AVG is incredibly popular in terms of raw downloads, consistently among the most popular programs in our Downloads section. AVG has now released new versions of both AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition, and AVG Internet Security.
The new AVG Free Edition includes basic anti-rootkit protection, as well as Linkscanner (which also popped up in version 8.0), which functions by scanning links in a real-time environment.
AVG Internet Security includes advanced anti-rootkit, http scanning, an enhanced firewall, anti-spam identity protection, telephone and email support, and the ability to use the product on more than one computer in a business.
AVG are promising that the new version of their popular free product will be faster and easier to use than previous versions, featuring enhanced protection for online gaming, identity protection security and improved anti-spamware filters.
We reviewed AVG Internet Security 8.5 earlier this year, and we were very impressed with new behavioural analysis features - an increasingly important function of security software.
Preventing malware before it ocurrs
This behavioural analysis becomes increasingly important as it becomes increasingly difficult to track new malware. According to AVG researchers, there are 100,000 to 200,000 new malicious websites popping up on a daily basis, making it very difficult to catch every malicious bot acting strangely on the Internet.
Up to 64% of those malicious sites are active for less than 24 hours, making it hard for malware researchers and software companies to catalogue and warn users of "drive-by" viruses.
AVG is pushing the line that education should be the highest priority when it comes to stopping the global spread of malware and fake anti-virus products. "People just aren't aware of the things that bad guys can do to steal information", an AVG researcher said.