AVG is one of the few long-standing names in security software for the Windows operating system. I cannot really recall a time when there was no AVG security product available for the computer.
AVG Internet Security 2011 is AVG’s flagship product which offers a complete security package for Windows users. The program comes with several modules, including antivirus, antispam, firewall and identity protection, plus a lot of tools for heavy online users who like to be on social networking sites like Facebook or download a lot from the Internet.
The AVG installation offers to install the most common components right away or install based on the user’s custom selection so that only security modules that are wanted by the user get installed. It is recommended to take a look at the custom installation to avoid overhead. AVG opts to install the AVG Security Toolbar during installation which can be unselected if it is not needed. A restart of the system is required before the program is fully functional.
The firewall has been designed to be automatically compatible with a variety of applications. It was for instance no problem to start Google Chrome or Thunderbird. The AVG firewall will display a dialogue if an unknown program gets started, which was the case for the latest Firefox Minefield or the RSS reader RSSOwl.
The screen prompts for action. Available are to allow for all networks, for selected networks or network adapters or to block the application. Users who work with an application regularly should make sure to check the “Save my answer as a permanent rule” box to avoid prompts on future application starts.
AVG Internet Security 2011 will automatically update the program with the latest definition files. It furthermore prompts for a full system scan on first run which is highly recommended. That scan can take a while depending on the speed of the PC, the size of the storage devices and the amount of files and folders.
The test ran in the background without affecting work on the Windows PC at all. There may be computer systems where this is not the case though.
The AVG Internet Security 2011 interface displays important information on first glance. A big “You are protected” is placed on top next to the AVG logo if AVG found no security risks on the computer. The left sidebar lists the time of the last program update and scan of the computer system. The main area lists the available security components and their status. This means that every component is directly linked from the main interface, which is great for fast access.
A double-click on a component in the interface displays information about it on a new page. This includes statistics, for instance the number of blocked packets if the firewall module is selected, or the number of emails that have been scanned by the e-mail scanner. There is unfortunately no direct way of configuring the selected component on that page. Only a link points to the configuration menu where this can be done.
Some settings can usually be configured straight away, including system notifications to the user but also if the component is enabled or disabled.
The settings are very extensive, and can be intimidating for new users, especially since there is no direct help overlay that explain the settings in layman terms. Tech savvy users on the other hand can configure the security program to their liking with just a few clicks.
There are a few things that users may want to do after installing AVG Internet Security. This includes configuring the system tray notifications which inform the user about updates, scans or firewall related information. Users can configure the notifications in detail by clicking on Tools > Advanced Settings > Appearance in the menubar.
Most modules are configured to run fine out of the box. The firewall is already configured to support known applications for instance which reduces the initial configuration time noticeably.
AVG has built-in several interesting features that deserve to be reviewed in detail. The software for instance supports firewall profiles, which is great for laptop or netbook users who work in different locations with their system. Profiles can be used to create firewall settings and rules based on the computer’s location. A basic example would be one configuration for home use, one for office use and one for Internet cafe or public Wi-Fi use.
Profiles can for example block or allow applications or system services to run on the computer.
Another interesting feature is game mode which gets automatically activated when an application is launching in full screen. Game mode prevents the display of notifications so that they do not interfere with the full screen application.
AVG Internet Security 2011 sports several new features over its predecessors, including AVG Protective Cloud Technology and the AVG Community Protection Network
- AVG Cloud Technology, new for 2011, constantly carries out tests ‘in the cloud’ over the internet to identify the latest emerging threats. Once we have identified threats we develop solutions and then update AVG on your computer in near real-time.
- AVG Community Protection Network is new for 2011 and is like an online neighborhood watch, helping everyone in the online community to protect each other. Information about the latest threats is collected from customers who choose to participate in the product improvement program and shared with the community to make sure everyone receives the best possible protection.
- Stay protected on social networksAVG Social Networking Protection. Automatically checks links exchanged on Facebook and MySpace in real time so that you and your friends stay safe. NEW!
AVG Social Networking Protection is new for AVG 2011 and is unique to AVG. Links that are exchanged within Facebook and MySpace are automatically checked in real time so that you and your friends are safe. AVG Social Networking Protection will activate as soon as you install AVG – there’s no need to bother with account or application settings.
AVG Internet Security 2011 Giveaway
We have 15 one-year licenses for AVG Internet Security 2011 to give away. If you want one just say so in the comments. We will pick 15 lucky winners from all commenters and notify them per email about their win.
A free trial version of AVG Internet Security 2011 is available for download at the AVG company website.
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One year’s of prtoection that will enable me to to keep in touch with this wide world! Not bad! only if I win!
I’ve used the free version of AVG forever.
Would love to try out the full suite.
Count me in.
Thanks Martin, another great giveaway. Count me in.
Yes, great giveaway! Count me in too
One licence please
I wish to win an AVG Internet Security 2011 license. From Martin’s review, this promises to be a highly upgraded security suite from a well established name.
Thank you!
Very good software. Improves from version to version. A little difficult for the system. If I got license I’ ll give it to someone who needs it more.
Thanks for giveaway
Bero
hi,I hope to get a license AVG IS 2011.Greetings from Macedonia to all.
I’ve used the free version of AVG forever.
Would love to try out the full suite.
Count me in.
Thanks very much for the review. AVG 2011 seems very interesting. Would be nice to try the full product with a Full license. Thanks
At present I’m using trial version of various security softwares…so I wish to win an AVG Internet Security 2011 1 year license.Certainly it’ll take away all my headache.
Thanks Martin, another great giveaway. Count me in.
<rubi
Yes, great giveaway! Count me in too
Hi,
I am inetrested in AVG 2011. Please count me in.
great giveaway! Count me in
I do want one. Thank for counting me in.
.merle1.
Please, count me in. Thanks.
I DON’T HAVE AN ANTI-VIRUS OR FIREWALL I ACTUALLY NEED THIS !!! AND GHACKS IS THE GREATEST !!!!!
Awesome giveaway! Would be delighted to get a license for AVG IS.
OK seriously I’m not a big fan of AVG since the free version always and I repeat always disappointing me. But since this is a pro version and offers complete protection such as firewall, phishing protection and so on…. and yes do count me in. Thanks Ghacks
i can’t afford antivirus XD
One licence please.
1 licence please. I need anti-virus protection.
Count me in for one and thanks for the great giveaway.
I need anti-virus awhiles and would appreciate a licence please.
great giveaway
dont count me
I use the free version of AVG and would like the extra protection. Count me in for one and thanks for the great giveaway.
Thanks Martin, another great giveaway, please count me in :D
I would LOVE to win a licence, thank you!
Paid for AVG internet security 2011, which totally screwed up my pc. Blue screens, crashing when updating; total chaos.
Contacted AVG “Support” many mails and many hours spent following their instructions and sending diverse log files to their so called technicians.
After about 8 mails they just stop responding. But, of course there is the opportunity of burning more of your cash using their PAID SUPPORT !
DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY !!!
WHY SHOULD ANYONE HAVE TO PAY FOR AVG`s CODING MISTAKES ?
I don’t know what describes AVG better SHAM OR SCAM !
AVOID AVG ALTOGETHER !!!