CNET Archive

AVG Internet Security 8.0 (03/01/2008)

AVG Internet Security 8.0

Entered CNET Catalog: 03/01/2008

SKU: CNETAVGInternetSecurity8

Manufacturer: AVG Technologies USA, Inc.

Content [Hide]
  1. Manufacturer's description
  2. Product summary
  3. Editors' review
  4. Users' opinions
  5. Blogs

Manufacturer description

AVG Internet Security package contains anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam, LinkScanner & firewall. It's a comprehensive protection for Windows against all online threats from the world's most trusted security company. Use the Internet with confidence in your home or small office.

Product summary

The goodThe good: AVG Internet Security 8.0 includes Linkscanner technology to block malicious Web sites

The badThe bad: AVG Internet Security 8.0 is resource heavy; flags some legitimate programs as potentially harmful; doesn't provide additional information on malicious software beyond identification; doesn't provide adequate antiphishing protection; installs the Yahoo search engine

The bottom lineThe bottom line: AVG Internet Security 8.0 provides strong protection against malicious Web sites, but its full-system scans sometimes tax system resources and produce false positives.

Average user rating: from 41 users
1.5 stars

Editors' review

  • Editors' Choice: No
  • Reviewed on: 03/05/2008

AVG Internet Security 8.0 has many new features including Linkscanner technology, which AVG Technologies acquired with its recent acquisition of Exploit Prevention Labs. Overall, the product falls flat as an Internet security suite. Missing from the suite is adequate antiphishing protection beyond e-mail blocking. AVG Internet Security 8.0 flags malicious Web sites, however, unlike the standalone version of Linkscanner there is no additional information provided about the threat. We also found the AVG suite to be resource heavy and produced false positives. AVG also installs the Yahoo as default search engine in up to two locations within your Internet browser, depending upon your installation choices.

Installation
We were able to download and install AVG Internet Security 8.0 on a Dell XPS machine running Windows XP SP2 with no difficulty and without rebooting. If you are upgrading from a previous version of AVG, you must uninstall that version first before installing version 8.0. AVG provides a fully functional 30-day trial.

While installing, AVG asks one critical question: do you want to install the security toolbar? Since it's hard to say whether you want that, we recommend saying no. Although AVG recommends the security toolbar installation, we found that it installs a prominent search box with Yahoo as the default search engine with little else at this time. Even without the toolbar, we were still able to use the Linkscanner technology.

After installation, AVG walks you through a seven-step process:

  1. Screen one merely describes the wizard
  2. Screen two asks how often AVG should update itself
  3. Screen three asks if you want to report compromised Web sites to AVG
  4. Screen four asks if you want to use the Yahoo search as your Internet browser default (this is the second time you are asked to adopt the Yahoo search engine; if you installed the security toolbar, you'll already have Yahoo on your browser via the toolbar)
  5. Screens five and six lets you to download updates
  6. The seventh step tells you that the seven-step process you've completed is just the first part.

AVG strongly urges that you to proceed with the Firewall Wizard once the first setup process is finished. First, AVG asks if you have a standalone computer or a network computer. Next, it asks you to select which directories have your common applications that need to access the Internet. The next few screens walk you through configuring the firewall. Afterward, you will see several messages warning you that something is trying to access the Internet. We think there were more of these with AVG than with similar products.

We do not like the interface in AVG Internet Security 8.0. Although it is an improvement over the previous design, the right windowpane is too crowded with large icons for Antivirus, Antispyware, Rootkit, and Update. There are 12 icons in all. Below each is a statement telling you if that feature is active. Clicking an icon will either access additional information about that tool or run that specific scan.

The left windowpane includes only three options, Overview (the icon view in the right-hand window), Computer Scanner, and Update Now. Computer Scanner has but one option, scan all. Update Now is equally opaque, mysteriously searching and downloading something onto your PC.

A toolbar above these windows contains the advanced feature options.

Features
The biggest addition to AVG Internet Security 8.0 is Linkscanner, but the integration is less than optimal. Also, the apparent lack of antiphishing protection within AVG Internet Security is curious. Linkscanner is known for two things: its capability to block malicious code and its lack of antiphishing protection. AVG considers its antispam technology as its antiphishing protection, but e-mail phishing is just one part of the threat.

