AVG

[dfc177]

Is it true , AVG Free is going away?

[Jim Dick]

I've heard that rumor before but they always seemed to have a free version. I would not be surprised to see it go away but it's working so far.

[monde48]

Yes I've also heard that the free version is ending but never does an even if it does then there are lots of free antivirus a around

monde48

[LindaH]

The latest version of AVG, 9.0, has a free version...we just downloaded it to both our laptops the other day.  http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage

This rumor about AVG Free going away circulates each time they come out with a new version.

[RV Roamer]

The AVG 9 Free download page on CNET is:

http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html?part=dl-10044820&subj=dl&tag=button&cdlPid=11014801

It downloads an small installation file which in turn downloads the real AVG 9. It also tries one more time to get you to upgrade to "full protection" of the paid version, so be sure to select "Basic Protection" if you want the free edition.

[DonTom]

The AVG 9 Free download page on CNET is:

http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html?part=dl-10044820&subj=dl&tag=button&cdlPid=11014801

It downloads an small installation file which in turn downloads the real AVG 9. It also tries one more time to get you to upgrade to "full protection" of the paid version, so be sure to select "Basic Protection" if you want the free edition.

What's the difference between the two, besides the money?

BTW, I was using Windows One Live Care on all my computers, except for my one notebook that ran Vista in Simplified Chinese. Chinese Vista  was not compatible with Windows One Live Care, so with it, I used the free version of AVG which it was happy with. But I really liked the Windows Live One Care for many reasons, including I can print from my notebook computer to any of my other computers that are on that has a printer, no matter where I am.

But Windows 7, which I just upgraded to on three of my many computers, is not compatible with Windows One Live Care. And because of that, Windows One Live Care is being discontinued. So for now, I am using MicroSoft Security Essentials which has both Virus and spyware protection and is free. But it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of Windows One Live Care (which was not free, but can be put one a dozen computers for one price, at least if they are in English).

My Chinese Vista computer was one of the ones I upgraded to Windows 7 in English. In fact, that was really the only reason I purchased Windows 7. I have no complaints about Vista. It works fine for me. So does XP on my netbook computers. So far, I have found no advantage of Windows 7, other than it's in English on my HP Compaq Presario B1900, that I purchased a couple of years ago while in Shenzhen, China.

-Don- SSF, CA

[RV Roamer]

There is a comparison on the AVG website.   The list several plusses for the paid version and sort of downplay what is in the free, but I don't see much of any value vs what is in the free version. Free includes all their web surfing shields as well as the AV tools for email and you get the same AV signature updates for either one.

[Tom]

From the AVG downloads page:

"It’s always been our philosophy at AVG that everyone has the right to basic computer security at no charge .."

[Howard Rawley]

How is the speed with the new version?  Son and I both took AVG 8 off our XP driven computers due to the drastic slowing it caused.  Ver 7 was good and I hung onto that until they finally pulled the plug on that version.

Wondering what others experienced.

thanks,

Howard

[RV Roamer]

I didn't notice a problem with AVG  8 and 9 seems no different.

[taoshum]

we all switched to avira afte avg went to ver 8.  seems to be much less intrusive and very effective.  JMHO.

[Jim Dick]

Howard,

AVG tends to search for updates when you are on line and it also starts a virus check without an announcement. That will really slow down the computer. You can easily turn off the scans once they start. It is annoying but not bad once you realize what is happening.

[Howard Rawley]

Jim,

Yes, didn't mind the searching for updates, but when it started to scan if did get real annoying.  Also even when I stopped the scan and ran it later it seemed to take many hours to accomplish, not always convenient.  Version 7 didn't seem to be nearly as bad.

thanks,

Howard

[Jim Dick]

Howard,

You can select what AVG will scan. That will speed up the process. I'm going to have to do. The time to complete a scan is dependent upon how many files it must scan. I have so many files that is takes several hours to complete.

[tswms]

I switched from AVG to MS Security Essentials . So far I like it better.  Less problems .  You can set time of scans and type of scan.

[Howard Rawley]

You can select what AVG will scan. .....   I have so many files that is takes several hours to complete.

Maybe I'll try that.  HD on the laptop is only something like 37GB ... sure does take a long time.

thanks,

Howard

[Jim Dick]

It should help.

[carson]

I set my AVG-free to scan at 9pm....my bedtime... hence I don't care how long it takes. Haven't timed it yet.

carsonFL

[Jim Dick]

Carson,

My problem is I'm using a laptop and it's always off during the scheduled scan. I suppose I should leave it on all night occasionally in order for the scan to do it's thing.