Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free

Subject: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: pyewacket
Date: 13 May 08 - 10:41 AM

I received notification that AVG will no longer be updated after May 31, 2008. I have used it for years and found it to be a great program. I'm wondering what others will use in the future. Has anyone made plans yet? I believe the price will be $54 per computer.
Thanks,
pyewacket

Subject: RE: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Rasener
Date: 13 May 08 - 10:54 AM

Well I have downloaded version 8 free

here is the link for downloading Version 8 Free

It will uninstall previous version,before setting up the new version.

http://free.grisoft.com/ww.download?prd=afe

Subject: RE: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: nutty
Date: 13 May 08 - 11:54 AM

Version 8 gives you a lot more cover and it's still free.

Subject: RE: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: LesB
Date: 13 May 08 - 12:01 PM

I use Avast free anti virus, which I find O.K. (better than Norton), & it uses very little resourses & ticks along quietly in the background & updated itself daily.
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 13 May 08 - 12:03 PM

I've just downloaded 8 too, which I really like, and have received no email about anything being discontinued. Pye, have they specified which version they're discontinuing free updates for, or does that include all their free versions? This is the first I've heard of it -

PS: Anyone notice the similarity of the four colours in the new v.8 logo to A Certain Other logo ?

Subject: RE: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Rasener
Date: 13 May 08 - 12:03 PM

Sorry here is the link for AVG 8 Free
http://free.grisoft.com/ww.download?prd=afe

Subject: RE: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Rasener
Date: 13 May 08 - 12:04 PM

I think they are discontinuing the older versions

Subject: RE: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: pyewacket
Date: 13 May 08 - 12:47 PM

Thanks all for your input. I have a friend who downloaded Version 8 and he said it will expire in 30 days and you will have to go with the pay version..
pyewacket

Subject: RE: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 13 May 08 - 01:08 PM

Are you sure he didn't download the "free TRIAL" version by mistake? Because I almost did that. You have to go on a bit of an easter egg hunt to find the real free one (which doesn't use the word 'trial'). Ask your friend to try Villan's link, though I don't know if he'll have to manually uninstall first. I have only recently downloaded this myself and nowhere did I get any messages about anything expiring. But, as I say, I nearly tripped up and took the Free Trial one by accident, which gives you a test-preview for the Pro version that will do more stuff but must be paid for.

Subject: RE: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Bill D
Date: 13 May 08 - 01:24 PM

Bonnie is correct...even though they DO still provide a free version, they make it confusing....which I'm sure they are aware trick some folks into giving up and paying for the not-free version.

Subject: RE: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Rasener
Date: 13 May 08 - 01:25 PM

The link I provided is for the pucker free one and automatically uninstalls the older version and insatlls the new version and doesn't tell you that you have X days left.

How do I know? Well that's the link I used and it worked for me.

Subject: RE: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 13 May 08 - 01:27 PM

It worked for me too but it IS a bit obscure, and I had to revert to the site map to find it: Go to www.grisoft.com then click the "Site Map" link at the bottom in tiny grey letters, then the "AVG anti-virus free edition" link near the bottom under the first heading ("Get protection").

THEN: Scroll down to the two big red "Download Now" buttons which are for the paid versions, and to the left of them you'll see "free for private use only" and a "learn more" link, in smaller unhighlighted printing. Click "learn more", go to the bottom left of the screen and click the "Download basic protection" link, which takes you to the page Villan has provided above. That should do it.

What version were you told would no longer be supported?

Subject: RE: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Geoff Wallis
Date: 13 May 08 - 02:03 PM

Yep, I installed this too, but mistakenly clicked on the button adding the AVG toolbars to my browser. However, I discovered a very quick way of removing them - see http://www.tech-forums.net/pc/f9/removing-avg-toolbar-firefox-174335/
for details.

Villan, it's 'pukka', not 'pucker'. Think of half-time pies!

