I am disappointed with the results of Avast Free 5 on the most recent Proactive/Retrospective Tests in which it ranked 10th of 11 programs.
I am wondering what would be the explanation for this poor showing and whether there is likely to be improvement in the future.
Thanks for the help.
Link to this test you speak of?
Here is the link to the test:
http://www.av-comparatives.org/images/stories/test/ondret/avc_retro_nov2010.pdf
notice the version, it’s not even 5.1 so in 5.0 was Behaviour shield completely absent and if memory serves me right 5.1 brought additional antirootkit improvements etc.
so yes the result is quite bad but not anymore relfects reality and when v6 is released it will improve again …
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=67280.msg567055#msg567055
Take conclusions by yourself… 
I thank each of you for your perspective on this issue.
It is hard to interpret these test since I am a novice.
I have been trying to compare Avast Free with Avira Personal(Free), but it is difficult because most of the test use Avira Premium which has some added feature.
Now I learn that the testers don’t even use all the features of Avast in their test situations.
Very difficult to make a clear comparison.
Your experience and comments are truly helpful.