AVG Free Upgraded to 8.5.278

[JRViejo]

Just like the Paid version, the newest AVG Free version has become available via their Web site on March 2nd.

Installation File (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba2) - There's a typo on this page. Both downloadable files state 8.5 for Windows yet the version column shows the correct number for each. Need to pay attention before downloading.

Documentation (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba3) - Again, another typo. Both User Manuals state 8.5. Look at the version column for the correct 8.5 PDF.

Extra Protection (http://free.avg.com/download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition#tba2) - As you can see, AVG Free does not contain many of the features found in the AVG Paid, including their newest Identity Theft Protection.

I downloaded 8.5.278 and installed it over 8.0.237, again without the LinkScanner and AVG Toolbar. Rebooted and found that none of my settings (no scheduled scans and updates; no scan on boot) had been changed from the previous 8.0.

Have not found any changes in the UI yet, except that the Notification Ad pop-up (at the bottom of the UI) is back and the old method (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showpost.php?p=1380231&postcount=4) of preventing it from showing does not work.

I did notice a little delay on the appearance of my ZA tray icon upon boot and during this delay, via Task Manager, saw that the AVG resident shield was using about 40% CPU Usage to scan the firewall initialization. After the ZA icon's appearance, CPU Usage calmed down to nothing.

Haven't had the chance to scan the whole computer yet but will report as soon as possible. So far, excellent work by AVG not to disrupt previous settings of mine with this new version.

[Vladimyr]

Anybody noticed any important differences? (i.e. reasons for ex-AVG 8.0 Free users to migrate back?)

[RejZoR]

Lacking behavior detection, i'd say no. Thats pretty lame imo.

[progress]

-{ Quote: "
Have not found any changes in the UI yet, except that the Notification Ad pop-up (at the bottom of the UI) is back and the old method (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showpost.php?p=1380231&postcount=4) of preventing it from showing does not work.
" }-

That's right :ouch:

I noticed that Surf-Shield can be disabled separately in AVG 8.5 :blink:

[JRViejo]

-{ Quote: "Anybody noticed any important differences? (i.e. reasons for ex-AVG 8.0 Free users to migrate back?)" }-
Vladimyr, this is the only available info, so far: AVG 8.5 Free - Any speciific improvements? (http://freeforum.avg.com/read.php?12,175780,backpage=,sv=)

[JRViejo]

-{ Quote: "I noticed that Surf-Shield can be disabled separately in AVG 8.5 :blink:" }-
ance, this previous FAQ AVG Active Surf-Shield cannot be disabled (http://free.avg.com/faq.num-1674#faq_1674) did say that it would be fixed in an upcoming update. Thanks for confirming that!

[JRViejo]

Ran a whole computer scan and although I don't mind the wait, it was a tad slower than a previous version 8.0 scan:

v8.5.278 - Total Objects Scanned: 652,014 - 1 Hour 48 Minutes (today).

v8.0.176 - Total Objects Scanned: 996,338 - 1 Hour 29 Minutes (2 months ago).

I want to emphasize and clarify that I have removed quite a lot of downloaded software in the past month, so the difference in total objects between the scans, might not be indicative of an objects reductions by AVG. Scan process priority was set at Fast scan in both instances and no other program was running during the scans.

Only found 2 Potentially Unwanted Programs: Nirsoft's IE Password View and its Restore Point. Since I know this program is legit, I placed these 2 virus vault entries in the PUP Exceptions advanced settings and restored them.

[RejZoR]

1 update check per 24 hours. Are they living in stone age or what? ::)

[Eice]

-{ Quote: "1 update check per 24 hours. Are they living in stone age or what? ::)" }-
The fact that you can easily remedy that problem with Windows' own Task Scheduler notwithstanding, that's still much better than some other vendors and their 1 update released per 24 hours.

[progress]

-{ Quote: "that's still much better than some other vendors and their 1 update released per 24 hours." }-

I absolutely agree! ;D

[JRViejo]

While is true that the AVG Free version, by default, updates once a day, one can disable that automatic task, via Advanced settings, and manually update as many times as one wants. Right clicking the AVG tray icon also allows to Update now.

The Wilders' Update Alerts (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=34) section does an excellent job of keeping up with all AVG updates and it's where I keep my eye out for any new updates.

[RejZoR]

-{ Quote: "The fact that you can easily remedy that problem with Windows' own Task Scheduler notwithstanding, that's still much better than some other vendors and their 1 update released per 24 hours." }-

Well, why hacking the thing when it could have that out of the box.
No wonder why i keep on returning to avast!. I don't have to hack it into pieces just to make it half functional.

