Avast Antivirus & Security is a user-friendly suite designed to protect computers and mobile devices from malware, viruses, ransomware and online threats while keeping performance snappy. It combines traditional signature-based scanning with behavioral and machine-learning detection to spot both known and emerging threats in real time, automatically isolating suspicious files so they can’t harm the system. Web and email shields block malicious links and attachments before they reach you, while ransomware protection locks important folders and prevents unauthorized encryption. A built-in firewall monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic to stop intrusions, and Wi‑Fi inspection helps reveal weak network settings or unknown devices on the same network. For privacy, features like webcam protection, tracker blocking and a secure browser reduce the risk of unwanted surveillance and data harvesting; a password manager safely stores and autofills credentials to make logging in easier without compromising security. Additional tools focus on system health and convenience: junk-file cleanup and performance optimizers free up space and speed boot times, a battery saver extends laptop life, and a gaming mode defers nonessential notifications and scans so activities aren’t interrupted. The interface is straightforward, offering one-click scans, clear threat reports, and customizable scan schedules for people with different needs. Under the hood, cloud-based threat intelligence and frequent signature updates help the product react quickly to new attack patterns without excessive resource use. Overall, Avast aims to give everyday users layered protection—blocking threats, preserving privacy and keeping devices running smoothly—while offering advanced options for those who want deeper control over firewall rules, scan parameters and privacy settings.

How does Avast Antivirus scan my device?

Avast Antivirus performs scanning through a combination of methods, including a quick scan, full system scan, and specific file scanning. You can initiate these scans from the app's home screen to check for malware and vulnerabilities.

What is the purpose of the Web Shield feature?

The Web Shield feature protects your device from malicious websites while you're browsing the internet. It blocks access to harmful sites and warns you of potential threats to help keep your browsing experience safe.

How can I customize the scan settings in Avast Antivirus?

To customize the scan settings, open Avast Antivirus and go to the 'Settings' section. Here, you can adjust preferences for scheduled scans, scan types, and exceptions for specific files or folders.

How does the virus database update function work?

To ensure maximum protection, Avast antivirus regularly updates its virus database. This feature automatically checks for the latest virus definitions and downloads updates to provide your device with real-time protection against new threats.

What steps should I follow to use the Performance Optimization tool?

To use the Performance Optimization tool, follow these steps: 1. Open the Avast app. 2. Navigate to 'Performance' in the main menu. 3. Choose 'Junk Cleaner' or 'Memory Booster.' 4. Follow the prompts to free up space or optimize memory. This helps your device run smoother.