We tested AVG Internet Security 8.0 by visiting five current phishing Web sites listed on Phish Track. AVG reported none to be suspicious, although the default antiphishing protection in Firefox 2.0 did flag several sites.

For threat testing, we directed our browser to a site known to host malicious content. AVG Internet Security 8.0 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 Internet Security.

Aside from active Web threats, AVG Internet Security 8.0 protects against threats within downloaded images, music, and from instant messaging and peer-to-peer file transfers.

Performance
In informal testing, on a Dell system with a 134GB drive and 2GB of RAM running Windows XP SP2, we found the suite consumed many system resources. While there is a toggle option to help reduce the impact of full system scans on performance, we kept ours in the default position.

During the rootkit scan, AVG asked us to minimize our computer usage. We haven't seen that before. AVG used 20 percent to 30 percent of system resources during the scan--somewhat high, but not as high as during a full system scan.

During a full system scan, our resource usage leapt to 70 percent, at times slowing our use of the system. The rootkit scan took well over an hour to complete.

The scan found mostly Internet cookies, however, it did identify one legitimate program as a "potentially harmful program." The program, XeroBank xb Browser, is an anonymous version of Firefox 2 that uses The Onion Router network to disguise Internet traffic. Xb Browser is used by many people in countries that censor Internet users.

When asked about the false positive, an AVG representative said "some programs might be used for legit purposes by some, but are also quite often misused for illegit (sic) purposes. These are often installed by hackers when they invade a system. The app mentioned is one such fine example--that is why we call it 'potentially unwanted' application. Such apps can be added to exceptions easily if the users (sic) knows what they do and why he installed it."

Steve Topletz, the developer who wrote XeroBank responded: "The obvious reason is that AVG may feel compelled to cater to corporate clients, rather than provide honest and accurate identification. In the end, the user suffers. We regret companies that use their software to subdue and scare users, but XeroBank will continue to develop software that empowers users to take control of their privacy."

Two leading independent antivirus testing organizations give AVG high ratings for PC protection. In the latest test results from AV-Comparatives.org it gave AVG Anti-Virus 7.5--the previous version--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, gave AVG Anti-Virus 7.5 a Standard rating (highest) for identifying malicious software (the products were not tested for removal).

Support
AVG provides Internet Security 8.0 customers with e-mail technical support within the program. There are searchable FAQs on AVG's Web site with a handful of useful questions and answers. There is also a downloadable 172-page PDF users' manual that lacks a comprehensive index. AVG also doesn't provide telephone technical support or a free online user's forum.

Conclusion
Despite the addition of Linkscanner and numerous small enhancements, we feel there are other suites (such as our current Editors' Choice ZoneAlarm Internet Security 7) that provide equivalent security protection and integrate their tools much better.

User opinions

Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41
User Rating:
5.0 stars

out of 41 user reviews

WAIT!!!!!!by Oazisman - November 26, 2009

Pros: Wait!!!!!!!

Cons: Don't pay, you can download it free from
http://***********.com/post/2009/11/25/AVG-Internet-Security-90.aspx

Review:
User Rating:
1.0 stars

out of 41 user reviews

The only decent part is antivirusby mvk1405 - September 15, 2009

Pros: I' ve been using their antivirus for several years and it is really good. The other programs included in the Internet security suite are totally useless

Cons: SPAM filter: too many false detections
ID Protection: sloooooows your Internet speed
Firewall: had to go back to Windows firewall because it would not work for my DI-524 wireless router

Review: I bought the Family pack this year (2009) and two months later the only thing I use from this package is the antivirus (which is available free of charge). I had to shutdown the spam filter because it was giving too many false detection; I had to shutdown the ID protection because the Internet speed was too slow and then finally I had to shutdown the firewall because it would not let me use file and printer sharing with my wireless router (D-Link Di-524). The moment I went back to Windows firewall (Vista) everything was perfect.

