In addition, Avast takes only a few minutes to perform a scan and is much quicker than its counterpart. You will find the Firewall icon right there, and when you open it you’ll be given a series of options to customize your firewall. These are just a couple of examples that reinforce its advantage. To tweak its settings, just open your Avast and click on ‘Protection’. For instance, there is an AutoSandBox function that automatically isolates suspicious software from the OS or the remote assistance that can be used for troubleshooting peers and family members who also have Avast. Still, just the antivirus alone has the upper hand in regards to the greater toolbox that it has. However, the real strength of this software comes from its bigger brothers, the paid solutions from Avast that give access to a wide range of extended security features, from a driver updater, data shredder, and VPN to a reinforced firewall or ransomware protection. The handiest of these antivirus scanning options is Smart Scan, which is a complete feature that defends the system from different problems like viruses, malicious browser extensions, or outdated software. Avast Free Antivirus comprises of several methods of PC scanning, with manual scans that can be refined according to the user’s preferences and active shields that are able to run in the background. This full package comes in the shape of a simple, uncomplicated solution that provides a sound defense against a range of potential threats. Phishing Protection With Windows Defender As such, with Windows Defender you are only completely safe so long as you are using Microsoft’s own solutions, such as Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Office or Microsoft Outlook. However, this suite lacks complete email or browser protection, something that Avast Free Antivirus does provide.

But better than all this, it is absolutely free and has no upgrades so long as you have bought the Windows 10 operating system, that is. It can even instantly identify and block new or emerging threats since it utilizes a cloud-delivered antivirus shield. Unlike its competitor, Windows Defender also comes to the battle with plenty of extended protection functions, like a firewall and network protection, family management options, malware defense, antiphishing protection, and ransomware security.

It provides defense for emails (so long as you are using Microsoft products), apps, and the cloud. It requires minimal interaction from the user and is fitted with an automated updater, the option to perform full scans on demand or schedule them, and can be disabled whenever the real-time protection is not wanted. Don’t let its basic design fool you, when it comes to defense, this software is not shy. This program comes as an integrated part of the Windows 10 operating system, and is also compatible with Windows 8.

Avast free antivirus firewall settings