What Is the AVG Antivirus Program?

The AVG antivirus program is a software program designed for Microsoft Windows, Linux and a variety of other operating systems. The program was developed by AVG Technologies, a Czech company that used to be called Grisoft. It offers Internet security programs as well as many features involving antivirus protection.

Identification

The AVG antivirus program stands for "Anti-Virus Guard." The logo of the company is a small box that features interlocking sections of blue, yellow, green and red.

History

The first AVG software was sold in the Czech Republic in 1992. In 1997, the software was introduced to the German and U.K. markets. The North American market was added in 1998.

Effects

Following its success as an antivirus company, AVG introduced anti-spyware options in 2006. At the same time, it launched the preliminary options for Windows Vista operating system computers.

Significance

One of the most prominent features of AVG antivirus programs is the fact that the company offers a free edition of its software. This can be used only for personal, non-commercial uses, but is one of the best protections on the Internet, according to C-Net.

Size

According to figures released in January 2009, AVG Technologies has over 80 million users worldwide. This makes users of the antivirus programs the largest in the world of any company featured on a non-operating system basis.

Resources

• AVG Product Information
• Grisoft Rolls out New AVG