For threat testing, we directed our browser to a site known to host malicious content. AVG Anti-Virus 8 did flag the site, however, our request for additional information about the threat produced a generic AVG virus encyclopedia page. With the standalone Linkscanner Pro package, it would tell us which exploit it found and it would produce a rich log archive so you can see which sites it said had malicious software. We couldn't find any of that within AVG Anti-virus 8.
We also tested the Linkscanner integration within AVG Anti-Virus 8 by visiting five current phishing Web sites listed on
Performance
AVG Anti-Virus 8 scored well in CNET Labs' performance tests and in third-party, independent antivirus testing using live viruses, although not always the top position. On the CNET iTunes test, AVG Anti-Virus 8 came in just 4 seconds above the test system at 272 seconds. On the CNET Microsoft Office test, AVG Anti-Virus 8 finished in 1,413 seconds. In a test scanning a single folder with compressed and media files, AVG Anti-Virus 8 completed it in 550 seconds. And in boot speed, AVG Anti-Virus 8 came in toward the slower end, with a fast 37.95 seconds. Click here to find out more about how we test Antivirus software.
In terms of protecting your PC, we refer readers to two leading independent antivirus testing organizations. In the latest test results from AV-Comparatives.org, gave AVG Anti-Virus 7.5 an Advanced rating (highest) for On Demand protection and Advanced Plus (highest) for heuristic protection, blocking 97 percent of the malicious code used in the test. Our second source of independent antivirus testing, CheckVir.com, ranked AVG Anti-Virus 7.5--the previous version--as one of five products to earn their Standard rating (highest) for identifying malicious software (the products were not tested for removal).
Support
AVG Technologies provides AVG Anti-Virus 8 customers with e-mail technical support within the program. Online, there are searchable FAQs with a handful of useful questions and answers, and there is a downloadable 124-page PDF users' manual that, unfortunately, lacks a comprehensive index. AVG doesn't provide telephone technical support , nor is there a free online user's forum for posting questions.
Conclusion
AVG Anti-Virus 8 is solid at finding and removing viruses and spyware as well as blocking Web threats. As for antiphishing, the product could be better at detecting newly active phishing sites. Also, we look for further improvements in performance, as well as more technical support options in future releases.
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