Many will agree that cyber crime is on the rise, whether it is hackers stealing personal information from banks or individuals unknowingly downloading viruses onto their computers. Although careful individuals may be relatively safe when it comes to their PC or Mac getting hacked, having an anti-virus program would not hurt. However, since top–of-the-line security is sometimes not enough to stop a skilled and determined hacker, most individuals may be content with an inexpensive program.

As one of the largest players in the security software market, AVG delivers some of the best anti-virus products out there. What makes AVG stand out is its long history of offering a completely free anti-virus program in addition to its paid products. The free AVG software is a bare-bones security program that does what every security program should do: It detects and stops viruses, threats and malware. The free version does this just as well as the paid version and practically as well as its pricey competitors. Since this is all that most individuals require, what does paying for security software get you? The paid version comes with an abundance of bells and whistles, which usually just get in the way and slow down the computer.

If the bells and whistles are important to you or if you require the best security money can buy, purchasing a paid security program is right for you. The more personal information you share over the Internet, such as through online banking and shopping, the more bells and whistles you may like. However, for most individuals, the free version of AVG is enough and it is definitely preferable to no security program at all.

AVG Technologies

https://www.aaii.com/download-library/download?DL_ID=725

System Requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7/8

Size: 4.22 MB

Price: Free; free trial of paid version; paid upgrade available for $49.49