Avg what is it

However, when asking if AVG is safe for users, the data sharing should cause some concern. An article from PC Mag goes into further detail. Some users may disagree. Related: What Is a Business Plan? Get All the Details Before Starting!

AVG Customer Complaints. In AVG reviews, most complaints begin with the fact that the free version of the software is loaded with pop-up ads. These ads, users argue, get in the way of using the software effectively and create a negative user experience.

More serious than pop-up ads getting in the way is the fact that AVG software itself could contain malware. According to AVG reviews, after the incident, the malware allowed hackers to take over control of devices that downloaded the toolbar for Internet Explorer. A post from Bright Hub explains why this happens. Since those scans are set up to run automatically every day, the software continues to take up valuable space on the device. Is AVG Safe?

Most people searching for an antivirus program will be looking for a free version as these programs tend to offer the necessary features. As AVG reviews will tell you over and over, the free version of the software offers standard features and decent online security. However, the amount and frequency of popup ads seriously detracts from the user experience. Is AVG good? Is it worth dealing with the ads? More concerning is the way that the company generates income from its free software.

What is AVG doing to make money from its free antivirus? As discussed in Independent , the company is selling data about users, which could be a huge safety concern for some. For those willing to invest more money into their online protection, the paid version of the software offers the same benefits, additional features, and none of the annoying pop-up ads.

The webcam snooper protection is nice to have but the data shredder is a great feature we like, securely and permanently deleting files.

The fake website shield is useful, automatically redirecting you if that is detected. This is a peace of mind addition that allows you to use your banking details online without worry that you may be at risk of having them taken.

AVG TuneUp is another included tool, aimed at enhancing your PC for speed by cleaning out junk, fixing data issues and even enhancing battery life. The VPN is a nice addition as that adds a bit encryption with over 50 sever locations.

This means you appear to be somewhere you're not and also secures your identity so you remain anonymous and private when online using the VPN. That said, it did spot 20 false positives, putting that at the higher end of the spectrum. Virus definitions are updated more than times each day, according to AVG, making that more frequent than a lot of the competition out there.

All that means yes, this is a very good antivirus protection offering. But keep in mind you'll need wider protection if you want total cover for your device. This gets you antivirus protection, email and web threat protection on Mac and PC. On mobile you also get some basic cleaning tools. If you want an antivirus protection system that works in real-time, automatically, with regular updates — and you want all that for free — then AVG Antivirus is a good option.

Its parent company, Avast, does also offer a free antivirus so that could be another option, as does Kaspersky. Webroot is another good option but for that you can learn all you need to know from our AVG vs Webroot showdown. However, there are other similarly priced alternatives that offer the same or more for less. Luke is a veteran tech journalist with decades of experience covering everything from TVs, power tools, science and health tech to VPNs, space, gaming and cars.

It took several days of trial and error to find out that it was AVG that caused the problem. Once it was removed, all worked fine. Reinstalled, no internet access. Show More , I guess that's the end of the road for them.

Totally useless if it cuts off your internet access. Reply Share. Kathleen Bob Watson. I had this same experience and it took all afternoon working with AVG to repair the situation.

It occurred because of one of the updates. Kathleen Kathleen. It is so frustrating when things like this happen. I too had to spend an entire afternoon getting it straightened out.

I am now using Total AV and so far I like it very much. More service! Jennifer Goodwin. They keep insisting that I ordered two subscriptions for the same product, which is crazy, who has 10 computers! They charged my credit card twice within a 3 week period for the same amount, using the same key number. Because I didn't pick up on the scam within 30 days they are refusing to refund me. Not Disclose Jennifer Goodwin. I have over 10 computers.

Carson Schmidt Jennifer Goodwin. I have 10 computers, but I still agree with you. Have you tried contacting your credit card company asking them to help get your money back?

I believe this is fraudulent and they may help you. Thanks for the reply, AVG have kindly agreed to refund me! Kathleen Jennifer. Great news! It is so sad people do business in this way.

Great news.! It is so sad people are doing business this way. Worst anti virus ever. This stupid software took all of my data to quarantine and damaged it when i restore Aprox GB stop buying this stupid software. Scam company charges me after canceling. I cancelled and uninstalled this spyware program and removed it from my PC.

This company still charged me even though I cancelled. Once I selected fix, I was prompted to buy additional software that would resolve these issues.

About a month later after several scans, I was prompted to fix a number of security concerns and improve my PC performance. No other antivirus or internet security has ever asked me to buy additional software af Show More ter the initial purchase.

What a rip off, don't waste your money! Additionally, the software acts like a virus itself! You cannot simply uninstall; even jumping through hoops with the AVG Cleaner to remove AVG , its files still sit in the Program Files, will not uninstall without "administrator permission" even on administrator account , and continually "shows up" on log in.

I am inclined to believe that a once decent software program is now nothing more than a burdensome virus itself that wrecks havoc on your computer. There are much better alternatives out there without the risk of it holding your computer hostage!

D Morgan Jane. AVG are scammers. Contacted them and told them I no longer wanted their product. Get an email from them, no problems, sorry to see me go. Of course, m Show More y credit card company is also useless. I showed them the email but they've let the charge stand.

Stay away from AVG at all costs. Julie Jane.