Six out of ten users are running a vulnerable version of Adobe Reader!

According to research conducted by AVAST Software, six out of ten computer users are running unpatched version of Adobe Reader. Data for the study were obtained by using the free antivirus avast! Free Antivirus, which is one of the most popular (this product is used by more than 165 million people).

AVAST Software claims that 40% of users who prefer to Adobe Reader, use the patched application (versions 10, 9 and 8). 35% of users use the unpatched Adobe Reader 9. 20% of users use the unpatched Adobe Reader version 8 or earlier versions. At the moment, version 9.x and 8.x is still supported by the developer - for them available security updates.

The company notes that 80% of people use to read PDF Adobe Reader. His alternative Foxit used only 4.8%.

Despite the decline in the past year the number of exploits for Adobe Reader, the application is still a target for targeted attacks and drive-by downloads (download files without user interaction).

By the way, in March this year, it became known that the company AVAST Software may include in future versions of its antivirus new component that should be automatically updated frequently attacked application. Perhaps, produced a study was conducted to assess the utility of this functionality.

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Google is preparing its own antivirus?

Android has had another antivirus

Increasingly appearing in news reports about the vulnerabilities of Android and the mess that is happening in the Android Market - good soil to promote its anti-virus solutions.

Anti-Virus, phone tracking system for GPS (in case of theft), filters, contacts, parental protection, reputation checking installed software, data backup. All of this should be expected in the new antivirus product for Google Android. And make it a Czech specialists from AVAST!

AVAST! first of all be relevant for the root user (and there are numbers 15 - 20% of all owners of Android-smartphone).

Mobile anti-virus will appear in the 4th quarter of 2011, and in good tradition of AVAST! will be free. Descriptions of threats will be in the "cloud", because the application does not occupy much space in the phone memory, so during the inspection system will have to find a Wi-Fi or 3G.

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Avast! + Google Chrome = ?

The creators of Google Chrome, found an original way of distributing their product, which will significantly expand its customer audience. Now, Google Chrome will be bundled with antivirus software Avast!

It is known that a sufficiently large percentage of the total number of PC owners are novice users who use the browser installed by default, because it does not have sufficient knowledge to self-selection. How can manufacturers browser can attract the coveted audience on his side? The answer is obvious, the application should be distributed along with other popular free product.

Guided by such considerations, the developers of Google entered into an agreement with the company Alwil Software, producer of antivirus Avast!, Ideally suitable for the role of "locomotive". With only one site Download.com has been downloaded more than 65 million copies of the product.

From now on when you installed antivirus attention of users will run an additional window with the subtitle «Avast! recommends "that will install on your computer fast, reliable and secure web browser from Google. The creators of the browser do not doubt that a recommendation from a trusted manufacturer of remedies for many users will be the decisive argument.

It should be noted that the developers have tried to make an offer minimally intrusive - Google Chrome is not trying to make a choice for the user. None of the flag buttons ("Yes, install" or "no, do not set") is not pressed by default. In addition, if your browser Chrome has already been installed in the system, the user will be spared from the contemplation of this dialog box.

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Pokemon Anti-Virus!
Avast Free Antivirus 5.0


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Avast Free Antivirus 5.0

With little behind schedule before the Czech company ALWIL Software has released the first beta version of free antivirus Avast Free Antivirus 5.0. The developers warn that the current status of the package can not be used as the primary security tool - the beta version is intended mainly to get acquainted with the new interface and new features.

















The first thing you will notice when looking at screenshots Avast 5.0 beta, this is a totally new design of the graphical part. Popular free anti-virus has become more like a traditional commercial antivirus products, for example, from Symantec - instead of familiar blue tones Avast 4.8 uses shades of gray and orange, but the interface has become stronger and clearer.

Many modules, which should appear in the official free version of Avast 5.0, is simply not connected. In particular, the beta version does not include components for rootkit detection and the detection of malicious programs on behavior (Behavior Shield). Also in beta, there are no mechanisms to monitor licensing and product activation. The most important limitation of the beta version of a backlog of antivirus databases - unfortunately still a beta version is not able to download the most current models of virus signatures, so do not even pretend to place the main anti-virus system. In addition, the security features of Windows 7 so far does not recognize Avast 5.0 beta, like antivirus software.

Download the installation files for the first beta version of the popular free antivirus Avast 5.0 can be on the official site.

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Top 7 free downloadable antivirus

I decided that would be a good idea to start with a compilation of free downloadable antivirus. Can be free protection effective? I do not trust it to get that for free. At the same time, the results of some tests, free antivirus programs have demonstrated a decent result, and often not much behind-cost solutions.

All the free anti-virus programs have one thing - they do not have full functionality, and therefore can not guarantee 100% protection. But perhaps for some it is the compromises that might measure.

So, Top 7 free downloadable antivirus:

1) AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition














One of the most well-known free antivirus, which has been awarded various prizes. In the free version there is no Anti-Rootkit, Web Shield (Screens your downloads and prevents accidental infections through IM chats), Identity Protection, Firewall, Anti-Spam.

Download AVG.

2) Avast! antivirus Home Edition














It has the following features:
Anti-spyware (built-in), Web Shield, Anti-rootkit (built-in), Automatic updates, Strong self-protection, Virus Chest, Antivirus kernel, System integration, Simple User Interface, Integrated Virus Cleaner, Resident protection, Support for 64-bit Windows, P2P and IM Shields, Internationalization, Network Shield

Download Avast!

3) Avira AntiVir Personal















Free version has the following modules: AntiVir (protection against viruses, worms and Trojans), AntiDialer (protection against expensive dialers), AntiRootkit (protection against hidden rootkits), AntiPhishing (protection against phishing), AntiSpyware (protection against spyware and adware), NetbookSupport (for laptops with low resolution), QuickRemoval (eliminates viruses at the push of a button).

It seemed to me a particularly interesting feature - NetbookSupport. Now it is claimed, but from other manufacturers for some reason is rare.

Download Avira

4) BitDefender Free Edition






As can be seen from the official press release:

«BitDefender Free Edition uses the same ICSA Labs certified scanning engines found in other BitDefender products, allowing you to enjoy basic virus protection for no cost at all.

BitDefender Free Edition is an on-demand virus scanner, which is best used in a system recovery or forensics role».

Download BitDefender

5) ClamWin Free Antivirus









ClamWin Free Antivirus is Open source GPL virus scanner. It has approximately the same set of functions that are free analogs. Since it is Open source program - perhaps its development by various developers, but at the same time, it makes it more vulnerable.

Download ClamWin

6) Dr.Web CureIt!







Free tool from the well-known manufacturer. It was not just checked - works qualitatively, but has no permanent protection and may not be updated. To do this you need to download the new version, which is issued daily.

Download Dr.Web CureIt!

7) PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition













As stated on the official site:

"With PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition you are protected against the most nefarious cyber-threats attempting to gain access to your PC and personal information. Going online without protection against the latest fast-spreading virus and worms, such as Netsky, Mytob and MyDoom, can result in infections within minutes.

Once infected, the virus will usually attempt to spread itself to your friends, family and associates by accessing your email contacts and networked PCs. The infection may also allow hackers to access files on your PC, use it to launch attacks against other computers and websites or to send mass SPAM email".

Download PC tool Antivirus

This short overview of free downloadable antivirus complete. I hope the one who does not want to pay for their security will find a suitable product. Those who want more and appreciate their own safety, it is better to buy an antivirus, without compromise.

See more:
Main types of computer viruses
What is a virus
What is Antivirus Ratings

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