It is really unfortunate, I did want to support this product since their AV package is excellent, but to me the money I paid was pretty much wasted.
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

POS- IT WAS FREE, 2 MONTHS LATER THEY WANT MONEYby BHG2513150 - July 15, 2009

Pros: IT WAS FREE, TO BAD THE FREE UNLIMITED LICENSE WAS ONLY GOOD FOR 2 MONTHS. WENT BACK TO THEIR SITE AND THEY STILL OFFER IT FREE FOREVER..................OR 2 MONTHS WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. INSTALL RUN YOUR SCANS AND GET RID OF IT!!!

Cons: IT WAS FREE, TO BAD THE FREE UNLIMITED LICENSE WAS ONLY GOOD FOR 2 MONTHS. WENT BACK TO THEIR SITE AND THEY STILL OFFER IT FREE FOREVER..................OR 2 MONTHS WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. INSTALL RUN YOUR SCANS AND GET RID OF IT!!!

Review: THE COMPANY LIED ABOUT HOW LONG IT WAS FREE. CAN'T TRUST THEM FOR ANYTHING ELSE.....EVER. THAT IS ENOUGH. LIKE ROTTED FOOD, STAY AWAY
User Rating:
1.0 stars

out of 41 user reviews

WORTHLESS!!!!by mburrola - May 21, 2009

Pros: Not too much system occupancy. Easy use interface.

Cons: The fact that this is the 2nd time I've had to rebuild my computer.

Review: No more than 60 days after purchasing this product, I caught a virus that totally annihilated my machine. I'll take responsibility for the first time as I was only using the free version and it wasn't as extensive as the full version. But having it happen again after purchasing the full version? Unacceptable. Do not waste your money on this. Avoid it all together.
User Rating:
1.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

Terrible Tech Supportby srfrgrl09 - March 13, 2009

Pros: I can't because there isnt' anything

Cons: I have had such major problems with this software, especially the firewall and recently I got phished and apparently this is one of the things AVG is not very good at detecting. It is difficult to use and very confusing.

Review: Their tech support is useless. They won't allow you to get help over the phone unless you pay an arm and a leg for it and they don't get back to you for at least a day or two via internet (which is scary when you don't have security). My computer is completely stripped of protection for a week now because they can't get their act together and fix this problem. Everything they recommend makes the problem worse. On top of this they will neither compensate me or give a refund. It's a scam!
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

Firewall causes more headaches than it is worthby uncledevo - February 7, 2009

Pros: I used to like AVG. That was then, this is now. The only pro I can think of is that the "add remove" portion worked, allowing me to remove the program.

Cons: The firewall has screwed up several times. It treats my Realtek interface card as if it is a threat. It changes settings blocking traffic with each update. It is a pain in the ass. Don't spend your time and money on AVG

Review: AVG wrote me that they are aware of this issue. I first wrote them about it in early January. It is getting worse, not better. I uninstalled the 8.0 security suite, put 7.5 back in as a workaround. Then an AVG update made the 7.5 have the same problem as the AVG. BUYER BEWARE!

Updated on Feb 9, 2009

I had to uninstall AVG to be able to use a web browser. Now I can't reinstall. I paid for the license, but they aren't supplying the goods. The amount of work I have done in order to get a reply from AVG tech support that tells me that the reason I can't install is because of a conflict with Ad-Aware is astounding. The AVG software may actually have misidentified Ad-Aware as malware to boot. I feel like I'm a beta site for untested software. This is one of the worst software experiences I have ever had, and I've had my share of bad ones. Avoid AVG.

User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 41 user reviews

It just worksby DogPatch1149 - January 29, 2009

Pros: No appreciable hit on system resources; firewall tested solid; LinkScanner feature quite useful when searching

Cons: AV/malware scans slower than I'd like

Review: System: HP DV6258SE, AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-56, 2GB RAM, 120GB SATA disk, Windows Vista Ultimate SP1.

I received version 8 as an upgrade from 7.5; had no problems with upgrade. System resources have shown a slight increase after installation, but nothing that really slows down the system.

I've leak-tested the firewall, and found no problems; it's MUCH easier to use than Vista's built-in firewall, and doesn't crash or cause problems as Comodo Pro firewall did when I had that program.

