Avast! Internet Security 5

Avast is primarily known for its free anti-virus product. Previously, it’s been a decent but unpolished product, with good coverage but slightly unfriendly to use.

For the new version 5, the program’s design has been given a complete overhaul, along with some changes in how it works. It also marks the first time the company has tried to give its paid-for program a push as well.

The program protects against the usual suspects – viruses, spyware and other threats that come through the internet – and the built-in firewall replaces the one built into Windows. Unlike the built-in version, Avast’s firewall blocks connections that your computer tries to make to the internet (the Windows one only blocks incoming connections) so that even if there is a program on your computer trying to steal your bank details, the firewall makes it harder for it to get the details out.

If you don’t need the firewall – if you’re happy with the Windows one or you already have another one – the program is available in a Pro version for £20 less, although this omits the anti-spam part of the program too.

One clever addition is the ‘sandbox’, which can be used to run any program on your computer in a mode that prevents it from making changes. If you receive a program by email or over the internet you can run it in the sandbox – even if it’s a virus it can’t infect the computer. This also means you can’t save any changes from programs run in the sandbox – if you run Microsoft Word in the sandbox and save a document, it’ll disappear when you quit the program. That means it’s not suitable for all things, but it works well for testing new programs.

The program is easier to use thanks to its redesign, which arranges all the components into a more logical order. The messages that pop up are more friendly, too, and there are some nice touches such as a message that appears when you connect to a new network, suggesting security settings to use.

It was quick to scan our test computer, and if you’re playing games or watching videos there’s a silent mode that will prevent the program from updating itself and slowing down your connection or popping up unwanted messages (this is automatically started when you switch to a full-screen mode).

The free version of the program does include most of the protection (not the firewall or sandbox), although paying users get faster updates.

Like most security programs, the cost covers a one-year subscription which can be used on up to three computers in your home.

It’s an impressive security program that largely keeps itself to itself, can be set up easily and doesn’t bamboozle users with technical jargon – though the more experienced can access more advanced settings.