This free antivirus software is based on one of the best paid programs - Kaspersky Antivirus version 6, and offers the excellent detection rates and update frequency that can be expected from Kaspersky.

AOL do not specify whether the product is time-limited. However, the initial expiration date in the program license info is set at one year from the date of installation.

Before downloading AOL Active Virus Shield we were required to submit an e-mail address to which our license key can be sent. As usual, it is a good practice not to disclose your primary e-mail address for this purpose, but use a free webmail account with good spam filters (such as Gmail).

We did not experience any problems while installing AOL Active Virus Shield on Windows XP. However,  when we attempted to install the program on older systems (Windows 2000), there were some problems.

During the installation on one of our Windows 2000 systems, the software complained about some Microsoft Visual C++ libraries missing. Fortunately, there was a link to the download file in the FAQ.

After installing the antivirus on another Windows 2000 system, we repeatedly encountered blue screens during the boot process. We were unable to remove the software from the computer, as the system would boot only to die with a blue screen a few moments later. (All other antivirus software were removed from this machine prior to the installation). AOL Active Virus Shield did not succeed in uninstalling itself in Windows Safe Mode, so we had to download the special uninstaller from the Kaspersky website, boot to the safe mode, and then execute avp_remove.cmd. Later, we discovered that the inbuilt help system FAQ suggests that you boot into the safe mode, uncheck “Run Active Virus Shield on system startup”, and reboot. Unfortunately, the web version of the FAQ does not have this information.

During the installation we were prompted for the permission to install the “AOL Security Toolbar”, but opted not to install the toolbar, as it is not part of Kaspersky Antivirus.

Main window

Although AOL Active Virus Shield does not include all features of Kaspersky Antivirus, it contains all the crucial ones, such as:

• Real time protection from computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, spyware, adware and other potentially dangerous software,
• Email protection (all e-mail clients plus extra plugins for MS Outlook and The Bat!),
• On-demand file / mail scanner,
• Auto updater ,
• Scheduler,
• Quarantine and backup storage,
• Logs,
• E-mail notification (in case of infection and other events),
• Update rollback,
• Variable scan speed,
• Laptop power saving and HT technology support,
• Windows XP x64 support.

Protection options

E-mail protection

The following features of the original Kaspersky Antivirus are not present in AOL Active Virus Shield:

• Web Anti-Virus,
• Proactive defense,
• Rescue Disk component.

The detection rates are among the best according to the following test results:
ttp://www.virus.gr/english/fullxml/default.asp?id=82&mnu=82
http://www.virusbtn.com/vb100/archive/results?vendor=VE15
http://www.westcoastlabs.org/cm-av-products.asp?Comp_ID=15&Cat_ID=2
http://www.av-comparatives.org/seiten/ergebnisse_2006_08.php

The program has very small footprint and prevents system slowdown by releasing the processing power to applications when needed.

Optimization for Intel Centrino mobile technology and power saving support for laptops make Active Virus Shield extremely useful for mobile computing.

The interface is relatively easy to use and the inbuilt help system provides all necessary information.

The program is capable of e-mailing notifications in case of infection or other specified events.

Notification options

There is also a possibility of reverting the program updates.

AOL offers free support via e-mail only (which is not guaranteed in the license agreement:
“This license does not entitle you to receive from us hard-copy documentation, support, telephone assistance” http://www.activevirusshield.info/eula.htm). However, a lot of support information is available at the Kaspersky Antivirus knowledge base  http://www.kaspersky.com/faq?chapter=183932487 and forums http://forum.kaspersky.com/index.php.

License: Free.
Time limited: No.
Free Support: Yes - email (limited?).
Platforms: Windows 98/ME, NT/2000/XP (also supports XP x64).

Pros:

• very frequent updates and good auto updater,
• excellent detection rates,
• reasonably easy to use interface,
• small footprint, highly suitable for laptops,
• lots of useful features.

Cons:

• some installation problems on older OS,
• limited support.

Our verdict: AOL Active Virus Shield stops short of being the best free antivirus available because  of installation problems on older OS and limited support.

Overall rating: 5/5

Important: Please note that this product does not include firewall. To achieve full protection, it is advisable to run this program in conjunction with one of the following free firewalls:

Comodo Free Firewall: http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/
Jetico Personal Firewall: http://www.jetico.com/jpfirewall.htm

Essential support and troubleshooting links:

Download link: http://www.activevirusshield.com/antivirus/freeav/
AOL FAQ: http://www.activevirusshield.info/
Kaspersky FAQ: http://www.kaspersky.com/faq?chapter=183932487
Kaspersky support forums: http://forum.kaspersky.com/index.php
Additional Kaspersky downloads: ftp://ftp.kaspersky.com/utils/KIS6/