AVG Technologies has launched its 2013 consumer lineup of PC security and maintenance software, including the popular AVG AntiVirus Free downloadable.
One of the new highlight features for 2013 is its support for Windows 8's "Modern UI" that's optimized for touchscreen displays. Computer users who chose to stay within the confines of the Modern UI will have access to all of the AVG software features. Of course, the traditional desktop mode is still expected to be the most used, while the truly hardcore can still access the command line in the 2013 package.
AVG has also upgraded performance. The company sent its software off to Dennis Technology Labs and the software, as compared to the previous version, had a reduced startup time by 26 percent. Scanning time was faster by up to 36 percent, and the user interface loaded three times more quickly.
The faster scan times will be greatly noticeable those who are running on older PCs with traditional hard disk drives. Rather than seeking back and fourth on a disk drive, AVG 2013's scan software follows the order in which files are physically saved on a disk. Independent testing has found that this scans can finish up to 36 percent faster this way.
The file scanners use what AVG is calling "file reputation technology" that further enhances detection and reduces false alarms by checking a file against a cloud database. AVG's user base numbered 128 million worldwide at June 30, 2012.
In the 2013 software, AVG claims that it has enhanced and simplified the firewall making it easier for users to choose how they want to personalize their settings in order to protect their privacy and identity online. Earlier this year, AVG introduced its active Do Not Track feature, which lets users view and customize about that is tracked about them on the web. AVG told us in a meeting that it believes that users should be able to choose which information is tracked about them rather than a full blanket policy.
"We were the first antivirus company to offer a free product to all users ten years ago and in March 2012, we were also the first to provide an active Do Not Track privacy feature in both our free and paid products," said JR Smith, CEO of AVG Technologies.
AVG's 2013 product line includes AVG AntiVirus Free, which will protect users on the web, emailing and social networking without costing a cent. There is also a paid option (called just AVG AntiVirus – no Free) that adds more advanced features.
AVG Internet Security 2013 comes with an integrated security firewall, LinkScanner, Anti-Spam, Anti-Spyware and technology to protect against Wi-Fi hacking.AVG also offers the PC TuneUp software that it claims will help users maintain their computers by cleaning the hard drive, fixing issues, preserving battery life on laptops, and eliminating freezing and crashing.
Those interested can check out AVG AntiVirus Free 2013 here.
