AVG 8 Free, and other free Antivirus Programs

[sparky]

I downloaded AVG 8 with no problem direct from the AVG website - all 46MB of it. I maybe wrong but recall AVG was only 7 or 8MB not that long ago.

This laptop I use purely for the internet is still running the Windows 2000 it is licensed for. It is SP4 with downloaded updates.

I ran the default install of AVG 8 which removed my AVG 7.5 then installed 8 without any problems.

However when it comes to the both the initial configuration and the manual configuration it will not keep the settings for runninf automatic updates.

I uninstalled and installed again but still the same.

Is this a limitation of AVG8 free (like AVG anti-spyware) or a problem with my system?

Also I noticed the system booted significantly faster without AVG.

I have now removed AVG8 again and loaded Avast.
It seems to load faster than AVG.
Any comments about Avast, or other free anti-virus will be appreciated.

I am also running Comodo Firewall and Spyware Terminator.

[Deuce Bigolo]

Version 8 is anti-virus & spyware henceforth the bigger file presumably

The no update might be a gliche or a downside...dont know

Recent discussion about avg


The bottom line with freeware is you've got to run a lot more software to stay safe because the dangers today are so much more immediate

Jacques link here is a good starting place


Another good one is here

[Sam Slater]

Did you have a look at Linux Ubuntu, Deuce? I know you were thinking about it.

[Trumpton]

AVG only offers basic protection. It's anti-spyware features are quite good. If you want something more substantial then the only other choice is to pay for a quality AVP. I wouldn't recommend Norton though - it's far too expensive what for it actually provides.

[Deuce Bigolo]

still in thinking mode...procrastination is my middle name

The more I read about the ineffectivness of anti-virus,anti-spyware
Time will tell whether the new sandbox software is the cure



An XP/linux dual boot will be the most likely path I'll go down when i become more familiar with linux.Dont hold your breath as I'm like the proverbial tortoise when change is involved

[Cenobitez]

I would check your Router as many have Firewalls built in, which means you maybe running pointless software

Spyware wise, Spybot Seek and Destroy, its written by the type of person would write the spyware in first place a hacker and its really rather good.

Without a virus scanner your machine will always be quicker, because th virus scanner is prob scanning every file you open (incl parts of windows) before you see them open, which causes a slow down, so onviously some speed is lost due to this.

I use AVG on my shared machine, but other than I don't have any on my main machine, I do run HouseCall every week tho, and it never finds anything.

Your anti-spyware/virus/trojan/etc is only as good as the person using it

Avast, AVG, Panda, Norton etc all do nearly same job, just some are better in other area's than others and some are 'internet securiy for dummies' so they add loads of crap that is useless but makes it look like your getting your moneys worth

[sparky]

Thanks for all the comments.

On the Comodo website it is stated AVG8 is compatible with Comodo V3 for XP but not 2.4 for Win 2000.

Hence I will run Avast4.8, Comodo 2.4 and Spyware Terminator.

I will post any issues I have in case they help someone else.