Does Avast 5 have Anti-Spy Built-in??

I'm asking here about the "Free" program. Is this (anti-spy in avast 5.0) True?

Is it "Real-Time"?

I don't see any "settings", or indications of such anti-spy program built within avast.

Can anyone help me with understanding this please? I'm thinking I would use it for my real-time protection, if it is available.

Thanks in advance,
g...

 

No, there's no anti spyware built-in to Avast free.

 

Well thanks, but their site says different --> http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download

I'm just trying to understand if there is a configuration for it, or if it's simply built-in, magically/mysteriously ... ??

 

Hi David, thanks - yes, I have avast 5 ... not sure if I selected default or custom (I'm pretty sure I would have chosen default for such an important program as AV) - but I have disabled two of the shields (IM and P2P), because I don't use "IM" and I don't do "P2P" downloads...

 

There are several 'Shields' available, some of which (Web Shield, Behaviour Shield and 'PUP' scanning) may be construed as 'anti spyware' but they do not appear to be a replacement for a full-fledged scanner like SAS/MBAM.

 

Understood - thanks - what would your best guess be; is avast's better (ANY better) than what Spyware Terminator (which I am currently using for Real-Time protect) offers?

This "Shields" presentation seems quite a bit much like that offered in ST.

Thanks again, an in advance...

 

Hmm, better? Unlikely is my best guess - but different, running both shouldn't cause any clashes and may give you a broader coverage.

The only recent anti-spyware incompatibility issues raised in the last few weeks onn the Avast! user forum seems to be related to IObit Security 360, and much of that is down to IObits 'data stealing' reputation.

http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=62744.0

 

Thanks David, yes, I have had SpywareBlaster on my machines for years (just this moment got the latest update which I had been looking for for more than a week) - and please allow me to state unequivocally and categorically: I LOVE SpywareBlaster - everything about it, from the concept, to the interface, to the small footprint, and the hassle-free manner in which it performs (though I would appreciate a better explanation/understanding of its manual-blocking capabilities).

Regarding avast and ST causing any slow-down whilst running together, well, a bit difficult for me to tell, as my machines run slow to begin with, but no, no perceivable or noticeable slow-down (and I get PLENTY of "errors" - though no "weird" ones I suppose - just the usual "Glenn-caused" ones :-D).

Thanks again,
Glenn...

 

Thanks for your help - and for the update on iObit ... (who knew??).

Best,
Glenn...

 

Just to comment on Avast 5, I also have IM and P2P Shields turned Off, and I
use MBAM as a real-time spyware blocker with no problems. They are both set
for automatic update which works fine.

After upgrading form Avast 4.8?, or whatever the last version was, it seems that
the startup is quicker and smoother. At least that's my perception.

 

Thanks for the reply and for sharing your set-up details