[Eice]

-{ Quote: "Well, why hacking the thing when it could have that out of the box.
No wonder why i keep on returning to avast!. I don't have to hack it into pieces just to make it half functional." }-
Unfortunately, no amount of hacking some other vendor's product to shreds is going to make them update any faster. With AVG you get a 2-minute, permanent, and unobtrusive workaround. With product X there's nothing you can do about it.

[Vladimyr]

So glad I've never used 'product X' - do they advertise? ;D

[JRViejo]

May I remind everyone of Wilders' General Policy Statement - Antivirus Section (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=180128) and that this thread's intention is to point out details of and discuss AVG's newest Free version update only, not a comparison between other AV products.

Update: Installation Files (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba2) - the 8.0.237 version download has been removed.

[virtumonde]

-{ Quote: "

I did notice a little delay on the appearance of my ZA tray icon upon boot and during this delay, via Task Manager, saw that the AVG resident shield was using about 40% CPU Usage to scan the firewall initialization. After the ZA icon's appearance, CPU Usage calmed down to nothing.

" }-
Hello is this something that can be disabled?Cos i tryed the pro version a week ago without any other security software installed and when i noticed this i dumped it.If it's a scan at start-up feature that can be unchecked ,and i missed it during my short trial i will like to know.
Thanks

[robinb]

do you need to uninstall 8.0 to get this because i am not seeing it come through the updaterin the free version nor the paid version?

robin

[progress]

It is only possible to upgrade by running a repair installation mode (download the 8.5.278 package and run it on your computer, you'll see the option). Program update is planned to be released in the nearest future to all AVG Free 8.x users. ;)

[JRViejo]

-{ Quote: "Hello is this something that can be disabled?Cos i tryed the pro version a week ago without any other security software installed and when i noticed this i dumped it.If it's a scan at start-up feature that can be unchecked ,and i missed it during my short trial i will like to know.
Thanks" }-
virtumonde, the funny thing is that I have disabled the scan on boot via Tools > Advanced settings > Schedules > Scheduled scan > Enable this task and yet the Resident Shield seems "nosier" in this latest version than before.

The ZA tray icon is still a bit slow to show up and I can see the same 40% or so CPU usage during this process yet it does come down as soon as the icon appears. I'm willing to live with it but I'm keeping an eye on their forum for any future potential ZA conflicts.

Update: no sooner did I visit their forum, I found this issue with ZA: AVG 8.5 - increased boot time? (http://freeforum.avg.com/read.php?12,175860,backpage=,sv=)

[JRViejo]

-{ Quote: "do you need to uninstall 8.0 to get this because i am not seeing it come through the updaterin the free version nor the paid version?
robin" }-
robinb, as ance pointed out, the only way for now is to install over 8.0.237. Their News page (http://free.avg.com/news) still talks about 8.0 but you know us Wilders members, we have to play around with any software before the general public takes a stab at it. ;)

[robinb]

-{ Quote: "robinb, as ance pointed out, the only way for now is to install over 8.0.237. Their News page (http://free.avg.com/news) still talks about 8.0 but you know us Wilders members, we have to play around with any software before the general public takes a stab at it. ;)" }-

I was just surprised because it was announced in the reseller email to come out officially March 2, and normally when this happens, it becomes available in the updater for both the free and the pro versions. Also the newest version is official on their website. Why would they put it as officially on their website if not for the general public? Once they do this it should be pushed through the updater. If it was not for the email and of course those in here I would not know about it and my clients and the world would have no idea that there is even a newer version unless they see something popup in AVG to tell them to update to a newer version.

I was even surprised when i downloaded the free version on one of my test computers that has 8.0 and noticed the only way to install it was to do a repair- which i thought was dumb since there is nothing wrong with 8.0- why repair it? or uninstall it completely then do the upgrade- that was the option i picked. Most regular users who saw this would freak out and not know what to do since they would think if they did a repair it would mess up their 8.0 and if they clicked the uninstall would think it would uninstall the 8.0 and then they would not realize all they would have to do is click the exe again to install. Not everyone in this world is an IT person.
robin

[robinb]

this was a boo boo- just ignore

[JRViejo]

-{ Quote: "If it was not for the email and of course those in here I would not know about it and my clients and the world would have no idea that there is even a newer version unless they see something popup in AVG to tell them to update to a newer version." }-
robinb, I have a feeling that AVG is unsure about this version, not so much for the Free user, because, with the exception of the slow ZA boot, it's working the same as the 8.0 version did in my PC, but maybe they are concerned with the Pro version and the addition of the new Identity Theft Protection feature. I could be wrong.

