AVG is one of the most popular antivirus programs in the world. It offers a solid free version as well as a full suite of security tools that competes with the top suites from Bitdefender and McAfee. It is simple to install and use, and its interface is practical and not flashy.
The suite includes various features to protect you against malware and other cyber-threats, but many of them are only available when you upgrade to the premium version. AVG’s support center is accessible directly through the software client and includes forums, how-to guides as well as community-based advice and an online form for submitting tickets. There’s also a dedicated telephone www.winfieldparker.com/technology/java-vs-javascript/ line for premium users, but it’s only accessible during business hours.
The malware scanner employs heuristic analysis and machine learning to detect potential threats that may pass traditional signature-based detection systems. It can detect rootkits, worms, trojans and other sophisticated malware that may be missed by other scanners. It comes with an automatic scan option, a quick scan that skips files AVG is sure to be secure, and a more thorough scan that takes longer, but provides more thorough protection.
AVG’s anti-phishing technology is effective and it has an enhanced firewall that can be set to block specific ports or applications. It also includes an optimization tool for devices which can be used to remove unneeded applications and help speed up the PC, as well as a photo vault that stores passwords. The anti-theft features are more sophisticated than the ones offered by other programs, allowing you to identify a stolen or lost device as such and remotely track it with GPS. You can also set a siren and remotely lock the device, or erase the data in case you suspect someone of stealing it.