The LinkScanner feature doesn't seem to slow down browsing at all in Firefox 3.0.5; I don't use IE at all, so I have no idea how it works with that.

It plays well with my other anti-malware programs (SpywareBlaster, Spybot S&D, Ad-Aware AE, and Windows Defender), and it boots up faster than my previous AV program (Avast Home Edition). I haven't tried using it with ThreatFire yet, but may do so and post the results later.

AV/malware scan speed isn't the greatest, but it's faster than Avast was, and doesn't seem to have the resource-hogging Avast had on my system. So far, it's had no false positives, but I'm always watching for that.

Overall, it's been smooth sailing with no problems. As always, your mileage may vary.
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

Buyers Beware - No email/tech support! Not worth it!by jbzer - January 25, 2009

Pros: NOTHING!!!!!!!

Cons: I cannot contact Avg via email ( per the license agreement I pay for - non premium). Wanted to combine my license agreements. After emails since 01/12/09 still no one to help!. Email bounced most of the time. PC very slow lately. Not worth it!

Review: I wish I could include the compate content of my continuous emails back and forth between me and AVG. The following is a copy of my final response to them - All I wanted was to combine my 2 license agreements into 1!

Actual email - only included relating message text:

From: "x" <x> To: "AVG Technical Support" <support@avg.com> Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2009 2:40 PM
I have not had a problem with receiving or sending email! Obviously no one read this entire email. Hum???? Please start from the bottom of this email and read up! Maybe then you will understand what I am asking. I refuse to rekey everything.
I cannot apologize for my rashness regarding my request. I cannot understand exactly what I am paying for when it comes to support. Especially when it regards the renewal of my product licenses.
Can someone just read this entire email from bottom to top!
Your support - excuse my boldness - rates "0" anymore!
If you feel as though your are totally confused I gratefully extend the invitation of a customer support phone call. Or will that cost me MORE MONEY!
I can be reached at nnn.nnn.nnnn.
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

BAD.Does not block many viruses.by kingvelarde - January 9, 2009

Pros: It has many components and it has a good rootkit scanning ability.

Cons: It does not block many viruses. i dont recomned this product. it froze my pc.

Review: I dont like it.
User Rating:
1.0 stars

out of 41 user reviews

Definately not worth it.by aussie_identity - December 3, 2008

Pros: None that apply to me. The unique features I do not use and the other good features are common to other Internet Security suites.

Cons: Incredibly slow start up time. Slow scanning performance.

Review: I "upgraded" from AVG 7.5 to 8 and regret it. With AVG 7.5 I could have my computer useable within 45 seconds. With AVG 8, it is 3 minutes. It has horrible start up times, poor scanning performance, and overall there is nothing that other Internet Security Suites don't have, besides this "link scanner" which does not work in my browser.
User Rating:
3.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

There nothing wrong with thisby starsky_101 - November 28, 2008

Pros: - Great Firewall
- Alot of options and controls
- Picks up on things very quickly
- Blocks viruses/threats with no problems

Cons: - Firewall a bit tricky to set up

Review: Bottom lne, there is no need to complain about this AV. All this talk about slowing down your internet speed and your computer? Try different internet browsers, and getting a better internet connection. All these problems about it not being good are rediculous, sure the free version is great too, but AVG 8 is not as bad as people make it out to be. Some things are a bit diferent to set up but if you dont know how to get it working, get someone who knows how to to do it. You can't expect to run everything new off of a computer that was made before 2005 and use dial-up. Programs are bigger now, there is alot more threats out there then there was 5years ago. The only hogg of system resources is Norton AV, and when you compare that to AVG, AVG is a dream.
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

OUT F-in standing !by sagger_ - November 10, 2008

Pros: Very fast on my laptop and pc.no more the 36 minutes to scan. Very easy to install.Much better then security shield 2008. I downloaded 7 days ago and it is great. Never used more then 30% of my processor.

Cons: The only con I have is I need to disable the firewall to sync my cell phone with my pc.Other then that it's just a little pricey $65.00 USDfor 2 pc's 1 year..But you get what you pay for.

