How Good is AVG Anti-Virus Free 2011? - Comments Page 1

Since you recently did an article about Microsoft's Security Essentials, I was disappointed that you did not mention it in your comparison to AVG 2011 free Anti-Virus program.

How bout it?

I downloaded the free version and attempted to install it so that I could run a comparison with MS Security Essentials. The installer refused to install it unless I removed MS Security Essentials from my computer. Had it asked me to disable MSSE during the installation, I would have done so.

This is NOT good process.

I have tried product and on XP (SP3) machines all is fine and appears efficient, however on Vista (SP2) product fails to install and somehow manages to disable IE8! I am a bit confused...........

I downloaded both the AVG Anti-Virus Free 2011 and the Malwarebytes AntiMalware. The AVG found one virus, then I ran the Malwarebytes and it found 2 more. Thanks for your info!!

I used AVG for 3 years before I decided to upgrade to a more potent A/V. AVG worked okay for me...it removed 90% of the viruses and Trojans, and it was easy to use. An IT friend of mine recommended VIPRE so I plunked $30 down and installed it. The first scan picked up 2 trojans that I didn't even know was living in my PC. It took about 35 minutes to scan the first time but ever since it only takes about 15 minutes(and it uses very FEW resources!)

Updating the virus definitions is done automatically and it can scan while you work! It also scans emails.....and acts as a firewall!

I've had it for 2 years and love it! AVG is good product considering what the price is...but if you want extra protection....get VIPRE!

I read your article on Microsoft Essential and I maybe wrong but I thought you said it was better than malware bytes. So I uninstalled malware bytes and installed microsoft essential. Which do you recommend for the average user?

EDITOR'S NOTE: MSE does have an anti-spyware component, so MBAM is not strictly necessary. But you can use MBAM in a scan-as-needed manner along with MSE if you like.

I've been using AVG free since 2001 and havent had any issues. I think of any A/V program as secondary protection. The first line of defense is always just plain common sense and knowing how to surf, what to click on and what not to click on.

I'd just like to make a comment about something you said
"Support - And of course, the paid version gives you access to tech support and assistance with the product. Users of the Free version have to figure it out for themselves."

Just to say that you are correct in saying that AVG doesn't support the free version. However, there is support for AVG 2011 free in the forums which are run by volunteers.

I installed AVG 2011 on Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 3 (build 2600). Every morning, AVG tried to install a program I did not want and rendered my computer useless. The only way to get back online was to use Restore and risk lossing my work for the day.

I removed AVG 2011 and re-installed my older version of AVG Free and had no problem since.

I would not recommend this program until AVG figures out what is the problem.

I downloaded the 2011 a few days ago and it does scan the computer a little faster from the previous versions. I'm not convinced it removes all malware either. But it's a good program for checking things without spending any money. Might not work for a serious threat from a highly motivated individual, but for every day threats, it's good.
Thanks AVG as I like this program better than pay for Norton.

How excruciatingly funny you should post this today! I just got home from work and found that AVG has AGAIN re-installed itself making a half dozen unnecessary short-cuts for its operation.

All I ask is that it updates itself at 2 am and scans at 3 am and otherwise leaves me alone. I am considering junking it!

Some users report a conflict between AVG 2011 and Malware bytes anti spyware, causing computer freezing.

I have used AVG free for 4 years and have not had any problems.

I have used AVG for the past 5 years, with ZONE alarm and have had no problems

"...compared to 89 percent for Norton Antivirus 2001.."

Did you mean Norton Antivirus 2011, Bob?

EDITOR'S NOTE: Quite right, thanks! Typo fixed now.

I have used free AVG for about 5 years without any problem. I also use Malwarebytes and Zone Alarm firewall. I updated to AVG 2011 on 2 systems with no problems. My 2002 XP laptop didn't seem to like the new AVG 2011 so I installed MSE on it.

Today (10.26.10) you have a posting about the new AVG 2011, and for you,there are no problems. However, for this site, there are serious problems and this is why I didn't install it yet: http://forums.avg.com/us-en/avg-free-forum?sec=thread&act=show&id=118109. Comments?

EDITOR'S NOTE: This person says: "When you install this app, you are forced to accept the following component:

PC Analyzer, which leads you to eventually download the next component: PC TuneUp.. it will pop-up to bother you a miniumum of every FOUR hours demanding a one-time scan." Not true. I installed AVG 2011 and had no such problem.

I used AVG free for years and liked it. I have recently switched to Microsoft Security Essentials on the recommendation of a computer expert friend. We use it in tandem with Malwarebytes and have been very happy with it so far. About time Microsoft put out a good free program. Maybe they can start to recover some good will. They have a long way to go with me but I am willing to be persuaded if they work hard enough.

AVG 2011 will not install unless I remove MS Windows Security Essentials. I like AVG but also like Security Essentials. So for the time being I'll stick to AVG 9.

I find that AVG (all versions) does remove infections but isn't good with removing malwares.

I now use a combination of Avast 5.0 (free version) and Malwarebyte's anti-malware (free version) which is pretty stable. If your using AVG & Malwarebyte's anti-malware its okay but as someone mentioned earlier the computer freezes half the time.

You can however use AVG's Boot CD scanner which pretty handy.

So yeah use 3 different tools: Avast 5.0, Malwarebyte's anti-malware and AVG Bootable CD scanner.