Easy to install, easy to use plus helpful and friendly tech-support. My peers and the Best Buy reviews guided me to this security software. I love the fact that it's limited and allows five devices for one year, can't beat that! Tech services are very friendly and helpful when ever I have needed answers to questions. Refreshing.

I have been using AVG software since its creation back in the 90's. It was a little known free program that detected majority of virus and ran at half the resources that name brand Anti-Virus software ran. It is now 2018 and I remain as impressed as I was back then. This software is a must buy for anyone who wish to ensure they do not receive any viruses on their computer and looking for an easy way to keep computer tuned. Pros:: Clean / Easy To Use Layout Protection Features PC Tune Up Features Secure Delete / File Restoration Ability Very Low Resource Usage on Computers Price Per Feature Real time Performance, Reporting and Logs Online Support Reference Material Customer Service Cons:: None Software:: The software itself comes in a small package or can be downloaded off their website. My situation, I went to their website, downloaded the free version and bought a key from BestBuy. The download and install occurred very quickly and step by step instruction was very helpful for those who are not technical in nature. Once installed the software comes configured with recommended settings which I would strongly suggest not to modify unless you know what you are doing. The software takes up to 1.13GB in size however has very low resource utilization. In fact, the resource demands are so low you can run this on low end computers with ease. You will need to create a "My AVG" account however this will help keep track of license expiration, purchase history, promotional material and online support. The software also auto updates your virus definitions to ensure you are always up to date. The software provides a "Zen Dashboard" that make it easy to navigate between the Anti-Virus software and PC Tune up. :::PC Tune Up Software::: -Maintenance Function This functions as a one click does all option for ease of use to allow the software to scan the most common trouble areas. It will scan Registry Issues, Broken Shortcuts, System Cache/Logs, Browser Data, Startup & Shutdown, and Disk Fragmentation. Once done you can choose to "Fix & Clean" or click on each item to additional options. I really enjoy the added ability to go into each section and specify additional items I feel comfortable in cleaning. To test the clean up performance I used two computers, installed/uninstalled (multiple times) massive programs, restarted the computer and ran the PC TuneUp software on only one machine. Using CPU-Z, I was able to see the difference in utilization compared on both machines. The end result was the machine with PCTuneUp had large noticeable performance increase on bootload and program load times. -Speed Up Function / Sleep Programs / Turbo Mode This will allow you in addition of optimizing by using maintenance function to place Background/Start Up programs to sleep, creating an performance profile under "recommendations" and AVG Turbo Mode. I mostly use the background and startup programs function to place all non-used applications to sleep until needed. I have not created a performance profile or used Turbo Mode so will be unable to speak to those features. I have not experienced any issues placing applications to "sleep" then having them wake up when I launch them. Each application launched without any errors or slowness. A nice addition is along the bottom it provides some reporting tools and logs for those who enjoy numbers and stats. I really am impressed at the amount of details you can pull from this information and works great when needing to review pc performance over a 6 month span. -Free Up Space / Duplicate File Finder / System Cache & Logs / Browser Data This tool is very powerful and I strongly recommend proceeding with caution if you wish to use these options. Make sure before you delete anything you are absolute positive the duplicate file was not on purpose. The Free Up Space goes back to the System Cache & Logs, browser data and functions as the maintenance function. However the next step is the duplicate file scan. You can specify what hard drive you wish to scan and it will categorize it by Pictures, Folders, Others, Documents. On the right side it will show the actual file and indicate a number of times its a duplicate. Again I would strongly recommend to review and backup before deleting anything as this software sometimes detects duplicate items that were duplicated on purpose. The System Cache & Logs provided a detailed window of items you wish to clean. Note you can also access this window if you go into the maintenance function advance settings. I use this feature alot as alot of items within the window I feel safe to delete/clear for space. The Clean Up Browser function is my favorite as it will provide options to clean all browsers currently installed onto the computer. This helps centralize clean up in one easy window without having to go into each browser. Just like the addition of the row at the bottom of speed up section, the Clean Up section has 4 additional options on the bottom of the screen for those looking for specific ways to clean up the harddrive. My favorite function is the Secure Delete Files option. You can also "right-click" on any file to use AVG shredder but this feature allows for secure way of permanently deleting a file when needed. -Fix Problems This function allows you to remain up to date on all programs with the latest patches. I enjoy this feature as it helps organize all applications in one simple window to update instead of having to go into each application individually to update. This is especially important to me as I have over 10 applications running at a time and patches are critical for my line of work. The "update all" works about 90% percent of the time with the other 10% requiring a manual update on a few applications. Just like the other sections, the Fix Problems window has four additional options on the bottom to get more specific on problem areas. However the two that I use the most are the Restoration of deleted files and Rescue Center. The file restoration works great at restoring deleted files and the rescue center allows for