Review: Well my desktop has 4 gig ram and a 3.0 possessor,my laptop has 4 gig ram and a 2.0 possessor. I don't know if that really makes a difference but AVG 8.0 has not affected my computers at all. I am using the 30 day trial version and will be purchasing it very soon.I have 20 days left on the trial. This is FAST,QUIET & EFFECTIVE. I really like it. It is not a resource hog like I have read. It does the job and does it very well. GET IT.
User Rating:
5.0 stars

out of 41 user reviews

Greatprogramby captainriptide77 - November 4, 2008

Pros: Reallyprotects

Cons: pricetohigh

Review: I Love This Version AVG It's The Only Program I Trust
Enjoy
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

Firewall changes to block VPN every time!by asuseeepc901 - October 22, 2008

Pros: Strong firewall!

Cons: Not intuitive. Changes firewall modes automatically. Very difficult to tweak the firewall for an "average" user. Cluttered interface.

Review: Blocks me out of my home LAN. Blocks VPN every time I logged in. I spent many hours trying to tweak the firewall for various setups with little success. I just can't spend that much time trying to learn a tool that should come "out of the box" in a useable condition for an average user like myself.
User Rating:
5.0 stars

out of 41 user reviews

Must Easier than Zone Alarm Security Suiteby Ersotz - September 14, 2008

Pros: Easy to install and operate. Provides a wide range of protection for your computer.

Cons: None that I can adress.

Review: Compared to Zone Alarm Security Suite, AVG Internet Security wins hands down, I no longer have to worry about how badly my computer system will be screwed up as I did during the last two Zone Alarm Security Suite upgrades. Give AVG Security Suite a try. You'll be much happier with it.
User Rating:
1.0 stars

out of 41 user reviews

Stay away!!!by CMC1965 - September 12, 2008

Pros: Easy to download

Cons: This software made my brand new computer rediculously slow!!

Review: I have 7.5 on my laptop. No problems or complaints there. I'm no computer expert, so I felt like I should buy the best protection I can. I bought 8.0. Spent 79.99 for two years. Well, computer was brought to a crawl. It's not a memory/hardware issue either. Once uninstalled, my computer is functioning normally again. Free avast for right now. Read the questions on the AVG website. It's not vista friendly. A lot their FAQ's talk about problems with vista, msn, google. They have NO customer support. E-mails go unanswered. If you buy it and it does not work, you're SOL.
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

A quicker picker upper!by halladayrules - August 29, 2008

Pros: Updates a lot, scans throughouly, doesn't hog up memory

Cons: Does not like computers with less than 1GB of ram. I have tried installing this lovely antivirus on my sisters PC with 512 and it slowed down to a crawl.

Review:
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

Atrocious beyond beliefby queenopearls - August 16, 2008

Pros: Prior editions are good

Cons: CPU life sucking

Review: Suffice to say I changed back to 7.5.
8.0 sucks the life out of your computer slowing it to let a snail pass.
Come on AVG!!! You CAN do better. You HAVE done better.
I wrote them an email and they wanted to know what "error code" I received. I said the whole new edition is it's own error code.
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 41 user reviews

Excellent piece of software!by honestguymids1 - August 14, 2008

Pros: works silently in the background

Cons: no phishing filter that i know of

Review: AVG 8.0 Internet Security is an Excellent piece of software which does exactly it states!
The virus database is easy to update as well as the firewall is to configure.
One of the best AV and combined firewalls i've seen in a while. Would definitely recommend to a friend!
User Rating:
1.0 stars

out of 41 user reviews

Inadequate protectionby stockmavn - August 12, 2008

Pros: Interface looks a lot like Symantec, easy to use.

