The core antivirus engine still detects and blocks web threats, though, and will also scan any downloads you make, so you're still well protected.Ī Performance check highlights the amount of junk files on your PC, any broken Registry keys, startup programs which might be extending your boot time, and any 'PC health problems'. Unlike Avast, AVG AntiVirus Free doesn't use a browser extension as a first line of internet defense, which means dangerous URLs aren't highlighted in your search results. The initial scan may take several minutes, depending on your system and the files to be checked, but we found subsequent checks were usually complete in 15-30 seconds.Ī final report highlights any discovered malware, as well as checking browser add-ons, a welcome extra touch. If you're happy with the standard Computer Scan, it delivers reasonable protection at very high speed. Experienced users who like to fine-tune their security will love the control this gives them. You can add other custom scans in the same way and run them on-demand. Create something to, say, scan your Downloads folder and unpack any archives, and it will be listed under the other scan types. You're able to define the files to be scanned, archive types you'd like to be checked, performance optimizations to be applied, the actions to perform on any threats, and how to handle reporting.ĭespite this feature being called Schedule Scan, you don't have to set up your custom scan to run automatically. You can even set up a scan which prompts you to choose a target at run time. It can examine specific files, folders and drives.

You can have the scan check running processes, for instance. You can also use the feature to create multiple custom scans which do almost anything you want. The Schedule Scan option looks like it's going to be just another way to automate a quick or full system scan, but that's just the start. USB/DVD Scan checks your removable drives, and there are scans to check specific folders, to schedule a scan to run at boot time, and to check your PC for performance issues. Computer Scan is the equivalent of a regular quick scan, and Deep Scan is a full system scan. One click on the Scan Computer button tells the program to check your system, or you can choose from six scan types. These are all of the scan types you can perform using AVG Antivirus Free (Image Credit: AVG) FeaturesĪVG AntiVirus Free opens with a straightforward console highlighting the areas it protects (Computer, Web & Email) and the modules not included in the free edition (Hacker Attacks, Privacy and Payments.) It just pops up the AVG AntiVirus Free interface and you're able to explore its features immediately. Setup is very straightforward, then, and the program doesn't even demand that you reboot your system. You can sign up to create a My AVG account if you like, and it could help you monitor several AVG-equipped devices from one place, but that's not compulsory and you're able to use the program without providing any personal details. There's another big installation plus in the lack of any need to register the program. And if you're sure the programs will run together, or you're willing to take the risk, you can tell AVG to turn off Passive Mode in a couple of clicks. This significantly reduces the chance of any conflicts, while still allowing you to use AVG for on-demand scans. If the installer detects another antivirus during setup, it doesn't demand you remove that tool, instead installing AVG with real-time protection turned off. It's the same approach as used by Avast Free Antivirus, although AVG doesn't have nearly as many extras (it's missing the Rescue Disk, Software Updater, Password Manager and Security browser extension.)ĪVG borrows another smart Avast feature in its Passive Mode. AVG Antivirus Free's installation process (Image Credit: AVG) SetupĪVG AntiVirus Free is easy to find any download from the website, and you'll be getting started with the product in a very few seconds.Ī neat Customize Installation option gives an unusual level of control, with the ability to disable behavioral monitoring, web filtering, real-time file checking and more.

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