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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Hi, great giveaway please count me in
Thanks
thanks for giveaway.
last time I used AVG was about 2 – 3 years ago and worked well but did seem to slow my system down … hope for the winners this has been adressed..cheers, tom
AVG 2011 seems very interesting. Would be nice to try the full product with a Full license. Thanks
count me in for this wonderful giveaway.
nice one
That’s great. Please count me in.
Thanks. gHacks.
Count me in.
I’m using the free version. I’d like to try full version ;)
Hi,
AVG Internet Security is a must to have security program for PC. I will be glad to win this giveaway.
Regards
I’d appreciate one too :)
After using an European product for over 12 years, I just switched to AVG trial. Really like what I see, what it offers and I have my PC back. The other product had just too many little glitches ALL the time. “Uninstall, reinstall, do this, do that…too much”. Earlier in the year, they released an update that completely messed up many PCs. They promised a 1/2 year extension. I have it (had) installed on 7 PCs so that was “generous” of them.
So far AVG is doing its thing in the background and every once in a while pops up a box letting me know it is registering programs.
Thanks Martin, for highlighting some relevant points.
I also would appreciate a license.
count me in please.
AVG Internet Security is a very good security software and I would like to have a trial and hope I can win one in this giveaway.
Please count me in this giveaway and Thanks to Ghacks.net for holding such good giveaway event.
I am using AVG Antivirus which is a really good software which gives me utmost safety and security from any antivirus attacks. Hope this time win I can win AVG Internet Security.
Thanks to Ghacks.net for this Special Giveaway!
It would be great to have one licence! Thank u!
Yes, I want it!
I like AVG software and I would like a free license for AVG Security Suite 2011
I am using MaAfee which would expire soon
Great giveaway, count me in please!!!
I am using AVG Antivirus. Its the very best in the league. Please count me in. If I win it will give me a chance to add firewall and antispam capabilities in an already excellent security suite.
Hi Martin, another great giveaway.
Count me in as I need 1 great antivirus for my notebook.
Thanks.
wow some giveaway again. Been waiting for try this out. Please consider my name for this giveaway and thanks for it. Regards.
Have my own security setup, but I’d love to get this for my sister who has used AVG anti-virus forever.
I want one!!! I would really appreciate a licence!!! =D
yuppers ! old timer like me could do with a decent AV for a change! , hurrah if i get luckys!,, and happy xmas to yous all too!
I have 4 laptops and 1 desk top in which my family is using. I’ve always wanted to try AVG security. I would love a license copy of AVG internet security 2011!
I really need a license for AVG Internet Security 2011. Thanks.
hey thanks
for my 1 st christmas gift of the year plus my NIS 2011 is going to end in 6 days…
“not count me” ONLY “select me FINALLY”! PLEASE!!
Its a Request ONLY & Thanks for Giveway !!!!!