may want to check out the others. If you need a great free anti-virus program, look no further.
Review by: Bobeau21
First post
- Feb 22, 2005
- For version:
- 6.29.00.03
Not good
- Interface: 2
- Features: 1
- Ease of use: 2
- Value: 5
- Overall:
It is not as good as Avast! And it didnt load up with 98SE and on installation it freezed. *THUMBS DOWN*
- Feb 03, 2005
- For version:
- 6.29.00.03
Might be used...
- Interface: 3
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Recently had a try with AntiVir PE to find out a virus/spyware problem in my PC - XP SP1 by stopping on-access protection of Avast. AntiVIR PE detected few viruses which had been left out by Avast. AntiVir PE scans faster but one cannot do other work while AntiVIR PE is running whereas Avast allows one to work and thats why it take long time for Avast to scan. Though my system used to be fast enough, even after exiting AntiVir PE, I find the other programs starting and files opening speed have come down. This might be due to clash of two virus programs or due AntiVir PE itself. And the interface of Antivir PE, especially the scan window should be improved. Anyway, if you think your PC have problems, then AntiVir PE can be surely given a try. Recommended.
Review by: free2nm (53)
Read all 53 reviews by free2nm
- Feb 02, 2005
- For version:
- 6.29.00.03
Excellent av
- Interface: 3
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This is the best free AV out there ive tried. Even better then avast! Scans every file opened or closed,(e.g.Downloads),uses minimal system ram(memory),uses tiny amount of space,Fast Scans,Daily Updates(bad for dial-up),best virus definitions ever! This is the best av for home users
Review by: Coolio10 (3)
Read all 3 reviews by Coolio10
- Jan 29, 2005
- For version:
- 6.29.00.03
Antivirpe on windows 95 standalone system
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I have used Antivir Personal Edition on a standalone system. I like this free program and its features. I have a problem with its initial virus scan that it does upon setup, because it takes a long time to go through the files. But failing that, it seems to work great on Windows 95. You can even set the audio file to use when the Antivir PE encounters an error. You provide the file, and use Antivir to point to it and play the audio warning when it encounters an error. Slick trick I have not seen in other programs. RaleiDaniel
Review by: RaliDaniel
First post
- Jan 25, 2005
- For version:
- 6.29.00.03
One of the best
- Interface: 1
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Probably not as good as Norton but has good detection rate and scan is pretty fast. There are many updates released frequently. Interface is extremely poor.
Review by: Andrew (8)
Read all 8 reviews by Andrew
- Jan 21, 2005
- For version:
- 6.29.00.03
One of the best for sure
- Interface: 3
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Antivir PE is sure a good antivirus software. Works really fine, fast, is a lot configurable, and it's hard for a virus to pass through him. I've used it for three years, tested many others, but Antivir is the best. The lack of e-mail scanning is a bad thing, but soon or later, the attachments are going to be scanned, so no problem. Other good thing is that Antivir keeps old virus in their definitions file, so we don't have to worry with old virus coming back, a thing that sometimes happen. Dial-Up users: you don't need to download the all package with each update any longer. That was due to some modifications on the HBEDV server. You only have to update the hole package when a new program version arrives. Antivir also has a better support, updating their virus definitions twice a day, sometimes even three times!
Review by: St3althcAt
First post
- Jan 19, 2005
- For version:
- 6.29.00.03
Antivir pe best virus scan & guard!!
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I used to think that a virus protection program had to be huge to do a good job against the little viri'.. AntiVir PE is small and does as good as Norton or McAfee. Heck maybe even better. I've been using it now for almost a year and it has saved me more times then I can remember. Didn't slow my system down at all unlike the resource hogs of Norton, McAfee, Etc. U can configure it to scan anything, any number of ways. Try it.. U will like it for sure.. Updates are frequent and fast for DSL.. It found a virus on a CD for me one time that Norton didn't see.. U can set it up to work COMMAND LINE SCAN with WinRAR with '-noboot -nombr -z' this will tell AVE32.EXE to not access the hard drive dirrectly and scan archive files. AVE32.EXE has to be downloaded from the support website. It's not included in the Install Pack. Download it and install into the AntiVir PE folder. BEST FREE VIRUS SCANNER/GUARD--BAR NONE!!
Review by: IronSpring (5)
Read all 5 reviews by IronSpring
- Jan 14, 2005
- For version:
- 6.29.00.03
So so... recommended, but barely
- Interface: 2
- Features: 2
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 4
- Overall:
Compared to avast (and even AVG), this "Made in Germany" AV leaves something to be desired. For one thing, it lacks an e-mail scanner, for another, I've found that its shield bogged down my system more than avast does. And finally, vir def and prog updates are NOT incremental (a real pain for those on dial-up). Still, AntiVir does have a couple strong points: Its install is non-obtrusive--it'll even run off the bat without a reboot. Also, its detection rate is reportedly quite good for a freebie (better than AVG, in most cases), although it's also reputed to give off more false alarms. I personally use it as a second scanner, and it is only in this context that I make my recommendation.
