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CNET Editors' review
AVG has resurrected LinkScanner as a free plug-in for Firefox and Internet Explorer. AVG Anti-Virus fans shouldn't fret, though; LinkScanner is still included in the AV suite. The new LinkScanner works much the same as the original one did. AVG's "Search Shield" returns search results from both Google and Yahoo with flags next to them. Green flags on Google indicate a result is safe to click through to, while Yahoo-safe results display no flags. This might have been a configuration error, although rebooting the browser didn't change the results. Links that are unsafe on both search engines will return red flags.
Hovering over a flag provides further details. Green flags show the IP address, the amount of time the scan took, and the date and time of the most recent scan. Red flags highlight the same information, as well as the risk category and the site name. Attempting to click through to a red-flagged page will take you to a warning screen that repeats most of the red-flag information--AVG calls this the "Active Surf-Shield." A small link at the bottom of the red-blocked screen will let you click through, although it cautions users that it will continue to block potentially harmful content.
LinkScanner also offers two "slow down" warnings. The first is yellow with one exclamation point in it, while the second is orange and has two exclamation points. A link at the bottom of the pop-up takes you to the AVG product comparison page. It's notable that LinkScanner didn't slow down search results or click-through page loading times in any perceptible way, and that the new independent version functions just as well as the old independent version.
Publisher's Description
From AVG Technologies USA:
The most dangerous page on the web may be the one you are about to click on. AVG LinkScanner provides an advanced layer of security against fast-moving, invisible web threats, and hacked web sites. It verifies the safety of web pages you visit, and of links returned from web searches (Google, Yahoo! and MSN), so you know how safe/unsafe a page is at the time you attempt to click on it. It works alongside most current consumer AV and security suite products, delivering an additional layer of security they do not provide. Highlights: Real-time scanning of links you click on, so you can be sure you are protected from the latest hacked or exploited websites. Emphasis on analysis of each web page you visit instead of the web site. Automatic upgrades whenever the threat intelligence network finds a new threat. AVG LinkScanner is available as a free download for single computer, home non-commercial use.
What's new in this version: Build 1913 is a maintenance release.
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All versions:
2.6 starsout of 133 votes
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Current version:
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My rating:
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"Explorer 7 problems"
Version: AVG LinkScanner Free Edition 2012 2012.0.1831
Pros
I'm sure it does good things, but
Cons
Since I installed it, I've had nothing but problems with Explorer 7, and won't upgrade to explorer 8 because I am still using xp....
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"Not compatible with Firefox 6"
Version: AVG LinkScanner Free Edition 2012 10.0.1390
Pros
Overall, it works effectively and provides us the information about a specific websites. (Ratings, Site Details)
Cons
It may report some false positives (rarely) and more importantly IT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH FIREFOX 6 at the moment
Summary
User friendly as the interface design are not really complicated and easy to use
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"Not Compatible with ZAES"
Version: AVG LinkScanner Free Edition 2012 10.0.1390
Pros
Really didn't get a chance to use it.
Cons
It caused a conflict with Zone Alarm Extreme Security.
Summary
It caused a conflict with Zone Alarm Extreme Security. ZAES shut itself down to prevent a conflict with Linkscanner. That made me decide to uninstall Linkscanner. I normally use Revo Uninstaller but it didn't see AVG Linkscanner so I used the Vista uninstall feature. That seems to have also removed some files related to other software. Firefox 5.0 had to reinstall parts of itself. I got a screen welcoming me to Firefox 5 but all my plug ins and extensions were still there however there was nothing in appearance. I don't know if anything else was affected.
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"Very reassuring software"
Version: AVG LinkScanner Free Edition 2012 10.0.1390
Pros
It is free and offers reassurance when exploring unknown sites
Cons
Only one - see summary
Summary
I am right-handed, my cursor starts on the middle of the page then moves left toward the subject header. If it passes over AVG's green 'tick' my actions are distracted by the box which appears telling me that no active threats are contained.
Can the 'tick' be moved to the left-hand side of the subject header in order to avoid this distraction? -
"To AVG or not to AVG"
Version: AVG LinkScanner Free Edition 2012 10.0.1390
Pros
A good free on line scanner but not for the faint of heart... Beware (maybe false positives ?).
Cons
I had to pull out My original OS system disk and use the safe Mode and use the "expand command" as it erased my Rundll32.exe....
Summary
Well I did it, as I did not hit the "Quit Button" Quick enough and my Rundll32 was Gonzo... But I had to use My system OS Disk to expand my Rundll32 and I got it back after 3 tries.... Ohhh... Nasty !
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"it does a good job"
Version: AVG LinkScanner Free Edition 2012 10.0.1388
Pros
it does a good job
Cons
now my computer says it is not protected
Summary
I trust avg
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"Doesn't work with win 7 64 bit"
Version: AVG LinkScanner Free Edition 2012 10.0.1375
Pros
none for me. It doesn't work with my OS
Cons
Doesn't work with Win 7 64 bit
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"The best security add on"
Version: AVG LinkScanner Free Edition 2012 10.0.1321
Pros
It's among the best security add on among most of the other ones. (I consider WOT to be the other one). Works like a charm and now supports even Google Chrome or any browser on the Chromium platform
Cons
Long installation time. Needs patience. Does not support Opera which only WOT supports now. Installation will confuse you to think you're installing AVG Anti-Virus. After installation you understand it has not.
Summary
I have used AVG before and I know this is one of the best add on to your browser for better safety.
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"hides the true install"
Version: AVG LinkScanner Free Edition 2012 10.0.1321
Pros
may be good; I've used AVG before
Cons
Can't install only link scanner.
Summary
If you don't use the custom install, you'll get the antivirus program, too. If you use the custom install, you can't opt out of the antivirus. That's already been said, so I checked and confirmed the statement. AVG, don't tell me one thing and hide the other stuff you do without my permission. If there were a way to give a rating of zero, I'd do that.
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"Great free software"
Version: AVG LinkScanner Free Edition 2012 10.0.1321
Pros
Blocks Malicous sites in Real-Time! withna great User interface and Security Toolbar
Cons
None - its great!
Summary
Good protection which you can run along side your current Antivirus for extra protection.
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