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AVG LinkScanner for Mac lets you know in advance if a Web site contains malicious threats. Already an enormously popular developer for the Windows antivirus category, AVG launches this bare-bones Mac version of its Link scanning technology to help prevent Mac users from visiting dangerous Web sites. As the only product AVG makes for Mac, this small program is not meant to sell you anything as there are no paid products from AVG for the Mac platform.
The Mac-like interface of LinkScanner lets you activate two types of protection. The Search Shield uses Web browser plug-ins that check search results when you perform a search on a popular search engine such as Google. An informative icon is displayed next to each result to give you information about the site before clicking a potentially dangerous link. The Surf Shield provides real-time protection by scanning Web sites in advance, and issues a warning and actually prevents you from surfing to known dangerous sites.
AVG LinkScanner is a solid program that will help protect Mac users from dangerous sites, but will have a hard time enticing a Mac audience that doesn't believe their Macs are vulnerable to online threats. As a free program that you can launch at start-up and works across all the popular Mac browsers, we think this software is a no-brainer for safer surfing. As Macs get more popular, they become a bigger target for virus writers, and having a solid line of defense in place on your Mac could never be construed as a bad idea.
AVG LinkScanner - Scan any link, page , and address - Download Video Previews:Publisher's Description
From AVG Technologies USA:
AVG LinkScanner for Mac checks each Web page in real time before it opens on your Mac. If it sees trouble ahead, it stops you. It's quick and easy to install and won't get in your way. If the page is infected, it stops you from opening it. (This happens so quickly that you don't even notice it). AVG LinkScanner works in real time and checks for active threats before you land on a page. Search-Shield scans search results and places a safety rating next to each link so you know where it's safe to click. This applies when searching with Google, Yahoo! or Bing. AVG LinkScanner runs silently in the background--you won't even notice it until a threat is detected. Minimal use of system resources so it won't slow down your Mac.
What's new in this version: Added support for Firefox 21
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All versions:
3.1 starsout of 59 votes
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Current version:
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My rating:
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"Works OK with Lion (10.7.5) and Mountain Lion (10.8.2)"
Version: AVG LinkScanner 12.0.1807
Pros
Stays out of the way and does its job. Unobtrusive - on 2009-vintage iMac and 2011-vintage MacBook Pros.
Cons
Occasional, random banner messages about missing plugins or features not active can be puzzling.
Summary
Works well and stays in the background. But I have yet to have a message about nasty websites. Maybe I just haven't yet stumbled into the wrong neighbourhoods. ;-)
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"Very Satisfied."
Version: AVG LinkScanner 12.0.1810
Pros
AVG is a large and well known security company.
Runs fast with and silently.
Does not use extra RAM or CPU power.Cons
Semi-frequently causes websites to render incorrectly, but a quick reload fixes it (I think this is the cause)
Safari crashes occasionally when accessing my special GMail (again, I don't know if this is the cause)
Doesn't work with Google Chrome (although I'm a Safari user)Summary
I am very satisfied with this product.
I have only Web of Trust and this installed in Safari, so I do believe that AVG is the reasons for my Cons. Semi-frequently, web sites will be loaded incorrectly or in plain text, but I all have to do is hit reload and it fixes immediately. Also, when accessing my school gmail, Safari has quit about 5 times and only one time caused a Kernel Panic. I access this account multiple times a day so 6 issues over the past several months isn't a big deal.
I have used this product for about a year on both Lion and Mountain Lion and have had no issues. I monitor my computer's vital signs and this program uses no resources. Sure, it has a few little bugs here and there, but is far worth it to have some security. I have tried full security suites, but they all hurt my Mac's performance. This is a light product with good security from an outstanding company. I don't know why anyone wouldn't use it. -
"Avoid if running Mountain Lion"
Version: AVG LinkScanner 12.0.1807
Pros
Consults a frequently-updated database of malicious websites.
Cons
Incompatible with Mountain Lion. Causes kernel panics.
Slows Safari to a crawl. -
"Did not work with my operating system."
Version: AVG LinkScanner 12.0.1806
Pros
Looked promising.
Cons
Required Mac operating system higher than my 10.5.8 but did not highlight the OS requirement up front.
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"Oh, you're protected..."
Version: AVG LinkScanner 12.0.1805
Pros
Great on Windows. Does a good job of providing a visual for a potentially unsafe site. However, not so much on the Mac (see my cons).
Cons
It works so well that I completely lost my ability to connect to the internet (Snow Leopard with the latest version of all browsers). Safari, Chrome, and Firefox all failed to connect to any website. The program couldn't even update itself. I spent 20 minute troubleshooting my entire home network, since every other device was functioning normally. No matter what website I tried to visit in any of the three mentioned browsers, I got "Waiting for ...."
Guess it's kind of hard to visit a malicious site when you can't load it in the first place.Summary
I think it is a great program and run it on my Windows computers. Unfortunately, now that we need to be more conscience of malware on the OS X platform, I guess this is not going to be one of my regular programs.
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"This is awful. Do not install. Repeat, do not install."
Version: AVG LinkScanner 12.0.1804
Pros
There are no pros. It doesn't do anything. It slows down your computer. It is impossible to uninstall.
Cons
See above.
Summary
See above
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"Poor and slow"
Version: AVG LinkScanner 12.0.1804
Pros
It scans well.
Cons
It seemed to unacceptably slow my system. It has been a nightmare to remove. I still find hidden remnants.
Summary
I use and pay for AVG's windows AV at work, and recommend it to all my clients. Just don't care much for this.
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"Good concept, needs more frequent updating"
Version: AVG LinkScanner 12.0.1802
Pros
Provides a useful function, works unobtrusively, and is free.
Cons
It only supports two Mac browsers: Safari and Firefox. And support for Firefox broke when Firefox was updated from v9.x to version 10.x
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"Running Little Snitch & AVGLS will drive you crazy."
Version: AVG LinkScanner 12.0.1802
Pros
Probably does its job.
Cons
Kept triggering Little Snitch and it was driving me nuts. After a half hour of constantly clicking on LittleSnitch windows I gave up and uninstalled AVG Link Scanner. Of the two, Little Snitch is the more important for my computer's security.
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"Does what it says well."
Version: AVG LinkScanner 12.0
Pros
Easy to install, low overhead, easy to use, now works with Mac OS X Lion.
Cons
Can;t keep up with Firefox revisions
Summary
Other than the fact that every time a new version of Firefox comes, the software plug in is disabled, it's a good product.
Can;t really fault them for that one, thought as Firefox has an insane upgrade cycle. Other components still work behind the scenes.
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