Shannon,

Thank you for sharing.  I have a virus software already but I am going to try this also. 

Shannon

I too have been using this for years. Its one of those things you don't know you need until it's too late.

Hi Brett: Thanks for the link to your site, I will check it out. Thanks for the extra tips I left out too!

Hi Michelle: You're very welcome. Not sure what you use, but this is a great FREE alternative. Enjoy!

Hi Terry: Glad I have others in the same boat with me! It is one of things you never know you need until its too late. Imagine the horror of experiencing losing your precious work/photos/memories/personal info to a virus, etc... when you could have prevented it!

I have been using this program for a while and love it!

Started out with Norton many moons ago, switched to this freebie and never regretted it.

January of 2007 AVG created a great marketing strategy making it appear as if their previous free version was no longer and that you would have to register and pay for the full version.

A crafty bit of literary license only to I am sure get a lot of people to either pay up for the full version or make the mistake of moving to one of the other "freeware" virus software programs.

AVG is without a doubt the best.  I have used it for a long as I can remember and yes it is still free.  Simply scroll down the page far enough to see the Download the Free version and you are on your way.  I have mine scheduled to update 9 PM and run the full scan each and every day.

Yes Dave, you're right, I caught that little update thing they had going and it almost fooled me too! AVG is still free and as protection for your personal home computer you shouldn't have to pay for overpriced programs. Thanks for your comment!

I have been using AVG for a couple of years and I've found it to be one of the best & most complete freebies out there. The January "This version will no longer be supported" message caused a bit of confusion for several non-techie people I had set up with the old version, but once I switched them over to the "New" free version, they were fine. 

We have used AVG for a couple years or so. We installed it after the other more popular "brand X" software basically would not work after it was time for renewal. We tried to upgrade and renew "brand X" at the time, but it seems that in doing so it trashed out a couple other programs, as there was some incompatibility! So a call to a techie for advice and was told try AVG. We got it and there is no looking back.

Carolin Benjamin
Bob and Carolin Benjamin
The Benjamin Team
Keller Williams Integrity First Realty
Gold Canyon Arizona

Thanks for the advice.  I just purchased a new computer for my kids because the other one is just about crippled with ... I don't even know what - I've always had virus protection on it and it is scheduled to run at night and everything.  I am going to try installing this from the get go.  Do you guys still schedule virus scans at night or on any kind of schedule or anything?  

I scan my whole computer once a month or so with AVG. The good thing with AVG is that it runs in the background, so if you start downloading a file that has a virus for example, it will pop up a warning window and let you know. Also, it will download any and all updates every time you turn on your computer (unless you turn this option off). A little box will pop and show you this, then it gives you 30 seconds before it automatically closes.

Maureen- let me know if you have any problems or questions installing it. It should be relatively simple!

I really appreciate you sharing this information!  I've been looking for a really good anti-virus software, and nothing is better than a personal rave.  And it's free!  Thanks!

Jim & Maria~

You're welcome! Glad to be able to help. Let me know if you need help with the program!

Great post, Shannon. Just last week I downloaded AVG Free after the advice from a friend of mine because I got tired of all the problems I was having with Norton. Gotta say, I LOVE IT! In fact, AVG discovered 3 viruses on my comp after the first scan that Norton had missed.

See me not spending anymore money on Norton or any of the other "big" names out there.

Never heard of it, but will take a look.  Always good to know about reliable programs.

Troy Heffner - Marina Del Rey, CA

I've used it for years and yes, it updates almost every day for me.  Can't do better than that!

Shannon, GREAT product, I too have used this FREE product for quite some time now.  Great recommendation!

This is the software my computer geek put on my laptop.  I'd never heard of it before that.

Shannon,

Thanks for the info.  I will try it.

Walt

I was told the Microsoft free spyware is great also...
Thanks for the info! More is usually good when you don't take too much time sifting through it.

I agree that AVG is a better product than the "other guy".  I had been using Norton until my teenager showed me the free version of AVG.  He downloaded it for me, and shortly thereafter, I completely deleted the Norton program from the computer.  After using the free version on my home computer for awhile, I went to the paid version since I do use it for business as well.  In the past, I have had nothing but problems with Norton, but AVG proved to be easy to install and works with every program that is on the computer, without having to fuss with anything.  However, I do have Norton installed on my laptop (office policy if I want to interact with the office system) and have had no problems with it.  On the other hand, I had it installed by a professional.   If anyone asks, I always direct them to AVG.