Subject: RE: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Rasener
Date: 13 May 08 - 02:12 PM

yes you are correct Geoff :-) Maybe I mean't Puker, or maybe not :-)

Subject: RE: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: BB
Date: 13 May 08 - 02:56 PM

Shouldn't this be BS?

Barbara

No---Tech questions as they affect all of us to some degree are always up top first. At some later date, depending on the subject, they may go below the line, but in most cases this is the right place.

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Folkiedave
Date: 13 May 08 - 04:07 PM

The quick way of removing the unwanted AVG toolbar is view>toolbars> uncheck.

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Bill D
Date: 13 May 08 - 04:34 PM

I'd think that would just not display them..(I do this with various toolbars at various times). Uninstalling takes other steps.

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 14 May 08 - 04:22 AM

I use the full version that you pay for. It's superb, beats Norton hands-down - no slowing down at boot-up, frequent updates, great stuff.

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 14 May 08 - 04:23 AM

And when I installed it, it found viruses that Norton hadn't.

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 14 May 08 - 06:08 AM

I used to have the free version but found it wasn't preventing Trojan infections getting through every time I logged onto the internet, buying the version with Firewall seems to have got round the problem!

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 14 May 08 - 07:36 AM

Whoa, that's interesting to know, Jim! How did you know you were being invaded? I mean, was there some sort of warning flag or did you just learn about it by getting lumbered with its horrible results? (Or hate letters from everyone in your address book? ;-)

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 14 May 08 - 07:37 AM

PS: Presumably, other firewalls would offer the same protection as the AVG one...? Windows & Zone Alarm, etc?

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 14 May 08 - 09:05 AM

Yes Bonnie, The AVG free edition did flag them up but I couldn't heal them!

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 May 08 - 10:10 AM

I've been seeing (and ignoring) the warnings about updating to the new free AVG. Thanks for taking the trouble to provide a link to the right version. I have to do this on my son's computer also (he has been complaining about that warning, and he's liable to download the 30-day version just to get it to stop if I don't set it up for him.)

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Gulliver
Date: 14 May 08 - 12:23 PM

I used the free version for a few months at the beginning of the year but found it was slowing up my system--in particular Word and Excel files took ages to open, even tiny files. So I got rid of it and the system response is back to normal (this problem was discussed on another thread a few months ago). Before that I went 3 years without an anti-virus app, and never had a problem (just lucky, I guess). Don

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Bill D
Date: 14 May 08 - 12:28 PM

I had downloaded it a week or more ago, but just got 'round to installing it yesterday.

Note...It 'may' need some settings tweaked to run as YOU wish...(I like to control update times and do scans manually at my own pace, rather than accept default daily scans that interfere with my schedule.)

All-in-all, it does seem to be improved.

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 14 May 08 - 12:29 PM

I haven't had any slowing-up problems with it (Norton was a far worse culprit for that, at least on my puter). I'm using it with XP, if that makes any difference.

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: GUEST,belt 'n' braces
Date: 14 May 08 - 12:40 PM

I've been using AVG Anti-Virus Free 7.5
and AVG Anti-Spyware Free 7.5
for manual system scans.
Seeing as from now on the separate anti spyware freebie is being withdrawn,
will the new version 8 anti virus [which will now include anti spyware scanning]
offer the same level or less anti spyware protection ?

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Bernard
Date: 14 May 08 - 01:53 PM

Version 8 is a fully integrated package, still free, and seems to be working very well - I've got a paid for version of Webroot's Spysweeper, yet AVG has already identified couple of threats Spysweeper missed...

They will discontinue support for version 7.5 at the end of May, but this has happened regulrly since AVG Free has been available.

Okay, they are slightly devious in the way they don't make the free version easy to find, but hey...!

The good thing is AVG doesn't make your PC grind to a halt the way Norton often does these days. I used to be a Norton supporter, but I'm afraid they haven't kept up with the times.

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 May 08 - 02:17 PM

It has taken a while to get both computers updated today. I updated to the new version of Spybot and dumped AdAware on the other computer (it has been absent from mine for several months now, since it introduced the new version. THAT is what slowed my computer too much).

