AVG Internet Security for Windows

AVG Internet Security wants to convince you that an antimalware security suite is worth paying for, in a climate where free options from Avast (Windows, Mac), Avira (Windows, Mac), and AVG itself (Windows, Mac) are just a few clicks away. It's also priced to contend with the big dogs at McAfee (Windows), Norton (Windows) and Kaspersky (Windows, Mac). Let's see if Internet Security can separate itself from the pack.

The software includes several key features that enhance your computer's security. Advanced Antivirus scans your system to find threats. Behavior Shield keeps an eye on your apps and alerts you if something unusual happens. AI Detection uses artificial intelligence to spot and stop new threats before they can do harm. CyberCapture analyzes unknown files to make sure they're safe. PUA Scanner helps identify unwanted apps that you might have downloaded by accident.

AVG Internet Security also makes sure it doesn’t interrupt your work. Turbo Scan speeds up the scanning process by skipping files it already knows are safe. Real-Time Updates ensure your software is always equipped with the latest security features. Do Not Disturb Mode and Silent Mode prevent notifications and updates from disrupting you while you are busy.

The software provides strong protection for your computer. It uses its antivirus capabilities to keep your system secure and efficient, constantly updating itself to tackle the newest threats. It also ensures safe web browsing and email management by blocking malicious links and attachments, which is vital for avoiding online scams.

AVG Internet Security shields your system from hacker attacks with a robust firewall and ransomware protection that secures your files and stops unauthorized access. It also focuses on your privacy, offering tools like Webcam Protection and Data Shredder. These features protect against webcam hacking and securely delete files so that no one can recover them.

Pros

• The interface is clean and fairly easy to navigate: AVG's main window tells you at a glance what every component of the suite does, in plain English. The main menu is clearly labeled, there's a back button in the upper left that takes you back to the previous window, and you can set up specific types of malware scans in just a few clicks, starting with the gear icon next to the big Scan Computer button near the bottom.
• A wealth of options under the hood: AVG might look basic on the surface, but clicking the Menu button and selecting Settings opens up a layer cake of toggles and sliders. Clicking the question mark icon in the upper right opens up a window that explains each setting in detail, without overwhelming you with technical jargon or marketing-speak.

Cons

• The installer could be more attentive: When choosing the custom installation route, you're given the option to change your browser's home page, new tab page, and search engine to one recommended by AVG. If you decline this offer, the installer still adds an "AVG Web TuneUp" browser extension that empowers itself to make these changes anyway. (And between Firefox and Chrome, only the latter articulates what the add-on can do; Firefox just tells you that program X wants to install browser add-on Y.)
• A surprising amount of upsell for a premium product: At $70 for an annual subscription, AVG Internet Security wants to live on the same block as Norton, McAfee, or Kaspersky. But by throwing several sales pitches into the interface, the user experience loses some luster.

For example, you can't do a regular malware scan without the application suggesting you download a trial of a program called "AVG PC TuneUp," which turns out to cost another $50 a year. CCleaner appears to be able to perform the bulk of PC TuneUp tasks for free. The TuneUp tool can check for updates to other apps installed on your PC while CCleaner does not, but this update check is frequently bundled into other antimalware suites at no extra cost. Spending $120 a year total to close the gap is a tough sell.

AVG Internet Security performs its basic antimalware protection competently, according to independent labs like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. And there's plenty of behavior explanation and customization. However, comparably priced alternatives are less aggressive about selling additional services and installing add-ons in your Web browser. In a product category as competitive as this one, Internet Security comes off a little pushy.

• Hello, menu, my new friend - Check out all the useful shortcuts we've added to our top-right menu
• Goodbye, double-click - You no longer have to click twice on our popups to open or close them
• Smarter Smart Scan - Virus scan now deals with threats automatically, so you don't have to sit through our scans
• "Reboot" got the boot - A redundant reboot message was fixed.
• Firewall fix - Changing your Firewall settings will now (gasp!) actually change your Firewall settings