AVG is a popular antivirus program in the world. It offers a good free product as well as a comprehensive range of security tools that compete with the best suites from Bitdefender and McAfee. It’s easy to setup and use, and the user interface is practical rather than flashy.
It’s important to note that although the suite includes a number of features that protect against malware and other cyber threats, a lot of them are only available if you choose to upgrade to the premium version. AVG’s Support Center is available directly from the program. It has forums, a How-To section, community advice and an online ticket submission. There’s also an on-line dedicated to premium customers however, it’s only accessible during working hours.
The malware scanner employs machine learning and heuristic analysis to detect potential threats that might slip through traditional signature-based detection systems. It can identify rootkits as well as trojans, worms, and other complex malware. It has an automatic scan option, a quick scan that doesn’t skip files AVG knows to be safe, and a deeper scan that takes a bit longer but offers more comprehensive security.
AVG’s anti-phishing technology is effective and it has an enhanced firewall that can be configured to block certain ports or programs. It also comes with an optimization tool for devices to remove unused applications and speed your PC, and an image vault for passwords. Its anti-theft capabilities are more advanced than the ones offered by other programs, allowing you mark a stolen or lost device as such and track it using GPS. You can also remotely wipe or lock data and set up a siren when you suspect that someone is stealing the device.
