Who we are.
Founded in 1991, with corporate offices in Europe, the US and the UK, AVG is focused on providing home and business computer users with the most comprehensive and proactive protection against computer security threats.
With more than 110 million active users around the world, the AVG family of security software products is distributed globally through resellers and through the Web and supports all major operating systems and platforms.
Employing some of the world’s leading experts in software development, threat detection and prevention, and risk analysis, AVG is uniquely positioned to spearhead innovation in the industry. The company continues to invest in R&D, teaming with leading universities to maintain its technological edge.
AVG has experienced significant growth in the last few years, becoming the world’s fourth largest vendor of anti~virus software measured by installed user base. The company will continue to expand and address the needs of the global market through improved technology and broader language and platform support.
What does it mean to be “tough on threats, easy on you”?
Computer and internet use is an integral part of our everyday lives. Every aspect of our lives is accessible electronically, which brings considerable benefit ~ and, unfortunately, considerable risk. Our role is to shield you from that risk by providing powerful, easy~to~use protection that works efficiently and invisibly in the background so you can focus on using your computer, not worrying about security.
As the nature of threats continues to evolve ~ from computer ~ and web~borne viruses to complex exploits designed to steal information for financial gain, the nature of protection must also evolve. Using the latest technology developed by world~renowned security experts, AVG provides real~time defenses against real~time threats. With AVG software on your system, you can safely surf the net, create online profiles, shop, bank online, download files, store data, chat, and e~mail, safe in the knowledge that your personal and professional information will not be stolen or misused.
In a nutshell, AVG enables people and businesses to use computers with confidence and without aggravation by protecting them from disruption and loss.
Technology Overview
Scanning engine
The heart of AVG Anti~Virus is the scanning engine ~ you can imagine it as a “black box” into which requests to scan objects enter and the box returns information indicating if these objects are virus~free or infected.
The scanning engine includes an application interface for communication with other AVG Anti~Virus components (Resident Shield, Scans, E~Mail scanner modules and plug~ins etc.) which use this service. It was created with an emphasis on AVG Anti~Virus modularity and is common for all of the mentioned components.
Detection Methods
Efficiency in detecting infected files is guaranteed by using a combination of different detection levels. Before the scan itself, the file is pre~processed, which involves removing any parts unnecessary for virus analysis. A quick scanning process is achieved using this technique.
- Known virus detection
This is the simplest technique in which files are scanned for the presence of virus identifiers (a sequence of bytes characteristic for an exact virus). Based on this kind of detection, detailed analysis is performed to identify the exact infection.
- Generic detection
This is a more common method for the detection of known viruses and this is used to determine new variants of known viruses. If no known virus is identified, generic detection looks for sequences within the file typical for certain viruses. Such sequences usually do not change within the virus when it is modified, even if the behavior of the new variant is different. This method is effective especially in the detection of macro~viruses and script~viruses.
- Heuristic analysis
The last method for detecting viruses (where previously mentioned methods were not successful) is Heuristic analysis. Its skill lies in its capacity to (in some cases) detect a virus which is not included in the internal virus database. During Heuristic Analysis, two methods are used:- Static Heuristic analysis ~ looking for suspicious data constructions
- Dynamic Heuristic analysis ~ code emulation:
- This means the file is started inside the protected environment of a virtual computer inside AVG. The file is analyzed for actions typical for viruses. An example being an application which when run looks for other executable files in order to modify them.
Detection Levels
AVG E~Mail Scanner (EMS)
E~Mail scanning is supported either directly by plug~ins for certain applications (Microsoft Outlook, The Bat!) or by Personal E~Mail scanner~ AVG EMS works at POP 3 and SMTP protocol level. EMS can also protect the E~Mail communication of all other E~Mail clients (for example Outlook Express).
- With AVG EMS, it is possible to filter attachments by their extensions or by their content
- The solution at POP 3/ SMTP protocol level is independent of the E~Mail client used
- It is possible to protect multiple e-mail accounts and to check multiple E~Mail servers
- SMTP authentication is supported
- Secured (SSL) communication is supported
Computer Scanner ~ On ~ Demand Scan
On~demand checking of files or system areas can be performed in three ways:
- Scheduled Tests
By default, the Complete Test is set to be started every day as scheduled to ensure the basic functionality of this level of protection. From the User Interface it is possible to create new Tests and to set when and what should be checked and what to do in case of infection.