Shannon- Thanks for sharing this info.  I have used AVG for about a year and would recommend it to everyone.

I use AVG on my home computer and last night as I logged on to www.blogflux.com it warned me that I was downloading the Trojan horse JS/Uniz.B.  I told it to "heal" it but wasn't sure what had happened exactly.  This morning when it did its system scan (automatically scheduled) there were five copies of that Trojan Horse in the Virus vault.  My hardware tech support guy is coming out in a couple of days to install more memory so I will have him double check and make sure everything is aok, but I think it probably is, thanks to AVG! 

Great articel.  I have been using this for years with no problems at all.  Also try Spybot search and destry for removing spyware.

Thank you very much for sharing, this is really good information!

I'll have to go check this one out, you can't beat Free and the other "paid" versions just seem to take over your machine.

Thank you for telling people about this. I have a new laptop and it comes with norton but I don't want to pay for it! I like free stuff! Thanks

AVG is great but I also like the relatively low cost alternative NOD32.  I just got a new laptop and both compnies I tlaked to in shopping for my laptop recommended NOD32.  I am not technical enough to tell you why but...just a thought!

Also, I recently did a blog on the importance of backing up your computer.  (equally important as the virus detection programs)  Click here if you would like to read it!

Jo Potvin              Design To Market LLC             www.designtomarketllc.com

Wow, this is great information, Shannon. I'll have to come back and install this when my trial subscription is up with Norton. Thanks!

Shannon,

Good news. The Norton subscription runs out soon and it's time to try something different, so we'll give this AVG a chance. It being free is even better. Can never be too careful with all the trouble you can get from the Internet. Thanks for the tip.

Shannon, I've been using it a few months now. I was tired of McAfee and Norton. They were getting bigger and bigger and taking up more system resources (even with 4 GB and dual core, they slow you down).

Shannon, Our company IT department recomended this to me a couple of years ago. On their suggestion I uninstalled Norton and just use Avg and Spy Sweeper.

Ginger 

Thank you so much. My current antivirus software is not cutting it and I have been looking for a new one. I will check this out. Thanks again.

Have used this for years and love it.   It is effective and also 100% free.    I also advocate ZoneAlarm as a free firewall.    Thanks for the post.

Our family's subscription to Norton runs out in a couple months.  Might have to give this a try.

Anyone see or hear what any of the trade magazines have to say about it?

I use several programs that I run on a regular basis to scan my registry, system etc.  These programs are all only as good as their definitions.  Which is why I like to run a couple of different programs.

It is almost time to renew my updates for Norton.  I think I will give this free version a try instead!

I think AVG is great.  It was recommended to me when I was having trouble printing from my wireless laptop to the print server my computer guy helped me set up.  Norton and MAcafee are almost impossible in those envirnments and AVG seem to work flawlessly.  I have to say that NOD32 seems good as well but it is not free.

I have a computer that is running very slowly.  Four techies told me to get rid of Norton and two recommended switching to AVG.  Guess I'm sold on it too.

Shannon, Thanks for the tip!  I've been putting off renewing my (now expired) Norton Anti-Virus.  Now that I read your post I'm glad I procrastinated!

These days one NEEDS to have anti-spyware software... and not just one package.  I found that different programs picked up different problems.  So, I have a couple.  I'm going to have to check out this one, too.  

I use AVG  and it rocks

I love AVG and recommend it to everyone!!!!

I'm also a very big fan of AVG free... works well and love the price.

I use AVG exclusively.  I highly recommend it.  It is much better than Norton or McAfee

I am also a big fan of AVG; however, I am also a fan of obeying the law. Make sure you actually read the license agreement to which you consent. The free version is strictly for personal use. If you use it on your business computer, you should buy the license for use in a business. Not that anyone is likely to catch you violating the license agreement, but it is the right thing to do.

I have tested AVG and its ok but as far as being prefectly resource free and fast is AVAST

Check out www.avast.com

youll be glad you did you can get the home edition for free for life much better in my opinion than AVG

oh yeah and make sure you have downloaded AVG antispyware as well.You must have AVG antivirus and antispyware running

one icon has a superman s on it in your tray

Its good to be in the Rain 

Thanks for the post. I am going to check it out. I use yahoo and downloaded their "improved" virus protection. My computer was barely usable. It took over 10 minutes to boot and then ran slowly, so I deleted the antivirus and went back to an earlier version.

Shannon,

We were toldto use it by our computer guy....great move.

