Avira Internet Security 2014 is a comprehensive collection of tools which aims to provide everything to keep your PC safe from harm, both online and off. You get a strong antivirus engine, for instance, which generally scores well with independent labs. The previous edition ranked 2nd out of 13 in AV-Comparatives March 2013 file detection test, for example, with a very creditable score of 99.6%. The suite also includes Avira's Protection Cloud, a cloud-based technology which helps to detect and block even brand new, previously undiscovered threats.
The Browser Tracker Blocker prevents more than 600 networks from tracking your online activities. The Website Safety Advisor adds icons to your search results (if they're carried out via the Avira toolbar), warning you of potentially dangerous sites before you click. The program's parental controls have been extended via Avira Social Network Protection, which helps protect your kids on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and others. And an Android tool delivers on all the security basics (privacy protection, call/ SMS blocking, lost phone recovery and more). What you don't get any more is a firewall. Avira Internet Security 2014 now just provides an interface to manage the Windows firewall, instead. Notably, this only works with Windows 7 or later, so XP and Vista users will have to sort out a new solution for themselves. There's a distinct shortage of new features, too. The suite can now scan network shares, but otherwise it looks and feels much as it always did. Still, there's plenty of power here, and the excellent antivirus engine will do a good job of keeping you safe from harm. Please note, by default the program will install the Avira SearchFree Toolbar and adjust your browser search settings. If you don't want this then be sure to choose the Custom installation option and clear the relevant checkboxes. Verdict: Dropping the firewall may cause problems for some, but otherwise Avira Internet Security 2014 does a good job of protecting your PC from harm
