This week I got the opportunity to review AVG free, a free virus protection program.  I have used this
software for quite some time now and I do think it is pretty solid.  Fast and easy installation, automatic
internet updates and a friendly user interface are just some of the reasons why I like this product.  As
you read further, you too will see the benefits that AVG can provide for you.

This software is produced by Grisoft, but it can be downloaded at many locations (download.com,
filehippo.com, etc).  There are several versions; I will be discussing the free version, AVG Free 7.5.  The free version is just
anti-virus protection; other versions (which are not free) do include malware and spyware protection.  This is compatible with
Windows 98 and onward, as well as a Linux version.  There is a version for everyone, well except our Apple friends.

What do you need?

This product will be compatible with most of the computers in use today.  The resources required are low; you will need 16MB
of RAM and 20MB of free disk space.  The enhanced versions of the product can require up to 64MB of RAM.

Installation

This is one of the easiest programs I have installed, just follow the on-screen display and you are set to go.  First, you will need
to download the installation file.  My favorite is at http://www.filehippo.com/download_ewido/.  Just double click the file and off
you go, here is what my install looked like:

 

 

After you hit next, accept the license agreement.

 

Select what kind of install you want to do, I will choose Custom.

 

Select where you want to install the program.

 

Select what components you like; plugins for email and Microsoft Office.

 

View your installation summary and make sure it is to your liking.

 

Now, watch it install.

 

Good job, you are all set.

 

Now, we can check for the most recent updates on the Internet.

 

You can decide if you would like daily scanning.

 

After that, everything is up to date and you are secure.

 

Here is what the Test Center looks like, you can go through and see the current state of each component.

The installation is a breeze and now you are protected.  The feature that I like the most is probably the scheduled scanning.  Once you have this configured to your liking, it is a great tool to have.  Instead of being interrupted with a scan while you are in the middle of important work, you can schedule a scan when you are not around.  The biggest downfall of this free version (in my opinion) is that there is not any malware or spyware protection offered.  You will need to get another program for that, if you want total protection.

All in all I would definitely recommend this program.  If your budget is tight and you want great protection, this is the way to go.  There are many features to fool around with and i’m sure you will not be disappointed.  See for yourself, the links listed below should help in your decision.

 

Info from Grisoft
http://free.grisoft.com/ 

Link to download
http://www.filehippo.com/

Program review
http://anti-virus-software-review.toptenreviews.com/avg-review.html

Link to download
http://www.download.com/3000-2239_4-10703202.html

CNET review
http://reviews.cnet.com/antivirus-and-filtering/avg-anti-virus-7/4505-3681_7-32153594.html?tag=prod.txt.1

Wikipedia explanation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AVG_Anti-Virus

Filed under: Technical Articles on July 30th, 2007 |