I've used several different anti-virus software programs over the years, starting with an early copy of the Norton anti-virus program that came in a zip-lock baggy! It's surprising all the problems that I've had with different anti-virus programs. Some have been resource hogs, others have cause unexplained problems that disappear after the software is uninstalled, and other just didn't protect very well.
I've used commercial anti-virus programs, including Norton, McAfee, and Computer Associates, for fairly long periods of time. I've tested the trial versions of a number of other commercial anti-virus programs, such as Trend Micro, PC Tools, and Webroot. And I've tried several anti-virus that have free non-commercial home-use versions, such as AVG.
I've used AVG for the past two years, and have found it to be a very good program that seems to work without any problems. It's found virus-infected emails for me, virus-infected software that I was copying from another computer, and even warned me about problem websites.
AVG Anti-Virus is an editor's choice at download.com and is the most popular anti-virus program on that website.
Two free software programs that I've never gotten around to testing, but have also read good reviews on, are AVAST and Antivir, so you might also look at those two programs.
AVG is crap ware. So far i agree with most of the posters here. If you want protection that works you need a paid version of Avira or Kaspersky. Personally, I like Kaspersky the best. If your computer is clean it will stay clean with Kaspersky. I have had it now for two years. 2 virus free years. I can say that with Avast or AVG. Get rid of AVG while your ahead. If you keep it it's only a matter of time before your hopelessly infected with Trojan mal ware. You can get a virus anywhere on the net. Some places are worse than others. You need something that works. Not some little kiddie AV.
AVG Free is the same as the Full AVG Anti Virus product with two noteable differences, you can't get on-line support and technical help. Secondly you cant update the base engine (you can update the definitions) to any new version that they bring out. It is no great hardship to actually un-install and reinstall to upgrade the engine, they are after all giving you the product free.
Is it any good? Yes. The new version 8 includes Anti Spyware as well as the AV so you get two products in one for free, cant be that bad can it?
I found Spyware and virus by PC tools much better and really free. that for the last 4 years I have used their full version, have used others but found theirs still the best try Spyware Doctor and PC mechanic for free. no trial period like most. just they think they are the best and you will buy their full version which is better of course, but the free is good enough for protection.
To be honest, I used AVG on one of my machines, but V8 was a real pain so I switched to Avast which I use on another machine and it has much better detection rates, lower resources and is simple to use. AVG may be the most popular, but it is also less functional and a resource hog.
Avast anti-virus better definitions, anti-spyware and anti-rootkit built in, faster and more reliable:
ALL my private customers and myself have the free AVG 8.0 and have been using AVG since it was released. It has never let any of us down. My commercial customers have the paid version, and there is very little difference for normal use. It does NOT expire, only the trial versions do that.
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I've used several different anti-virus software programs over the years, starting with an early copy of the Norton anti-virus program that came in a zip-lock baggy! It's surprising all the problems that I've had with different anti-virus programs. Some have been resource hogs, others have cause unexplained problems that disappear after the software is uninstalled, and other just didn't protect very well.
I've used commercial anti-virus programs, including Norton, McAfee, and Computer Associates, for fairly long periods of time. I've tested the trial versions of a number of other commercial anti-virus programs, such as Trend Micro, PC Tools, and Webroot. And I've tried several anti-virus that have free non-commercial home-use versions, such as AVG.
I've used AVG for the past two years, and have found it to be a very good program that seems to work without any problems. It's found virus-infected emails for me, virus-infected software that I was copying from another computer, and even warned me about problem websites.
AVG Anti-Virus is an editor's choice at download.com and is the most popular anti-virus program on that website.
Two free software programs that I've never gotten around to testing, but have also read good reviews on, are AVAST and Antivir, so you might also look at those two programs.
AVG is crap ware. So far i agree with most of the posters here. If you want protection that works you need a paid version of Avira or Kaspersky. Personally, I like Kaspersky the best. If your computer is clean it will stay clean with Kaspersky. I have had it now for two years. 2 virus free years. I can say that with Avast or AVG. Get rid of AVG while your ahead. If you keep it it's only a matter of time before your hopelessly infected with Trojan mal ware. You can get a virus anywhere on the net. Some places are worse than others. You need something that works. Not some little kiddie AV.
I've just got to add my 2c worth here...
AVG Free is just OK.
I have had friends / customers with infected and slow systems whilst using AVG Free. When scanning, it did manage to clear up some problems.
However, in a couple of cases, AVG has removed around 10 or so viruses, yet all did not appear well.
I installed NOD32 (the antivirus part of ESET Smart Security), and on first reboot, over 50 viruses were detected.
So my point is, you get what you pay for, which goes for most things in life.
I hope this helps.
AVG Free is the same as the Full AVG Anti Virus product with two noteable differences, you can't get on-line support and technical help. Secondly you cant update the base engine (you can update the definitions) to any new version that they bring out. It is no great hardship to actually un-install and reinstall to upgrade the engine, they are after all giving you the product free.
Is it any good? Yes. The new version 8 includes Anti Spyware as well as the AV so you get two products in one for free, cant be that bad can it?
I found Spyware and virus by PC tools much better and really free. that for the last 4 years I have used their full version, have used others but found theirs still the best try Spyware Doctor and PC mechanic for free. no trial period like most. just they think they are the best and you will buy their full version which is better of course, but the free is good enough for protection.
To be honest, I used AVG on one of my machines, but V8 was a real pain so I switched to Avast which I use on another machine and it has much better detection rates, lower resources and is simple to use. AVG may be the most popular, but it is also less functional and a resource hog.
Avast anti-virus better definitions, anti-spyware and anti-rootkit built in, faster and more reliable:
http://www.download.com/Avast-Home-Edition/3000-22...
Setup Guide:
http://tinyurl.com/5lxy24
AV Comparison:
http://www.av-test.org/
http://www.av-comparatives.org/
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast-compare-home-profes...
http://free.avg.com/ww.download-avg-anti-virus-fre...
AVG has a poor detection rate, eats memory like norton, does not guard like it name states, score very poorly using a simple test:
http://www.eicar.org/anti_virus_test_file.htm
It is said only Kids & fools use AVG, if you get your PC repaired they put AVG on it why ? because they know with this poor AV your be back soon.
DO NOT USE AVG THERE ARE FAR BETTER AV'S OUT THERE FOR FREE.
ALL my private customers and myself have the free AVG 8.0 and have been using AVG since it was released. It has never let any of us down. My commercial customers have the paid version, and there is very little difference for normal use. It does NOT expire, only the trial versions do that.
I use it and it seems pretty good. I've had no problems. I have been impressed.
All anti-virus software seems to slow down your system but nowhere near as badly as Norton or McAfee screwed up my PC.
I found NON of the boughten ones work as well as these:
They are all FREE !!!!
Computer Maintenance
Advanced WindowsCare V2 Personal
http://www.iobit.com/advancedwindowscare...
CCleaner
http://www.ccleaner.com/
Spybot S&D
>>...http://www.safer-networking.org/en/%3E.......
Ad Aware 2008
http://www.download.com/ad-aware-2008/30...
Avira AntiVir® PersonalEdition Classic....
http://www.free-av.com/
I've been using them all for over two years now.
They are all compatible with each other and Windows XP and Vista as well as older versions of Windows and Linux.
You will have a trouble free, clean, green, mean machine.