AVG Technologies provides one of the most popular free antivirus applications available, but since 2006 they have added antispyware, link scanning, safe search, identity theft prevention and other technologies to their repertoire in order to create a complete internet security suite. Their antivirus software has tested well with VB100 since 2003, and they continue to earn awards and certifications from a variety of independent test labs.
The AVG Internet Security suite is a complete solution that goes beyond basic security. AVG understands that many users opt for the free antivirus version and that they need to offer valuable additions to entice them to upgrade to the paid version. To satisfy paying customers they provide tools that many other products and their free version do not, such as Facebook protection, website reports, anti-bullying technology to protect your children, a YouTube video accelerator, more frequent updates, system tools and 24/7 support.
In terms of independent tests, AVG is one of the top performers. Since December of 2010, they earned an average of 5 out of 6 in protection, 4/6 in repair and 4.5/6 in usability from AV-Test running Windows XP, Vista and 7. These scores are not perfect; however, only two products in this review earned 6/6 from AV-Test. In AVG's most recent AV-Test evaluation running Windows 7, they scored 100% in identifying zero-day threats, 98% in repairing malware and above average in usability. In the July 2011 Whole Product Real-World Dynamic Test performed by AV-Comparatives, AVG earned their Standard award and scored a 95.2% protection rate. In the last two years, they passed nine of 10 VB100 antivirus tests. Though we do not score entirely based on third-party testing, these tests do give us a good idea of how the software performs against a variety of malware through the years. Based on our tests and independent tests, we can conclude that AVG continues to improve and evolve and that you can trust it to protect your PC or laptop.
AVG also has the ability to detect malware from all avenues. It provides protection from viruses and other malware from the internet, optical discs and external drives, email and email attachments, IM links, social media links and file sharing. It uses signature, polymorphic, heuristic and behavior-based analysis to detect all types of malware, including spyware, adware, Trojans, browser hijackers, phishing scams and rootkits. It also has a website advisor. This tool, called LinkScanner, rates websites listed in search engine results so you can know how safe they are before you visit them. LinkScanner works with Google, Yahoo, Bing and other popular search engines. You can also submit suspicious URLs to AVG and they will check them for you before you visit the site.
A unique ability included with the AVG Internet Security suite is a function that protects social media interactions. This tool can scan links posted on Facebook, Twitter or MySpace to check for safety. AVG also provides an AVG security toolbar specifically for Facebook. These tools will not only protect you and your computer from malicious links but also prevent you from sharing bad links with your friends.
This internet security software includes most of the features you need to protect your computer and keep your AVG security software up-to-date. You can schedule scans and updates, play games uninterrupted, protect your identity, scan USB drives and discs, and it will pause or delay scans when you laptop battery is running low. However, though AVG provides parental controls, they are not included with the suite. Parental control is an inexpensive add-on.
The first time AVG scans your computer it does take a bit longer than you might expect. They call this an "optimized scan." Our first scan took 20 minutes to inspect 691,700 objects, which is about average. Subsequent scans run much faster since they do not rescan unnecessary items. In addition, AVG includes several elements that make routine scans less intrusive. AVG runs in high priority mode while you are not using your computer and a low priority mode while you are using your computer. This means that while you are not using your computer the software will use a larger volume of resources to run the scan. However, when you are using the computer it will only scan new files and items.
This security suite does not have what is typically called a secure browser or sandbox. A secure browser is a unique browser often run in a virtual area separate from your PC. Since the virtual browser is not run on your PC, your browsing is protected. A sandbox is a virtual area where you can open a URL. What AVG does have is a site advisor and a tool for testing URLs. The site advisor provides reports on websites with information such as the number of compromised pages, threats found, server location and the number of social media followers. If you are uncertain of a website's safety, you can copy the URL and submit it to AVG for instant verification.
AVG provides substantial support to its license owners. You can easily obtain direct support by telephone, chat or email. They also provide the AVG TechBuddy, which provides virtual assistance with common problems. Their support section also includes FAQs, video tutorials, virus removal tools, hot topics and access to their user forum. You can also connect with AVG via Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn, or follow them via RSS feed. Another extremely helpful download they provide is an AVG Rescue file should you be locked out of Windows and need to rescue your PC.
Millions of consumers have relied on the free version of AVG security for years to protect their PC. We highly recommend upgrading to the fully functional paid version. AVG Internet Security is constantly improving and adding new ways to protect your PC and personal information. We especially credit their social networking protection and their four types of analysis to help catch all malware before it infects your computer. We commend AVG for their stalwart protection and continuous investment in upgrading their product.