Cons: Inadequate protection and poor tech support

Review: The suite allowed my computer to become infected with 007guard malware. Tech support took days to respond, and responded multiple times with the same form email. They provided no fix for the infection. Refused to refund my money because it was after the '30 day refund period'. Took more than 30 days to recognize the infection, and wait for their response. Easy to use interface, but poor protection for a 21st century Windows based program.
User Rating:
1.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

This is not AVG 7.5by jscott418 - July 30, 2008

Pros: Absolutely non

Cons: Resource hog, slows web browsing with link check

Review: AVG has turned a perfectly good AV software into something just as bad as those suites that come with computers (you know the ones!). It is so hard to find a good basic AV program. They all try and be a all purpose tool and end up causing more problems. Frankly, I have gone back to using the online scans every week or so and just being cautious and not having any AV installed.
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

DO NOT RECOMENDby deb429c - July 28, 2008

Pros: Absolutely nothing.

Cons: With Mozilla being one of the biggest browsers out there for security and what not - this program would not let me use Mozilla.

Review: Don't waste your time!
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

If you should ever require technical support, forget it! It is non-existent.by romeosl2 - July 17, 2008

Pros: None - Takes three weeks or more to get an e-mail response from them.

Cons: Non-existent tech support and will not answer requests for refunds.

Review: It worked fine for about two weeks and then failed to update. Tech support just about non-existent. So far at least ten e-mails to them and no reply. Finally got one after three weeks that was of absolutely no value. Save your money on this one because you will never get back in touch with them for a refund.
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

Not a happy experienceby DUSTY207 - July 17, 2008

Pros: None, didn't get that far

Cons: Hung my system each time I installed it.

Review: Quite liked AVG 7 but got to the stage when they were going to withdraw support (25th July).
Decided to bite the bullet and go for it. Big mistake.PC hung. Don't know what caused the problem but had to restart in Safe Mode and restore. Did this twice in case I messed up the first.
Now using Avast, working ok!
User Rating:
1.0 stars

out of 41 user reviews

Awful Supportby hojotogo - July 13, 2008

Pros: version 7.5 was easy to use

Cons: version 8 needs support constantly, only 3-4 day lag between responses.

Review: Although I never seem to have any kind of infection using this product with current updates it is always is in error state and after 3wks contact I am still left with a non-functioning internet suite. I have no functioning product and paid much more than competitors for this.
User Rating:
2.0 stars

out of 41 user reviews

I Do Not Recommend This!by cougareyes_0420 - June 27, 2008

Pros: Fast scans.

Cons: Got worse when installed on both automatic & scanning protection.

Review: It was when I first tried this. It did very well at watching for viruses & spyware. It was in automatic. It also did well when scanning. But it was all of a sudden. It got worse. It was both the automatic & scanning. It is as it got worse. It was not detecting viruses & spyware effectively. It does not protect IM's. It lacks webroot protection. So it is based on experience. I recommend staying clear of this one! It is not adjustable for protection. There are others a lot better. I suggest checking all. It is also checking their ratings.
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

Way too complicated and bogged computer downby greta_garbo - June 20, 2008

Pros: when it worked, it worked OK

Cons: very complicated interface and no tech support

Review: Terrible support. Slowed computer way down. At times couldn't stop the scanning process. Screwed with email and the firewall was abysmal.
User Rating:
1.0 stars

out of 41 user reviews

Slows down computer considerably, horrible cust svcby cindybee23 - June 20, 2008

Pros: Has a wide range of protection incl. anti-rootkit

Cons: slows your computer down considerably, customer service sucks

Review: My company uses AVG for AV and so I decided to purchase the 8.0 for my home computer. It came with a 30 day money back guarantee so I figured why not? I found that it slowed my computer down considerably, after using it for a week I contacted the company for a refund. They don't have a phone number listed on their website, only an email for support. Well in the past 30 days I've sent 3 emails requesting a refund, they finally responded a week ago to acknowledge my request saying I had a right to request a refund but they wanted to resolve my problems. Frustrated I contacted my credit card company to dispute the transaction. Just FYI if you go to the Better Business Bureau website you can find a phone number for this company along with a not-so-great report card.
User Rating:
1.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

disappointedby aliward - June 19, 2008

Pros: easy download

Cons: drastically affected our computers and their performance

Review: I just deleted 8.0 on both of our computers - going back to 7.5. Both computers were noticeably slower and my laptop had started freezing - something it's never done. I was careful to only install AVG8 -(custom) without the addons. The interface is confusing - too much going on - I suppose I would've gotten used to it in time but the performance issues settled it. It's not the AVG that was basic and always dependable - been using it for years! yep - disappointed.....
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

I would not recomend this product. The previous version was mch better.by ivanyshka7 - June 16, 2008

Pros: There are no pros when your do not have any support whatsoever

Cons: Very bad support. Can not get answers from customer care for months. Takes when the scan is done memory is not freed.