Review by: EM_745 (29)
Read all 29 reviews by EM_745
- Dec 31, 2004
- For version:
- 6.29.00.03
No nonsense performer
- Interface: 5
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I have used this app for several weeks. The functional, no-nonsense interface is appealing to me; I want organized, accessible information, not eye candy. It loads easily and does not seem to drain the system at all. The company updates frequently and appears to know what they are doing. (Avast was a big dog and pony show with spinning globes and a surplus of features; I took it off, although it is still not completely removed from the boot sector.) Problems with Anti: 1) As noted, slow update downloads for dial-up modemd. 2) Conflicted with Outpost Firewall; tech support advised me to put Outpost .bd file in the exclusion folder, and that fixed the problem nicely. Added the .exe file for good measure. Other than slow update, I definitely recommend.
Review by: MarkDH (2)
Read all 2 reviews by MarkDH
- Dec 11, 2004
- For version:
- 6.29.00.02
A disappointment
- Interface: 3
- Features: 2
- Ease of use: 2
- Value: 1
- Overall:
After having used Norton anti virus for some years I was ready for trying something else. I researched a lot on the internet and what caught my attention with AntiVir PE is that apparently it uses very little Mb when loaded. I installed it which went flawless. But using it is quite a different matter. It made my PC extremely slow. All applications take ages to load. At times it's as if the PC freezes or even has crashed. I got enough memory available and a fast processor. But I was forced to deinstall this program. For me it doesn't work. I am now happily using Avast!
Review by: Ericks (14)
Read all 14 reviews by Ericks
- Dec 11, 2004
- For version:
- 6.29.00.02
Just give it a try
- Interface: 3
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Just give it a try. Sometimes, after a while it crashed and must be uninstalled. If it works, then you are lucky, its a good antivirus. Bad updates features, specially for dialups. You can update it yourshelf monthly. Summarizing, if it works, its good.
Review by: GIORGOS (18)
Read all 18 reviews by GIORGOS
- Nov 22, 2004
- For version:
- 6.28.00.10
Good however ??
- Interface: 2
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 1
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This is a very good anti-virus program for the price. However, The updates comes very slow and instead of downloading Only the Updates you have to re-download the complete program with the updates in it. Other than that it is a Very Good Program. Would advise against downloading this program if you have a Dial-up connection.
Review by: flash32 (4)
Read all 4 reviews by flash32
- Nov 08, 2004
- For version:
- 6.28.00.07
Brilliant
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
A great anti virus pogramm... better than AVG and it's free !!
Review by: fluke69
First post
- Nov 07, 2004
- For version:
- 6.28.00.07
Excellent & efficient.
- Interface: 3
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Brilliant. They should rename it the ' assassin '. It's obvious the makers weren't concerned so much with the looks, but with how well it worked. You want an anti-virus that's dependable and highly efficient? This is it. Tried the other two main freebies, but couldnt kick a virus with them, despite the fancy colours. This little chap did, however. No nonsense. A stormtrooper in plain clothes. Just stick it in your tray and forget about viruses. Update as often as you want - as soon as updates are available - every few days, if you want to download that often, which only takes a minute. When I first downloaded it, I was fooled by the plain & simple appearance, and tested it with an online scan. The scan was running - AntiVir cut it short, having detected a virus, which was deleted. Now I don't trust online scans. Hats off to the makers of AntiVir.
Review by: pcparanoia (2)
Read all 2 reviews by pcparanoia
- Oct 20, 2004
- For version:
- 6.28.00.07
A very good and effective antivirus product
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
AntiVir is definitely one of the best freeware bargains on the Internet. Although free for personal use, don't let the fact that it's free make you think that it isn't powerful and effective. I've been using Antiv for about two years now. It's caught every virus, trojan, worm, etc. that's been thrown at it. As a result, my Windows XP computer hasn't been infected since I started using AntiVir. Note that the virus definition files for AntiVir are updated almost every day. To keep AntiVir at its most effective, you should use AntiVir's built-in update feature at least once every 30 days or so. If you need a good antivirus program that'll keep your system free of today's most potent viruses, trojans, worms, and other such malware, give AntiVir a try. You won't be disappointed.
- Oct 11, 2004
- For version:
- 6.28.00.00
Not too effective
- Interface: 3
- Features: 2
- Ease of use: 1
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I tried this scanner for 3 days testing it thoroughly. I was looking for something to replace my Norton Antivirus and heard good things about this scanner. I do a lot of work cleaning customers machines of viruses,spyware, and trojans and found a major flaw with the Antivir scanner. Antivir recognized all viruses and trojans I threw at it and asked me for what action to take. I configured Antivir to try and repair first and delete as a second choice. I chose delete when trojans were recognized and then did a total system scan and Antivir reported the system being totally clean, but 3 other leading scanners (Norton,Mcaffee,Panda) reported the same trojans recognized by Antivir still infecting my machine. Antivir seems to detect well, but the cleaning capabilities are very suspect. I have configured Antivir every possible way to no avail. If someone else has insight on this please mail me. apowell_AT_cme.com. Also, the updating feature leaves something to be desired.