My computer is still being scanned and it has gone over an hour. No way I would do this every day; I'll fiddle with what it scans and how often. I have my son's computer scanning now, and will set it by default to not scan. We'll do it manually. It's finding a lot of junk, but I also expect to have to log on to some sites after if finishes.

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: nutty
Date: 14 May 08 - 03:02 PM

One new component of AVG version 8 is the scanning of sites in Google. It tells you which pages are safe to access.

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Bill D
Date: 14 May 08 - 11:25 PM

It won't do that in Opera...only in Firefox & IE. (It does add a special toolbar...be sure you're willing to have that)

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 May 08 - 11:30 PM

I didn't opt to load the toolbar. What do you think of it, Bill? This one sounds like it might have some actual usefulness.

You can literally fill up the entire browser with all of the toolbars that programs want to layer in. I use Google, but I don't use Earthlink or eBay or Yahoo or all of the others that have tried to load themselves.

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: GUEST,DWR
Date: 15 May 08 - 12:56 AM

And then there's the matter of the new version shutting down Firefox completely without warning or provocation. I'm not happy with AVG, Free or not.

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 15 May 08 - 06:37 AM

AVG 8 will not work on Win9x. So will need a replacement.

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Bill D
Date: 15 May 08 - 11:12 AM

I only tried the AVG toolbar briefly in Firefox, as I use Opera most of the time. It does seem to work, though I never 'needed' it. That is, I have other 'protection' enabled. I will give it some test runs later.


(You can hide most toolbars until you need them...I have the in Firefox also)

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 May 08 - 11:51 AM

I have several loaded that are hidden, so I tend to forget about them. If I let them all display at once they would take up several inches of screen. :-(

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: GUEST,belt 'n' braces
Date: 15 May 08 - 12:50 PM

anyway; according to AVG FREE Forum

http://freeforum.avg.com/read.php?1,123812,backpage=,sv=


"DEADLINE FOR AVG 7.5 FREE UPDATES 31/12/2008

Posted by: michaelhd - AVG Team
Date: May 5, 2008 10:00AM


This is the official date that support and updates for AVg 7.5 Free will end.

If the date changes we will give you good forward notice."

Last edit at 05/05/08 10:28AM.

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: GUEST,belt 'n' braces
Date: 15 May 08 - 12:51 PM

BTW..

after much too long a wait.....

here's this years updated version of McAfee Avert Stinger [v3.9.9]
free stand-alone anti trojan scanner


http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Irene M
Date: 17 May 08 - 01:21 PM

Had just downloaded version 8 when I saw this thread.
I wonder if it will stay put this time. I must have inunstalled and reinstalled version 7.5 8 times. After so many updates, it always came up with the "something bad happened to etc" message. Nearly drove me nuts.
Anyway, version 8. I ran a scan last night. TWO BLOODY hours!
As I only run the laptop for about an hour a night, I am not scheduling automatic scans. At least 7.5 had the auto-power off option.
Looks like one scan a week at a weekend.
Sigh.........

Subject: AVG computer virus protection expiring?
From: open mike
Date: 27 May 08 - 12:51 AM

I remember seeing this recently but cannot find it in a search. There was some discussion about AVG 7.5 and AVG 8.0. The program makes it look like you have to purchase an upgrade for what used to be a free program. Any one out there have info or a link to the previous thread? (the search feature seems to always find forum entries from 1999, 2000, and older but not more recent ones....)

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Melissa
Date: 27 May 08 - 01:19 AM

Is this the one you're looking for, Open Mike?

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Jim Lad
Date: 27 May 08 - 02:03 AM

The good news is that with version 8 you can now choose the time for your daily scan. Much better!

