AVG Anti-Virus version 7 (free) release available...

AVG/Grisoft.com ^ | Nov 11, 2004

[TomGuy]

AVG Free Edition is the well-known anti-virus protection tool. AVG Free is available free-of-charge to home users for the life of the product! Rapid virus database updates are available for the lifetime of the product, thereby providing the high-level of detection capability that millions of users around the world trust to protect their computers. AVG Free is easy-to-use and will not slow your system down (low system resource requirements).

Highlights include:

..Automatic update functionality

..The AVG Resident Shield, which provides real-time protection as files are opened and programs are run

..The AVG E-mail Scanner, which protects your e-mail

..The AVG On-Demand Scanner, which allows the user to perform scheduled and manual tests

..Free Virus Database Updates for the lifetime of the product

..AVG Virus Vault for safe handling of infected files

..Great customer satisfaction!

Please note that any previous version of AVG Free will be un-installed automatically during the installation of the new AVG Free.

http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5

[TomGuy]

Link to version 7.289

http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5

[backhoe]

Kool! Thanks for posting.

[anniegetyourgun]

I really like this product. Thanks for the headsup on new release.

[Khurkris]

Any comments on how this compares to Norton Anti-Virus. My Norton subscription has just expired and I am considering this prog instead of paying for another year of Norton. I have been very happy with Norton for the last 4 years. Thanks for yr feedback.

[longjack]

I saw the thread this morning over at DSLReports

I downloaded and uninstalled over the top of AVG 6 without problems on W2K. The download and update were reasonbly quick on a 748K down DSL connection.

The interface is a little more advanced, but still easy enough to figure out. The only thing I had to do was to manually enable the e-mail scanner after the install, and reset the times for auto updates and scanning.

The thread over at DSLReports mentions that AVG 6 support will expire in a month or so.

longjack

[LibWhacker]

Thanks, been waiting for PC-cillin to release its latest version because I'm fed up with McAfee and Norton and I've heard PC-cillin is pretty good. But maybe I should try this instead since I'm really running on fumes here (a one year-old version of NAV that hasn't been updated in nearly a year!).

[TomGuy]

I used to have McAfee, but even on a 1.8 mhz Pentium 4 it got sluggish with glut-ware.

I switched to a version of Trend Micro. I still use it, but it has changed ownership and a new version is coming soon. I'm not sure what the cost will be.

I recently started using AVG. It seems to work pretty well. I haven't had any problems, and it doesn't take over the system resources to run. [I have it set to auto update and run daily during a time I am away from the pc.]

I like it (ver 6). I just downloaded 7.289 and will check it out.

[the crow]

bump for future comments. thanks for the post.

[Wooly]

Although the free version of AVG is good, a better free AV program is Anti-Vir at the link below. Both programs have a small footprint, but the update system, along with the reminder is better with AntiVir and their update servers are very fast. With AVG the free update server can be really slow sometimes or not even available.
AntiVir is also really great at stopping dialers and trojans.
I have used both on over 100 computers that I have built for people and even the lamers managed to keep the AntiVir Program updated unlike the AVG installs.

http://www.free-av.com/

[Wooly]

By the way the AVG Professional version ($33.00) is a really great product, that does not have the shortcomings of the free version and it features two years of updates. Much better than Norton, McAfee, or Panda AVs.
I use this version on my home machines.

[Bubba]

It's called...
Mac PowerBook G4... running OS 10.3.6

[aliquis]

Thanks a lot. It's a good product.

[Calvin Locke]

...how this compares to Norton Anti-Virus.

I just saw a ZDnet Anchordesk article on Norton/McAfee/PC-cillin last Friday.

Here's the link: Why you should ditch Norton AntiVirus

I've never tried PC-cillin myself.

I've been using Norton AV/Firewall for years, and it is a dog.

I used McAfee's Guard Dog years ago, and liked the interface for what it did at the time.

I'm more likely to go with PC-cillin or McAfee after my Norton expires, depending on the rebates offered.

[machman]

I use AVG on my laptop running Win98se, works great, I guess I'll update.

But I use Avast! from Alwil sotfware on my desktop running XP. It also works great. Are either of them better than Norton or McAfee? I don't know, but I do know I've had trouble with Norton before, never with the free ones though.

[Wooly]

Stay away from McAfee, not only is it a resource hog, I have seen serval computers where it has caused real problems much like the virus infections it is suppose to protect from. My own belief is that if it were not included on so many retail box computers the company would be out of business.

[nw_arizona_granny]

Ping

[conservativepoet]

I use Avast too. I've only had one misfire with it, it thought that one of my TuneUp 2004 files was a virus, but it's been pretty good. Seems less of a drag on my computer compared to Norton and McAfee. McAfee caused some conflicts so I got rid of it. I wish Norton's code was not so demanding on the system.

[Dacus943]

I have been using Avast for over a year. It too is free, loaded with features and updates in small packets that take mere moments to load.

http://www.avast.com/

[drpix]

For a larger universe of product reviews, download.com is very useful. It's not only a high volume download hub - where download statistics are posted - but it also maintains reviews by tons of users. Here's the links for the 2 free anti-virus products mentioned:

AVG

AntiVir

[George W. Bush]

Any comments on how this compares to Norton Anti-Virus.

I've switched over a dozen people in the last year.

I really can't find any difference. They're just as safe as with Norton thus far.

Norton makes more sense if you buy the suite and get the firewall and antivirus integrated. I own ZoneAlarm but there are elements of the Norton firewall that offer much better reporting. The parental controls and spam blocking and antispyware features in the suite are only okay but need to get better. Norton offers a lot in the suite but if you're only after antivirus, I'd say go with the freebie.

I'm going to uninstall my Norton and go with this new AVG personally.

I saw a recent special on Norton AV 2005 for only $15 shipped from Amazon. Look around and see if they still offer it. So you might look for some specials if you want all the features and integration.