Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREE CNET Editors' note: The Download Now link will download a small installer file to your desktop. Remain online and double-click the installer to proceed with the actual download. To learn more about AVG products and to ask questions and receive answers from AVG company representatives, please visit CNET's dedicated AVG Forum.
CNET Editors' review
AVG Free provides the bare necessities when it comes to security, but that should be enough for savvy Windows users. You'll get a combined antivirus and antimalware engine, LinkScanner, and e-mail scanning. AVG Free 9 introduces a few new features, with improvements focused on performance, including claims of faster scan and boot times. One new feature is the Identity Theft Recovery Unit. Only for users in the United States, ITRU is a business partnership with Identity Guard which provides "consumer identity theft solutions," accessible only from the AVG toolbar in Firefox and Internet Explorer.
The interface is nearly unchanged from the last version, and generally it's easy to use. From the main window, though, you must double-click to get further information on any feature, whether virus scanning, LinkScanner settings, or updating. Streamlining this to one click would be helpful. A scheduling utility automates both scans and updates, while the upgrade ad at the screen's bottom can be easily hidden using the Hide Notification button. When starting a scan, a slider makes it easy to jump between Slow, Automatic, and Fast scans: the faster the scan, the less comprehensive it is, so users should take advantage of the scan optimization that is recommended during installation to speed up that first scan. A progress meter for regular scans would've been useful, though. Should a virus create serious problems, AVG creates a rescue disk to scan your computer in MS-DOS mode.
The LinkScanner feature protects you from third-party code exploits before they load in your browser and for ranking search results. Annoyingly, when you install its optional toolbar, it commandeers your new-tab page, decidedly inappropriate behavior. The program doesn't obviously tax your system when scanning or when running in the background, although CNET Labs determined that it will significantly slow down your system's boot time, and slightly delay shutting down. AVG also detected some image files as threats, when two other scans decided they weren't--we decided these were false positives. AVG might not be the fastest or the most effective free security option, but it still gets the job done and you're better off with it.
AVG Antivirus Free-Protect your PC from viruses and malware.-Download Video Previews:Publisher's Description
From AVG Technologies USA:
AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition is an anti-virus protection tool available free of charge to home users. Rapid virus database updates are available for the lifetime of the product, thereby providing the high level of detection capability.
The new 9.0 edition is faster, safer and easier to use. AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition gives you free rock solid protection for your basic security needs. The combined anti-virus/anti-spyware scanner in AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition runs up to 50% faster than earlier versions and doesn't get in your way. AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition also delivers new anti-phishing detection techniques, which can quickly and accurately determine whether or not a web page is hosting a phishing attack. Additionally, version 9.0 comes with basic anti-rootkit protection to ensure protection against sophisticated hidden threats.
What's new in this version: Version 9.0 runs and installs faster, delivers new anti-phishing detection techniques and introduces the AVG LinkScanner to proactively screen the Web pages you haven't even visited yet. For added peace of mind, you also get safety ratings for your Google, Yahoo! and Bing/MSN search results.
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All versions:
4.0 starsout of 24,207 votes
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Current version:
3.4 starsout of 367 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"So far I really like the program."
Version: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0.851
Pros
It is efficient, doesn't shutdown my computer when it runs & noted a couple viruses that other programs missed.
Cons
At this time after 3 months I have no complaints.
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"Ridiculously slow!"
Version: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0.851
Pros
Frequent definition updates
Cons
I USED to love AVG, but since version 9.x was released I can no longer recommend it. it uses absurd amounts of system resources, slows machines WAY down and does NO better a job than Microsoft Security Essentials which is MUCH faster.
Summary
As a computer consultant I recommend anti-virus and anti-malware programs to my clients all the time. AVG used to be on the top of my list and on my flash drives for installation on customers' computers. I no longer use or recommend this software as it has become bloated and SLOW. I now use and recommend Microsoft Security Essentials. MUCH faster and very thorough. I hope AVG gets their act together and makes the code more efficient in future releases.
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"Best No Cost Protection You Can Get"
Version: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0.851
Pros
Keeps Majority Of Trouble Out Of Average Consumers Hair.
Cons
Nothing So Far I have Had AVG Ever Since The First Release I Love It
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"USEFUL!RECOMMEND"
Version: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0.851
Pros
It protects my computer against all threats. Feel easy with its help.
Cons
now nothing
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Version: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0.851
Pros
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"Works as well or better than my other product."
Version: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0.851
Pros
It doesn't interfere with the use of my computer the way the expensive one did.
Cons
So far, nothing.
Summary
The product protects my computer without interfering with my daily use. The expensive product would interfere with my usage every day when it updated. I reallylike the product and I feel very secure with it.
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"Annoying and Bad Detection"
Version: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0.851
Pros
It offers a nice link scanner, and decent protection. This version is also free.
Cons
It's annoying, and slows down my computer. It detects even the safest of items, and keeps bothering me to upgrade my version to professional.
Summary
I was very disappointed with AVG about their new Anti-virus.
Sure, it includes the link scanner, and other decent features. But I skipped this version for Avast. Bottom-line, I hate it. -
"Glad to have AVG operating for me"
Version: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0.851
Pros
AVG has been helping my PC for several years. I have been most thankdul.
Cons
There is a little uncertainity as to this application being accepted and valid.
Summary
My previous usaage of AVG has been sufficient for my use. I am looking forward to having this service on my new Dell computer.
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"Seemed on the surface to work well for a freeware"
Version: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0.851
Pros
Yes its free but as they say you get what you pay for. This program can clean out cookies and thats about it.
Cons
Bib Con. Picked up Adware Virus two weeks ago that went around AVG like it wasn't even there. Was totally useless and did absolutely nothing to protect my computer.
Summary
I DO NOT recommend this protection. Yes it can find simple cookies and such but it will NOT protect your computer from a virus. The new Adware Virus' take over your computer and basically nothing works.
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"dun trust other fake 1-star comments"
Version: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0.851
Pros
- Best In Class protection w/ free daily updates
- Complete Protection: real-time Link Scanner (not slow down browser), Email Scanner (works great w/ Outlook), strong Anti-Malware & Anti-Virus.
- Great Winning History of Professional protectionCons
- Hard-sell.... I don't like the fact that the installation would lure you to buy the ID theft protection. However, I understand even freeware could us any chance to advertise and bundle w/ other software during installation process.
Summary
Don't you see a marketing trend setup by Avira ir Avast antivirus... First of all, those two companies creates product that speels like AVG. They are trying hard to flood different download sites with 1-star feedbacks, thinking to bring down AVG's long term #1 best rated and most download status.
Every little 1-star comments here is to promote those two, while trashing AVG. Only time will tell. Those other imitator won't last long. I'll leave it up to you to decide.
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