Review: It was my biggest mistake to buy this product. Interface is not user frendly. When the scan is finished the memory usage does not go down.

They do not refund you.
Bad, bad, very bad.
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

Stay away - 8.0 Internet Security Suite is garbageby jsm55555 - June 3, 2008

Pros: The stuff is pretty cheap

Cons: Slows down web, customer support stinks

Review: Ever since I upgraded from 7.5 to 8.0 the two computers I have this monster installed on have run slowly - web, ftp, email, etc. Some of the features (for example, System Tools, Rootkit Scanner) simply don't work - nothing happens when I click the tool. Tried getting support from Grisoft but their webform rejects my license number. You'd think that they could at least get the support form to work correctly. These guys are worse than worthless. The stuff is cheap (I have a 3-pack license) but if it was free it would be a bad deal. I'd have given it a 'zero' if that were available.
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

HORRIBLE - AVOID AT ALL COSTS!by dsapadin - June 2, 2008

Pros: None that I can think of

Cons: Will CRASH WINXP

Review: How can they turn something so good (AVG 7.5 Free) into something so bad (AVG 8.0 Free)so fast? I don't know, but they did. I ended up having to reinstall WINXP. AVG 8.0 is bloated, slows you down, and worse, is very buggy. And even worse, it won't uninstall properly and that is where the fun really begins. AVOID AVG 8.0 FREE
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

Doesn't work. Stick with the free versionby TTTMartz - June 1, 2008

Pros: None that I can think of. Rate 1 because there is no 0.

Cons: Doesn't work, no customer service, can't update

Review: I downloaded and purchased it after using the free version. It immediately flooded and crashed my computer with virus warnings while accessing Grisoft (the AVG site). After disabling Web shield, it never did allow me to download an update. I wrote to the "24/7/365" customer service and a week later have only recieved a notice that the email tech help "Is experiencing delays." I've asked for a refund and never got any response to that. STAY AWAY FROM THIS ONE!
User Rating:
1.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

absolutely nonexistent customer support, cumbersome setup, worthlessby jrscuba - May 23, 2008

Pros: lots of features

Cons: complete lack of detailed information about to set firewall, etc; slows running programs to a halt, blocks webbased programs, no way to reconcile

Review: wouldn't recommend this to anyone, as even my IT guy couldn't make this dog allow my internet based medical record (essential to my office) to run

to make matters worse, notwithstanding that the company is in Cyprus, you can't talk to anybody at AVG--NOBODY--as they don't even supply a phone #; the only way to get tech support or customer service is via long and detailed email support from a nameless, faceless, keyboard puncher; save your money and go elsewhere for internet security--like those "made and licensed in the good ol' USA"
User Rating:
2.0 stars

out of 41 user reviews

didn't want yahoo search engine and am other probs-slowed down all uses.by jjestes - May 21, 2008

Pros: who doesn't love free? it offers higher benefit but...

Cons: slow. yahoo search engine. false icons on email

Review: not happy with product-it bogs system down. can't get rid of yahoo search engine or attachment icons on every incoming email. full scan took twice as long and start up is very slow, though no scanning info is avail. may go as far as sytem restore to get rid of it if nothing else works. help.
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 41 user reviews

Even better than the previous oneby kodlk - May 20, 2008

Pros: Excellent detection and removal, the LinkScanner rocks!