Just a quick "FYI"

All COMCAST broadband subscribers can download/install a COMPLETE suite of computer security protection suite from McAfee absolutely FREE.  This is not freeware/shareware or a trial version either. It includes everything from the firewall to spam/virus protection, to pop-up blockers and more.  I was previously paying annually for a McAfee service until I found out about this FREE offer ($120/yr value) for subscribers.  Go to the Comcast website for details.  They will check your connection to authenticate your subscription.  Good luck!

Hey Sharron,

Great post. Ihad just purchased a new laptop before Christmas, andI bought the new Amti Virus

from Norton. This Beast uses up a pile of resources (it's a hog) so much so that I ended up uninstalling all of it and installed AVG. Norton thinks every thing is a threat and really slows down the average machine.

So, everyone do youself a favot...get rid of Norton...you won't believe how much more enjoyable

you surfing experience will be. In fact, the norton won't let me install any printers on my laptop,

but it does now with AVG.

Joey Ross

Thanks for the great tip!

Shannon, thanks for sharing this info.  Great post.  I think alot of people will take advantage of this info.

I agree. AVG is one of the better free virus protection software packages.

Shannon,

I have on all our computers and it works great......free and functional what a great combination.

I have been using this program as well for sometime. It has worked great, and who can beat free??

Thanks for the tip. Great post!

I tried AVG a couple of years ago & found that it really slowed my 'puter down.  Have they made it less "heavy" ??

Shannon,
Glad to hear it is working well for you!  It worked great for me for about a year and then I started having TONS of pop-ups etc and figured out, after some digging, that AVG was not catching everything anymore. I did some research and, with a $20 off coupon code (gotta love google searches for "online coupon codes, huh?!) got Kaspersky for my 3 computers for $60 for a year.  The pop-ups stopped immediately!  I had never suspected AVG because it had worked well for so long.  I hope others have more success - can't beat FREE if it works :-)

THANKS FOR SHARING!

I love AVG but I installed a Cosmi .pdf Creatoer and one of the main components of that program keeps getting removed as a worm by AVG.

It is similar in name ot a worm that is out there but the worm has a "." in it.

The AVG website has a posting by someone else that has the same problem with a different program, but there is no tech support for the free version.

I actually recommend AVG to anyone who doesn't have any anti-virus installed...did you know that most Refurbished and Open Source Computers come equipped with AVG already installed...I just love AVG and highly vouch for it!

Hi Shannon-I too have used this and it is great. Thanks for sharing!

The technician at Dell had me load this on my computer after McAfee was causing problems.  It works great and I recommend it, too.

Wow, I've always paid for mine.  I have a subscription that is expiring in June and I am gong to check this out.  Thanks!

AVG is great.  My DSL installer mentioned it was what he used and it has been dointg it's job for us ever since. 

Shannon, Thanks for the tech info, it really helped.

Shannon, this is a great tool. I use it myself......just stopped paying for Symantec. ;-) My IP suggested it. 

We use CCleaner and Adaware and TrendMicro for the server computers. Trendmicro costs for the company, but we use the free versions of the other two.

Thanks for keeping this post current.

Richard

Hi Shannon,

I am just one more in a string of many stating that I too have used this program for MANY years!

For free, I have no better suggestions. AVG is OK but can at times be the cause of some issues, also the pay version of AVG may actually run slower than Norton (if thats possible!)

I really like Windows Live OneCare for those who are less tech savy (although I am decent with technology and I use it) and Trend Micro also makes a GREAT product.

Reminder: you MUST uninstall any old antivirus programs you have before installing a new one!

Tip: Use antivirus.com, they have a housecall feature that will do a free scan of your computer to help eliminate any viruses, etc you have on your computer! It is very thorough, and best of all free!

AVG is what I use. I have been pretty happy with it!

I am lucky I bookmarked this post from last year, because I guess AVG is trying to sell their products now and I didn't realize the free version was still available until I did the google search like the post recommends. thanks

Instead of AVG we went with the newest version of NOD32 - 3.0.###.  We have it on all six computers and so get a quantity discount.  We switched because Norton seemed to take up too much of our ram and slowed down the systems.  NOD32 has a very small "footprint".  It does not affect the speed of your computer.

AVG was causing me problems by vonstantly putting one of the .exe files for my .pdf creator in the virus vault. This same thing is happening to other AVG users with lots of different programs.

I now use AVAST! Free and Zone Alarm Free.