Windows Security AVAST 2015

Avast Free Antivirus 2015: Beyond the Desktop

Released in October 2014, Avast 2015 was a massive leap forward for the Chasms.com community. It moved past the traditional "virus scanner" model and became a proactive home network manager. This was the version that famously introduced the "Home Network Security" scanner, acknowledging that in a modern home, it wasn’t just the PC that needed protection—it was every connected device.

Home Network Security (HNS)

The standout feature of Avast 2015 was its ability to scan your entire network for vulnerabilities.

• Router Protection: With one click, Avast could tell you if your router had a weak password, open ports, or outdated firmware that hackers could exploit to hijack your internet connection.

• Device Discovery: It provided a list of every device connected to your Wi-Fi, helping you spot "leechers" or unauthorized guests on your network.

Smart Scan & Performance

Avast 2015 introduced the "Smart Scan" button, which unified several maintenance tasks into one process:

• All-in-One Check: Instead of running separate scans, Smart Scan checked for malware, outdated software, browser "grime" (unwanted toolbars), and network issues simultaneously.

• HTTPS Scanning: This version improved the "Web Shield" to scan encrypted HTTPS traffic for threats, a vital upgrade as more of the web moved toward secure connections.

Cleaning Up the Web

• Browser Cleanup: This tool was a fan favorite for the Chasms.com community. It identified and removed annoying, high-jacked toolbars and search engines that often bundled themselves with free software downloads.

• GrimeFighter: Avast 2015 included an early version of its system optimizer, which helped identify "junk" files and background processes that were slowing down your Windows performance.

• Secure DNS: To prevent "DNS Hijacking" (where a fake site mimics your bank), Avast 2015 introduced encrypted DNS to ensure you always landed on the real website.

A Community-Driven Defense

With a massive global user base, Avast 2015 used "CommunityIQ" to identify new threats in seconds. If a user in Europe encountered a new virus, the fix was pushed to the Chasms.com community in Canada almost instantly. It was a powerful, free tool that felt like a premium security suite.