The bottom line seems to be that no anti-malware tool will detect every single instance of viruses and spyware. The top performer at malware removal was Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.46 (free) with 7.3 points but it detected only 80 percent of malware. It left behind executable files of malware, some of which were still running even though AVG reported them 'removed'. AVG scored only 4.9 out a possible 8.6 points on removal efficacy. It found 85 percent of malware, compared to 89 percent for Norton Antivirus 2011 ($39.99), Panda Antivirus Pro 2011 ($50.95), and PC Tools Spyware Doctor with Antivirus 2011 ($39.95)Īctually removing detected malware tells a slightly different tale. In detecting malware on a deliberately infected system, AVG Anti-Virus scored above average but not at the very top of the list. AVG takes about 18 minutes on its first scan, and close to one minute on future scans of the same system. Competing anti-virus programs take an average of 27 minutes to perform a full, in-depth scan of a standard virus-clean computer. Performance-wise, AVG is right up near the top of the pack, and ahead in some respects.

Smarter Scanning - minimizes resources used by AVG when you're working at your computer and intensifies it when you are away.

Social Networking Protection - checks all the links you and your social networking buddies exchange in real time, helping to protect you from phishing and malware-injecting sites.

A couple of noteworthy new features in the Free 2011 edition are:

The UI buttons are bigger, fewer, and more clearly labeled than in past editions. You still have to opt out of the AVG/Yahoo toolbar installation if you don't want that. Installation time is down to a reasonable 5 minutes and trims the number of user input screens down from 13 to only 5, including free registration. The latest edition, AVG Anti-Virus Free 2011, has a dramatically streamlined user interface and installation routine. AVG blocked 99% of threats, as did Avira, Panda, and Trend Micro products.

signature based) anti-malware programs, gives AVG its second-highest rating of 'Advanced'. AV-Comparatives, which tests the effectiveness of on-demand and pro-active (behavioral vs. It received Platinum anti-malware certification from West Coast Labs, an honor equaled only by Kaspersky and Webroot, both of which are commercial-only products.

But since AVG's Anti-Virus FREE 2011 shares the same core virus protection as the paid version, we can apply the lab tests to both products.ĪVG's anti-virus software (free and paid) does very well in lab tests. AVG Anti-Virus Free 2011 - Lab Test ResultsĪnti-virus testing labs invariably test only the commercial versions of anti-virus software.

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