undoing any pc tune ups AVG performed -All Functions This is pretty much an "Advance Section" that allows for easy access to every feature that AVG Ultimate can perform. I do not normally use this however works great for anyone who is looking for 1 specific thing. :::Anti-Virus Software ::: -Computer Protection The computer protection allows AVG to scan any files added or opened on the computer and watches applications running the in background for malicious behavior. Testing the active scan on my spare computer, it was able to quickly detect traditional rootkits / Trojans and malware. I was very impressed at the method of how it stopped and quarantined the item but wont get that technical for this article. -Web / Email Protection The web and email function works wonderfully as well especially since I have family members that occasionally still quickly open attachments from emails without looking first. The web shield works great for those who use browser add-ons or surf the net as it quickly detects and prevents from backdoor downloads/installs. The email shield works great of all online email accounts as well as outlook on the desktop. -Hacker Attacks and Ransomware Protection The Hacker Attacks function is pretty much just the firewall feature however do not let that distract from how well this firewall protects. It provided the normal functions that Windows defender has with the added bonus of easy customization, easy log access and advance settings. The Ransomware Protection is a unique feature added to AVG that will provide additional security to personal files. It automatically selects the user profiles and most commonly used folders. You can also manually add folders you wish to protect with this software. I have not experienced any issue or slowdowns when adding these folders and recommend to include folders with sensitive data. -Privacy, Webcam and Data Safe Protection The Privacy Protection is very impressive as it is not a common feature you see with other anti virus software. It has two functions, one is to protect the webcam and the other is to create a Data safe. The webcam portion protects from software trying to use the computers Webcam to spy on you. The standard setting is "Smart Mode" however you also have "Strict Mode" and "No Mercy". As you can imagine it goes from trusted applications to always having to ask your permission first to a completely block on using camera. The Data safe is creating an encrypted 256-bit AES folder only you can access which is great when it comes to protecting financial data! -Payments, Anti-Spam and Fake Website Shield This helps protects from fake websites and fake phishing/spam emails asking for your financial information. The Fake Website Shield works by ensure the financial site is truly the financial site and you were not re-routed without your knowledge to a hacked site. It is a great feature to have to help ensure you are not being duped when going to a purchasing site or bank. - Other Scans (Advance Settings) I have been really impressed at all the additional scanning features AVG provides. You can not only scan your whole computer, you have the option to scan USB/ DVD, focus on a particular folder, run a "Deep Scan" and run a Boot-Time Scan. I typically like to run a Deep Scan every other month just to make sure no malware snuck by and the Boot-Time Scan once a quarter. Both are more on the extreme side of scanning however feel its better to be safe then sorry.

For just a bit more than the one year price of the AVG Internet security software alone you get all of the protection and the tuner software for unlimited devices. This is an all in one protection for your Windows, Mac and Android device as most other protection software limits your household to 3-5 devices. So, this is great for families that have multiple computer and Android devices, sorry no iPhone support. AVG Internet Security is simple to use but does allow for some deeper control of Firewall functions. The overall protection is meant to help stop some of the most common issues people have been plagued with recently such as ransomware, malware and spyware. Their web and email protection even helps get rid of some of those annoying toolbars that get installed when you forget to uncheck that one box. For mobile devices the AVG Antivirus Pro provides protection of the same virus issues as well as app locking, anti-theft and a photo vault that will hide your images from the gallery and only allow access through the same feature that locks apps. The anti-theft features work for the most part through SMS and my.avg.com. However, even when I asked for location data of my phone it provided outdated information as it states that “The position is based on cell ID and is therefore only approximate!” Google account phone locate worked better. Included with ultimate is the PC Tuneup and cleaner for Android devices. The interface is simple and helps remove unnecessary files and provide a layer of privacy be removing data from the clipboard, however, it does not provide specific details as to what it is removing so it puts a lot of trust into just removing all of that category. On some, like the App Cache, you can determine the app, but like the downloads folder it actually allows you to choose per file. The Tuneup feature also allows you to boost the device by closing applications and hibernating them to prevent them from taking valuable resources. Like other AV programs lately, they continued to push the VPN feature for internet privacy. There is no way to remove the giant red icon or what looks like an error from the main page unless you subscribe. They also offer a password vault for an additional fee as well. The Firewall option on Android devices requires the device to be rooted, which is interesting since rooting a device can also lead to more security concerns. Overall, if you are like me and have 5 family member that all have their own laptop/computer and mobile device this is well worth the added protection. My children have already fell victim to clicking on something their friend sent them that stole their account and spammed their friends list. I wish I had this level of protection on their device before then to help save the headache that created. Plus when they start complaining their laptop is running slow they can just click a button and fix the most common issues their selves.

