AVG Internet Security

Name: AVG Internet Security
Availability: InStock
Author: AVG Technologies

AVG Internet Security is an antivirus suite from Gen Digital, the same company behind Avast. In fact, AVG and Avast use the same virus detection engine and malware database - the difference is mostly branding and interface. The suite includes real time scanning, a firewall, email protection, ransomware shields, and Wi-Fi network scanning. A free version (AVG AntiVirus Free) exists with basic scanning only. Available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

What it does

Smart Scan from the main window checks for viruses, outdated software, weak passwords, and network issues. For a thorough check, Computer > Full Scan goes through the entire system. The firewall manages which apps can access the internet and blocks unauthorized connections automatically.

Email Shield scans incoming and outgoing emails for malicious attachments and phishing links. Ransomware Protection locks down folders you choose (Documents, Photos) so unauthorized programs cannot modify your files. Wi-Fi Inspector scans your home network for weak router passwords and unknown devices.

Advantages

Same detection engine as Avast with near-perfect lab test scores
Free version available for basic protection
Firewall and ransomware shields included in the paid version
Works across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS

Drawbacks

Essentially the same product as Avast with a different interface
Paid version is expensive for what is basically a reskin
Can be resource heavy during full scans
Upgrade prompts in the free version are persistent

Who it is for

Since AVG and Avast share the same engine, choosing between them comes down to which interface you prefer. If you already use AVG Free and want to upgrade, the paid version adds a firewall and ransomware protection. But honestly, if you are shopping for a new antivirus, the fact that AVG and Avast are the same product underneath makes the decision simpler - pick whichever is cheaper at the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AVG the same as Avast?

AVG and Avast use the same virus detection engine and malware database. The difference is branding and interface design. Both are owned by Gen Digital.

Is AVG Internet Security free?

AVG AntiVirus Free provides basic scanning at no cost. The full Internet Security suite with firewall, ransomware protection and email shields requires a paid subscription.

Does AVG slow down your computer?

Background protection has minimal impact on system performance. Full system scans can temporarily slow things down, especially on older hardware or mechanical hard drives.

Features & How-To Guide

#	Feature	How to use
1	Real-time protection 16	After installation protection active by default › Scans files/sites/downloads in background › Menu › Settings › Protection for configuration.
2	Dangerous websites blocking	Web Shield active by default › Blocks malicious and phishing sites › Notification when trying to enter.
3	Ransomware protection 11	Menu › Ransomware Protection › Choose protected folders › Blocks unauthorized file changes.
4	Computer scanning 9	Main window › Run Smart Scan › Quick scan. Computer › Full Scan for complete system scan.
5	Network firewall 5	Menu › Firewall › Enabled by default › Manages app network access › Allow/Block/Ask rules per app.
6	Email phishing protection	Menu › Email Shield › Scans incoming and outgoing emails › Blocks malicious attachments and phishing links.
7	Wi-Fi network scanning 3	Menu › Wi-Fi Inspector › Scans home network › Detects weak router passwords and unknown devices.
8	Game mode without notifications	Menu › Settings › Do Not Disturb › Enable › Blocks notifications and scans during fullscreen games and presentations.