- Manually started Tests
It is possible to start defined Tests from the User Interface whenever required. An example would be the Selected areas scan.
- Windows Explorer extension included in AVG integration into Windows
This is a simple and very quick method of checking a specific file. You can use the Windows Explorer environment by right~mouse~button clicking on the appropriate file and selecting the option “Test by AVG”.
Resident Shield ~ On ~ Access Scan
The Resident Shield protects the computer whenever the operating system is running. It works in the background and ensures transparent anti~virus file scanning when opening or executing files. There is also the option to scan when saving files. The Resident Shield runs automatically if a virus is detected, the Resident Shield blocks the opening or running of the infected file. The Resident shield stores information about files it has checked eliminating the need to recheck them if no modifications have been made.
Online Shield ~ Network Scanner
The Online Shield works for networks in the same way as the Resident Shield does for files. The Online Shield intercepts all traffic on selected ports and passes the data into several scanning engines:
HTTP traffic is scanned by AVG’s Scanning Engine as well as XPL’s LinkScanner, Instant Messaging Protection allows users to define their own white and black~lists for ICQ and MSN protocols.
Anti~RootKit
Anti~Rootkit technology detects malicious programs that try to hide in the system by comparing two different views of the file system and running processes. The user~level view is compared to the operating system’s kernel view and any discrepancies are reported as the possible presence of a root~kit in the system.
Update
It is vital for successful virus detection to keep your AVG installation up~to~date. AVG Anti~Virus offers you several ways to keep it up~to~date, including a fully automated update process. The availability of update files is guaranteed even when a large number of requests to download updates are sent to our servers. We distribute our update files using a professional worldwide server network service.
Main Feathers
- Small update files (the size is typically only tens of KB)
- Rare requirements to restart the computer after the update
- Regular updates are released 2 times every week, priority updates are released whenever necessary (whenever a new virus is being spread)
- Possibility to schedule or manually perform an update
- Proxy server authentication support
- Registered users can receive information about new updates through the AVG UPDATE e~mail conference
- Update files are available even during periods of high demand for downloads
Options for how to update
- Automatic detection of an Internet connection (if you are using a Dial~up connection) followed by an automatic update
- Detection of the existence of a new update file included in the scheduled tasks (AVG Anti~Virus and AVGADMIN)
- Manual download of a new update file from the Internet
- Manual update from a folder
- Automatic detection of an Internet connection (if you are using a Dial~up connection) followed by an automatic update
- Detection of the existence of a new update file included in the scheduled tasks (AVG Anti~Virus and AVGADMIN)
- Manual download of a new update file from the Internet
- Manual update from a folder
Partners
Business Partner Program
AVG Partners, Authorized Distributors, and Authorized Resellers comprise a distribution network in over 150 countries and are a major contributor to the awareness of AVG Anti~Virus around the world. We also provide other ways for business cooperation such as Affiliate and OEM programs. The growing success of AVG and our business partners is a testament to our strategic business partner programs.
Partners and Distributors
- Our Partners and Authorized Distributors are authorized to manage multi~tier relationships in their region. They have been specially trained in the AVG product line and they are able to provide local dealer, customer and technical support.
- List of Partners and Distributors
Resellers
- Generous reseller discounts ensure high margins. Our Authorized Resellers have priority access to support.
- Become a Reseller
- If you require additional information, please contact our Sales Support. For local reseller information, be sure to include your country and state (if applicable).
Affiliates
- Earn commissions by adding an AVG Affiliate link to your website.
- Become an Affiliate, please contact our Sales Support.
OEM
- Special licensing for high~volume system builders, hardware manufacturers and ISP’s. Add extra competitive value to your products and services.
- Become an OEM Partner, please contact our Sales Support.
Technology Partner Program
AVG offers SDK and API packages that allow you to integrate the AVG Anti~Virus Engine into your solution.
AVG Anti~Virus Engine Integration
- Become a Technology Partner, please contact our Sales Support.
Beta Program
Beta testers can test and provide feedback on AVG products and contribute to their development.
- Test AVG products before they are available to the public
- Contribute to the development of new products
- Become a Beta Tester, please contact our Sales Support.
These are my views about using AVG Anti~Virus program. I have used AVG for many years and have had no problems as for it doing as claimed, about the only thing that has not changed over the years is the user interface. Please do not get me wrong, the interface is rather user friendly, it is the makeup that could use a uplift.
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