Review by: apowell
First post
- Sep 23, 2004
- For version:
- 6.27.00.03
I liked it until it quit working
- Interface: 3
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I'd been running AntiVir PE for quite some time when one day it just quit working. I tried to scan a file I'd just downloaded and Antivir started the scan, then locked up. Tried again, same thing. Tried a different file, same thing. Rebooting didn't help, re-installing didn't help. Same thing happened on my sister's computer. I liked the program just fine until it stopped working. Obviously it works for other people. I had to switch to Avast!, which hasn't had any problems so far.
Review by: Carter (4)
Read all 4 reviews by Carter
- Sep 08, 2004
- For version:
- 6.27.00.03
Best value on the market
- Interface: 3
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Finds viruses every time. I have used it with NAV and it found viruses Norton didn't. Now I use it alone -- and quite happily -- and have done so for at least a year. Very easy to use and very reliable. One can also use it with other anti-virus programs, firewalls, anti-trojans, anti-adware etc. Also very stable with registry cleaning and garbage cleaning programs. The AntiVir website says it kills 80,000 viruses and I can believe it.
Review by: Geoffrey
First post
- Sep 07, 2004
- For version:
- 6.27.00.03
Great free anti-virus
- Interface: 2
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Fantastic freeware anti-virus. I used Avast for quite a while but disliked its use of resources. AntiVir PE is extremely resource-friendly, even while in the middle of a deep scan! Timely virus definition updates make this one a must-have!
Review by: pc411guy (2)
Read all 2 reviews by pc411guy
- Aug 05, 2004
- For version:
- 6.26.00.01
Great anti virus program
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This program does its job. It was able to pick up viruses that mcafee missed! The virus definition updates are very frequent, too. The interface isn't "beautiful," but it is very easy to use, and that ease of use is more important to me than looking nice. The program also takes up hardly any memory and the active file scanning doesn't seem to slow my computer down at all. If you want to secure your PC with some virus protection, and don't want to slow your system down, definitely give this prog a try! Highly recommended.
Review by: tcrex2000 (3)
Read all 3 reviews by tcrex2000
- Jul 24, 2004
- For version:
- 6.26.00.01
It's a freeware gem ! !
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
It may not be the top ranked antivirus scanner in the world, but it has caught every virus I have got for over 2 years now and the frequency of updates is incredible ! Give it a try !
Review by: gbjennings (23)
Read all 23 reviews by gbjennings
- Jun 26, 2004
- For version:
- 6.26.00.00
Fast and efficient
- Interface: 3
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
AntiVirPE is an easy to use anti-virus tool which helped me a lot during the last year! It is said not to have the most beautiful interface; may be, but it is fast, doesn't slow down your performance at all and is very good in detecting all sorts of viruses. Updates come about every other day - so you are always safe. And by the way: the virus information provided on their web-page is very helpful. Use AntiVir to scan your drives and give it a chance!
Review by: michael (4)
Read all 4 reviews by michael
- Jun 25, 2004
- For version:
- 6.26.00.00
Better than avg, imo.
- Interface: 5
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I actually had problems with AVG; I had a bug that AVG couldn't fix, so I downloaded AntiVir and boom, problem solved. It's a very nice program.
Review by: Netaku (8)
Read all 8 reviews by Netaku
- Jun 12, 2004
- For version:
- 6.25.00.03
Best free anti-virus
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This is the best free anti-virus out there. This is the anti-virus program that I use. Doesn't slow your system down.
Review by: zamo629 (3)
Read all 3 reviews by zamo629
- Jun 12, 2004
- For version:
- 6.25.00.03
Highly recommended
- Interface: 3
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I've ran across about every bug on the Internet and this little jewel has always saved my behind . I've always had a thing for the folks who put this software out there for free as well as those who gave us the graphic viewer 'Irfanview' , It means a lot when you get something for free that is top of the line solid. I uninstall a big name virus program each time I do a clean system restore on my machine to install this little freebie . Great tool at a better price .
Review by: jljr2003
First post
- May 26, 2004
- For version:
- 6.25.00.03
Top class
- Interface: 3
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Good free antivirus protection that has saved me many times. Highly recommended.
Review by: Filicide (6)
Read all 6 reviews by Filicide
- May 25, 2004
- For version:
- 6.25.00.03
Great anti virus pogramme
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This for a freebie is a great anti virus program that finally picked up 3 trojans and got rid of them for me which my old one could not. I highly recommend this one especially if new to these kinds of programs as it is very simple to use.
Review by: kristina (2)
Read all 2 reviews by kristina
- May 24, 2004
- For version:
- 6.25.00.03
Good!
- Interface: 3
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Very, very good, but no e-mail scanner and automatic updates :(
Review by: DeXtoR (4)
Read all 4 reviews by DeXtoR
- May 20, 2004
- For version:
- 6.25.00.03
Good anti-virus program
- Interface: 2
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This program works very well, it caught every virus. This is a great program, for the price; free. I used this program for a few weeks, but I eventually moved on to another program. I moved onto another program because the GUI of this program isn't very good, and I'm one of those people that wants his programs to look good, as well as work good. If you aren't critical about a great appearance, then this is the program for you.
Review by: hotmailmike (5)
Read all 5 reviews by hotmailmike