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 May 08 - 02:09 AM

This page seems to indicate that AVG Antivirus is still available for free, but we got a message that indicated that version 7.5 would not be updated after May 31; and that Version 8 was going to cost a considerable amount of money.
Did I read the message wrong? Will there still be a free version?
Did I goof by installing Norton 360 when I didn't need to?
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 27 May 08 - 02:17 AM

I remover 7.5 and installed 8 over the weekend, and also reinstalled as-aware and spybot S&D - and everything seems a lot slower!

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 27 May 08 - 03:22 AM

Joe O -

The reading I get from the above, and from some other sources, is that the old AVG version (7.x) will no longer be supported. The new version (8.0) can be still obtained as a free program; but to encourage purchase of the full program they've made it a little more difficult to find the right button to download the free version.

While AVG remains one of the "reliable" AV programs, recent reviews have indicated it hasn't quite kept up with some of the other "free programs." That doesn't necessarily mean that it's not a good choice for most people - only that for this week and until the next reviews come out it's perhaps not the ultimate thing you can get right now. The various programs do "swap places" in the reviews pretty regularly.

I don't think you'll be hurt by having Norton 360. You should get "full support" if you happen to need it, and despite some clumsy web design and a pretty crude "help" site, I've found Norton sufficient and not unreasonably expensive for several years now. The Norton Internet Security retail packages we've gotten most recently allow use on up to three computers (for home users) for one payment, and $23/year per computer seems quite reasonable to me, to have someone I know I can call if I need help. Does Norton 360 (their current "flagship" program) offer the 3-machine license?

RB - I've noted some "different" behaviour in Ad-Aware SE (free version) with the latest update. For one thing, it seems to think my mudcat cookie needs to be deleted. I don't run it as a "real-time" thing, so it doesn't affect anything unless I initiate a scan. My Norton IS has good anti-spyware, anti-phishing, and all the other anties and unkies so I find AD-Aware useful only when "annoying but mostly harmless" crud builds up and needs cleaning.

Since some of the advanced help sites still request a run of Ad-Aware and Spybot S&D, before submitting a HiJack This log to request assistance, it's still a good idea to have all three on your machine, in case of dire emergency; but it's doubtful that any of the three actually adds much useful runtime protection if you have an up-to-date full-suite AV.

I haven't seen reports on whether AVG v8 slows anything down. Changes in the kinds of threats, and inclusion of protections against new kinds of stuff, have made most protection programs/suites somewhat "intrusive," but it's mostly a necessary evil if you want the expected levels of protection.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 27 May 08 - 03:59 AM

Yes, you can still get the free one. Look in the messages above for 13th May, re-read these posts:

Bonnie 1:08
Bill D   1:24
Bonnie 1:28

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 27 May 08 - 04:01 AM

Sorry - meant also to include The Villan @ 1:25

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 27 May 08 - 04:12 AM

Just for the record, neither my partner nor I have had slow-down problems with the new AVG 8 on our computers (he updated, I installed clean, both Win XP). The scan does slow things down, but the Norton ones always did too - I turned off the automatic scheduled one and just do it manually, at a time when I can go away and leave it to do its thing. AVG works well for us, anyway, thumbs up. (John in K, thanks again for your customary invaluable input.)

Subject: RE: Tech: AVG Anti-Virus Free
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 May 08 - 04:24 AM

Well, I have to say that the warning we got from AVG was deceptive. It said nothing about a free version of AVG 8 - and I think the cost they quoted was $54.95 or something like that. I suppose they need to make a living, but I thought the notice was deceptive.

I had a three-license copy of Norton 360 Version 1, so I downloaded Version 2 and used the product key from the old version. My ATT Broadband provides Norton Internet Security for free, but that one computer doesn't have enough RAM to run Norton Internet Security. Norton 360 installed easily, and seems to run quite well without slowing the computer down significantly. Now I'm trying to decide whether I should keep Norton Internet Security, or if I should use the other two Norton 360 licenses.

We have Comcast Internet at the Women's Center. Comcast provides McAfee Internet Security Suite for free, so I installed that on all of our computers there.

-Joe-