AVG AntiVirus is Actually Malware? - Comments Page 1

What anti-virus do you recommend now?

I agree that an uninstall via Windows should be sufficient but I remember Norton and having to use their removal tool on NAV. I generally use CCleaner for removal although Revo Uninstaller is another quality choice. Still needed the Removal Tool, though, for Norton Anti Virus.

My understanding is that the inability to remove security software with normal or regular uninstall tools, is by design. This way, a malware would not be able to (easily) remove the pre-installed antidote. B.T.W., Avira is designed with similar protection, you need to download the Avira uninstall tool to remove it.

You do realize that there is a ad for AVG on your page?I use Avg, have had no problems.

Thanks Bob, It's because of your articles that I changed from Avast to AVG thinking I was getting the better of the two, now this.
As Terry L H asks: What FREE antivirus DO you recommend now?

1st, I would not cont on system restore. I always do a system image backup. 2nd I have a program called Delinv File located here www.purgeie.com/delinv/
It has always worked on stubborn files and folders

Thanks Bob. Haven't had the AVG problem, because I followed you advise and went with Avast way back.

I did recently have a problem with downloading an Amazon Music Prime utility into Windows 10 - it killed my internet access, and after spending a day rebooting/trying forum tricks etc, going back to a previous restore, I ended up having to delete all my apps to bring back my internet access. In the endI think the problem was a small program "boleander?" that someone had identified as a utility to bridge your internet firewall, and had caused some problems for others using the itunes app. Sorry if off topic - feel free to delete.

Keep up the good work, and thanks again.

I used the free version of AVG for many years, but found it more headache than help a good 5 years or so ago.
I refuse to deal with any program that cannot easily be removed cleanly which x'ed out Norton and McAfee many years ago.
I currently use Bitdefender and MalewareBytes Premium. I am one of the fortunate who had purchased the upgrade of MalewareBytes (which was a one time purchase, NOT a subscription) BEFORE they came out with Premium. And fortunately they were gracious enough to honor that and grandfather me into a lifetime Premium.
So at this time, I am happy with that combination. As always in the tech world, subject to what happens tomorrow!

I stopped using Avast and AVG many years ago. Those programs actually did more harm than good. I do not trust them. I currently use PC Matic, Advanced System Care and and Wise Care 365. Thank you for the article. You confirmed what I already knew about Avast and AVG.

I have had absolutely none of the problems you mention. I have used AVG for more years than I can remember (including plenty in the computer industry), and I always recommend it.

I installed AVG 3 mo ago and every sence I have been having memory problems (out of memory) and have to re boot to clear

OK Bob, thanks for the info, now what do you suggest? I am constantly being asked to upgrade my program, for a cost of course.

Avast is doing the crap with CCleaner. Install a CCleaner update and get Avast or AVG. I will never use Avast or AVG again!

the post by Joe Farkus (24 Aug 2018) hit the nail on the head!

Another simple trick to remove "unremovable" files in Windows:
- Boot up you trusty live-CD Linux distribution.
- Navigate to the parent of the offending directory
- su to root (find ahead of time the root password of your live cd)
- # rm -rf (offending directory).

Bob,

Great article. I have noticed Avast playing with me as well--sending me notices that it found things wrong that I could fix and then trying to sell me software instead of just telling me what the problems are. And I love the analogy to the Cavalier. I owned a Pontiac Sunbird and you forgot to mention that it was a Cavalier that looked like the younger brother of the TransAm.

I used to have AVAST awhile back and for some forgotten idea switched to AVG. But the popups drove me crazy and am back, happily with AVAST.

Now that I've used Revo Uninstaller, I'm appalled at what Windows Install leaves behind. Epson Scan settings apparently can also survive system restore from restore point. I'm looking to replace AVG. I've used it for years but now too many pop-ups including scare tactics to solicit paid upgrades. I agree 100% someone should take charge and fixes NAVy's malicious tactics!

One thing I always hated about AVG is how they promoted their Free version. You go to their site, click on the Free link, you ended up with the full version install and if you didn't understand the difference between the basic and full protection choice during install, (basic=free, full=paid), I've had to many people call me over the years wondering why their free version was going to expire. And to make things worse the only way to switch from paid to free was the uninstall process. I had Avira for over a decade until it started causing more problems than it solved. I currently use Avast and the popups are annoying.

Through the years, I've lost count of the paid and free anti-this/that-&-the-other programs I've installed, to supposedly protect our various computers.

Many imposed a nasty hit on system resources, noticeably slowing them. Some were inconsistent in the comparison ratings, often dropping in effectiveness over time. Others required white-listing numerous files, due to incessant false-positives and not playing well with commonly used programs. Too many employ nag-screen pop-ups to get you to upgrade... and then of course, there's always the ones that for whatever reason, do stuff to attract a plethora of negative media attention.

Most recently, I've bounced between Avast and lastly AVG, with the same annoyance with which Bob so eloquently compares to a dysfunctional family. Doesn't it seem strange that we've gotta stay vigilant and constantly watch over their shoulders for those sneaky downloads and other trickery, which is no longer beneath companies known for computer "security"?