Cons: Firewall is poor, needs major improvements

Review: Even better detection than the previous version and perfect removal capabilities. The anti-rootkit is also good. And I especially like the LinkScanner protection - it found WebAttacker the other day on an infected site of my local hw vendor, their webmaster was really surprised when I contacted him! I have been a long-time user of LinkScanner and now that it is integrated in AVG, it's just awesome!
Finally it is also possible to adjust a scan priority, so if I don't mind long scan (which I don't), I can use my computer without even noticing that there is a scan running in the background! And if I want to scan a portable HD or USB stick, I simply run that scan with high priority. Cool
The only real downside is the firewall. I am computer savvy and still configuring it was a nightmare. Their techsupport was quick and professional in helping me but it should not be necessary to contact tech support only to configure a FW.
Overall, excellent product, if only they improve the firewall as well. The LinkScanner technology rocks, that is the real protection while browsing the internet!
User Rating:
1.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

Hangs everything up/compatability problems with Ad-awareby lizgreaves - May 10, 2008

Pros: It's Free and it works!

Cons: Slows down your system

Review: I unistalled - had to go into SafeMode to do it - it used so much resources that it wouldn't uninstall in Normal mode. It's too bad. I was drawn to AVG for two reasons: 1. Free! 2. It was fast and painless. Now it's become bloated like the rest of anti-viral software. All I want is to simplify things.... *sigh* Liz
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

Buyer Beware!!!!!by arkie72802 - May 9, 2008

Pros: non, that I can see

Cons: Stops internet, no support

Review: I purchased this on 5/2 of this year. As soon as I put it on my computer my web pages loaded so slow the connection would time out. I check their site for assistance and they had a link to slow Vista internet page loading. I followed the instructions there and it didn't help. I have taken it off my computer. I contacted AVG and they said since I purchased from a link off of Grisoft I had to go back there for support. I did and there has been no respone. After some checking I discovered Grisoft is now AVG. They do not support the product the sell, doesn't make any difference where you get it. They don't respond to email other than to tell you to go some place else for help.

Buyer Beware!!!!!
User Rating:
2.0 stars

out of 41 user reviews

Needs Improvementby VoxVulgus - March 15, 2008

Pros: Comprehensive toolkit

Cons: Poor interface, documentaiton and no support

Review: * 80% of the documentation deals with downloading the app and other steps completed before you would ever open documentation. The documentation was just made public - a couple of months after the products release on the market.
* The remaining 20% does not adequately explain some of the most important features and does not cover at all how different tools interact.
* On installation, access to other PCs and to all internet services (other than basic browsing) was disabled. Re-enabling those services pretty much entailed changing settings to remove all AV checking.
* According to tech support it is possible to selectively re-enable AV checking for specific apps and specific types of internet access - but this would be the "tool interaction" part of the documentation that is missing.
* There is not context help in the application, no phone support, no direct email support and the corporate phone number is unlisted. Email support is via a web form. My multiple support requests resulted in one response two weeks later - the response that gave me enough info to figure out (on my own) that a couple of simple UI choices had led to the complet disabling of internet protection - but which did not contain enough info to figure out how to properly enable selective blocking.
* Email scanning is very slow - and the spam filter doesnt appear to be working at all.
* The company does not offer an internet security test, nor work with any of the 3rd party websites that will perform such tests. So its completely impossible to know exactly what ports and access types you are or are not blocking.
* By default, application connections to other PCs or the internet appear to be all or nothing.
User Rating:
2.0 stars

out of 41 user reviews

It will slow you downby GuitarGuy99 - March 12, 2008

Pros: Nice interface, quick updates

Cons: Taxes system and makes surfing slow

Review: I downloaded the trial version and it brought surfing to a crawl. Even with LinkChecker disabled it was still really slow. An informal side-by-side comparison to my older laptop (running AVG 7.5 and Spyware Blaster) showed that the same page (Yahoo) was 30 seconds slower on a brand-new Dell desktop running AVG 8. I uninstalled AVG 8 and setup 7.5 with Spyware Blaster on the desktop and now it's smokin' fast. And, the latter setup is free.
User Rating:
3.5 stars

out of 41 user reviews

Still Strong as Usualby faraaway - March 8, 2008

Pros: in my case doesnt use too much processor

Cons: so far none

Review: AVG does a great job on antivirus , so from my point of view if something goes wrong at time of removal... hey you got a virus!dont blame it on Free AVG.

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AVG Internet Security 8.0 specifications