Avast has an easy-to-use interface that allows all of its main features accessible from a single menu. This is a great benefit for those with limited time or energy to learn about software and the concise explanations for each feature ensure that you don’t ever have to figure out what the function of a feature is. Finding settings is easy with the search function.
You can also configure settings that impact your security and performance. For instance you can disable ad blocking and webcam scanning, look for bloatware that’s slowing down your device, and stop Avast from running background updates (which could affect your device’s performance throughout the duration of the update). You can also use Avast Clean-up to get rid of unused applications and optimize your computer to improve performance and stability.
The ransomware shield from Avast is available in two different modes: sophisticated and strict. The first checks an entire list of apps to determine if any trusted apps can access your files, and then you decide if these changes are permitted. The latter is similar to a firewall and only allows modifications that are approved by the administrator. In either case you’ll be notified, and asked for permission prior to any modifications are made to your secured files.
Upgrading to an Avast premium plan will unlock a host of additional security and performance-enhancing tools, including anti-phishing protections, an advanced firewall, webcam protection, and a VPN. Some of these extras are not as good as those offered by other security software at similar costs.