I have been a Trend Micro user for many years. When I saw the opportunity to obtain coverage for all devices, I thought that would be an efficient way to proceed. So, even though it took about a month to receive the product from the manufacturer, I was still enthusiastic. You receive a small insert with an activation code and everything else is a direct internet connection with their website. The first part is easy-visit the web address with the PC you wish to install AVG on. Then you enter an activation code, your email and a password to set up an account. This is necessary to unlock the paid features; their downloads and directions. However, buyer beware of the download, activation, and load phase. The download to my android Samsung smart phone was easy-it takes you to their app in the Play store and there are 2 possible apps to install-the AVG anti virus and 1 tap cleaner. Both apps loaded with ease and immediately loaded, all went fine. I then got very involved with my PC download on an HP Spectre that had Windows 10. Well, the download started and stalled at the 21% mark. In fact, there was an error message saying "UI Failed to Load" . I then tried to download the PC cleaner and that only loaded to the 37% mark with the same "UI Failed to Load" dialog box. I waited for the PC internet security to load almost 1 hour and move off the 21% mark and the PC cleaner about 20 minutes to move off the 37% mark. At this point I called the 24/7 technical support toll free number. This offshores you to Manila, Philippines. First spoke with Edwin and he said this happens to many people because even though I never renewed the trial version of McAfee that expired after 30 days of getting the HP Spectre, many of its program components were still installed on my computer and could fight the installation process of AVG. WHY DID THE SOFTWARE AS IT WAS INSTALLING NOT NOTIFY THE USER TRYING TO INSTALL THE PROGRAM THIS FACT. WHY DID I LITERALLY SIT THERE LIKE AN IDIOT WHEN IT NEVER PROGRESSED, HAVE TO CALL THE PHILLIPINES, AND THEN GET A SHAKE DOWN. Edwin asked permission to go into my computer, which I allowed, and made sure that I had the hardware I needed. He determined it was an exceptional computer and that that was not the problem. He put me on hold for a couple of 3 minute conferences that he had with his supervisor Maria, and then came back and said that any prior software protective software would have to be uninstalled before AVG could properly load. They said it would be $119, but because I did not realize the situation they would do it for $79. That made me really, really, really mad. While I am not a tech guru, I am not uninformed. Even when you buy the new year's version of Trend Micro, the installation process informs you that you need to uninstall the old to install the new. AVG MAKES NO LIKE PROCLAMATION AND YOU WONDER WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON AND YOU WASTE YOUR PRECIOUS TIME AND ENERGY BECAUSE YOU CAN NOT SUCCEED AT A SIMPLE INSTALLATION. YOU ARE ESSENTIALLY SET UP TO FAIL BECAUSE JUST THE EXISTENCE OF ANY COMPONENTS OF ANY OTHER PROTECTIVE SOFTWARE AFFECTS THE AVG DOWNLOAD. WHY DO THEY NOT TELL YOU? At any rate, the software on my phone seems to be operating and is notifying me of any junk files, unused caches, and anything they deem unnecessary that would affect the maximal battery efficiency, etc. The PC programs were able to easily load once I went into the HP Spectre's control panel and uninstall components of the failed AVG prior download and any MacAfee components. LIKE I SAID, TREND MICRO INSTALLATION AUTOMATICALLY UNINSTALLS ITS PRIOR VERSION AND CLEARS THE WAY FOR ITS CURRENT VERSION, BUT AVG LEAVES THEIR USER IN THE DARK-BAD, BAD, BAD. I AM STILL ON THE FENCE IF I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT OTHERS TO HAVE TO GO THROUGH WHAT I DID AND I DO NOT KNOW IF AVG WILL CORRECT THEIR PROCESS.

---SETUP--- The installation of the AVG Ultimate software was quick and painless. No CD was included in the box, only two single-page documents. One explains the steps to follow for the downloading and installation of the software while the other contains the activation code. Following the instructions is easy with the step by step explanation provided. ---FEATURES--- The key feature this software is that the license allows you activate this software on an unlimited number of devices (including Mac, PC, and android mobile devices), with one code for an entire year. This is helpful if you have a large number of devices in the family and want to protect them all. Installing the software on other devices is a breeze. All you have to do is log into any PC or Mac on which you want the software and log in with the login that you created with the initial set up. You only need to use the activation code once. It also comes with the download option for tune-up software, which will scan your computer and determine what files you can delete to make space. This includes files you haven’t opened in a long time or files that you may have started to download and canceled (or failed) but never got deleted. Doing so keeps your computer with more memory and working at a faster pace. ---PERFORMANCE--- The performance of this software was excellent. I downloaded to my gaming computer but it didn’t find any threats. I then proceeded to installing this software on my wife’s Macbook Pro. There, it took over an hour of scanning. However, when it finished, it had found 17 threats to the Mac, some of which I recognized by name because I had gotten rid of them manually. Apparently, I didn’t do a thorough enough clean, as the malware was still there in certain files. The AVG software did a good job of identifying the level of threat and quarantined everything for me to delete or restore. I deleted everything and my wife’s Mac was now fully protected. ---EXPECTATIONS--- The product meets my expectations. Though the second runthrough of the software on an older computer took a long time, finding and getting rid of those threats was worth the time it took to scan. ---VALUE--- The price for the software in terms of value is welcoming, seeing as how you can download the software for as many computers or macs that you own. The protection even extends to Android mobile devices. That is a great peace of mind at an affordable price. ---APPROVAL--- I highly recommend this product for people who have a large number of devices and want ultimate protections for a low entry point. Protect your personal and business computers all with one price for 1 year.