Should someone get 8.5 via the updater, please post!

[Firecat]

It is unlikely the paid versions will receive an automatic upgrade to version 8.5 because the changes are quite major; I would guess AVG would not want to take any risks with the "sudden" integration of the Sana technology. Which probably means that there will most likely be just a notification for the upgrade to 8.5 rather than an actual downloadable program upgrade.

I have not had a chance to try the new version out due to my examinations which will continue till the 12th of this month. As soon as I am finished with my exams, I will give the new version a try (paid version).

[JRViejo]

FAQ Update: AVG 8.5 Free Edition conflicts (http://free.avg.com/faq.num-1328#faq_1328).

[progress]

Sometimes I get this fault on various machines: "Update Manager - The connection failed".

Are the AVG Free servers overloaded like the Avira Free servers? ::)

[robinb]

i have seen this also- because so many are downloading the new version the update servers are probably overloaded. Just keep trying
robin

[JRViejo]

ance, as robinb stated, the AVG Free servers have never been speed kings to begin with and when a new update/upgrade comes out, they become notoriously slow. Nothing we can do but try and try again. ;)

[JRViejo]

FYI. Here's a little more info from an AVG Team member. Re: AVG Update Failed - update servers availability (http://freeforum.avg.com/read.php?12,176305,backpage=,sv=).
-{ Quote: "Yes, scheduled update WILL retry in certain intervals.
But we are investigating this update server issue, we have already increased bandwidth significantly but same servers are now serving both virus updates and the new 8.5 update so probably the increase was not sufficient. Working on it, sorry about the problems" }-

[progress]

Thank you, it seems that AVG Free 8.x has a lot of users (1,784,230 downloads on download.com) :P

[DougCuk]

The default settings for update messages in AVG v8.x have always been annoying - you get system-tray popups for every attempt and every failure of the update process. I soon got bored with this level of feedback and altered the default settings to remove Update messages. AVG will still warn if the anti-virus or anti-spyware databases are out of date - which is all one really needs to know. This was actually the default response with AVG v7.5 as far as I remember.

The settings you need to alter are as follows:

Select the "Tools" menu
Then "Advanced Settings"
From the menu tree down the right-hand side of the display select the following two sections:

1. "Appearance"
Untick "Display tray notifications about update"

2. "Ignore faulty condition"
Tick "Update Manager"

AVG Free only automatically updates once per day (but retries until it succeeds) so IMO the loss of feedback is not really a problem. If there is some ongoing problem the Databases Out of Date warnings kick in after a couple of days to alert you.

[JRViejo]

FYI. If you are not planning to upgrade to the Paid version, in order to get rid of the AVG Hide Notification area in the Free 8.5 version, follow the procedure listed in this avg free advert is annoying (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showpost.php?p=1380231&postcount=4) post, plus find and rename avgfree_us.mht to avgfree_us.mht.bak. You can always undo this step by removing .bak from all 3 files.

[clocks]

Thought this version was supposed to be lighter? Using over 70meg on my Win7 32bit machine. I'll try another reboot.

[JRViejo]

clocks, for comparison purposes, on a WinXP SP2 system, 2 GB RAM, without installing AVG's LinkScanner & Toolbar, disabling Auto Updates & Scans, plus Scan on boot disabled, here's what Task Manager reports on my 8.5.278 version for Mem Usage (0% CPU Usage on all processes):

13,828K - avgcsrvx.exe (AVG Scanning Core Module - Server Part)
1,844K - avgwdsvc.exe (AVG Watchdog Service)
3,872K - avgtray.exe (AVG Tray Monitor)
500K - avgemc.exe (AVG Email Scanner)
184K - avgrsx.exe (AVG Resident Shield)

[progress]

-{ Quote: "in order to get rid of the AVG Hide Notification area in the Free 8.5 version, follow the procedure listed in this avg free advert is annoying (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showpost.php?p=1380231&postcount=4) post, plus find and rename avgfree_us.mht to avgfree_us.mht.bak. You can always undo this step by removing .bak from all 3 files." }-

Thank you very much! :thumb:

[JRViejo]

-{ Quote: "Thank you very much! :thumb:" }-
ance, you are welcome! Glad it worked for you. :) Take care.

[clocks]

-{ Quote: "clocks, for comparison purposes, on a WinXP SP2 system, 2 GB RAM, without installing AVG's LinkScanner & Toolbar, disabling Auto Updates & Scans, plus Scan on boot disabled, here's what Task Manager reports on my 8.5.278 version for Mem Usage (0% CPU Usage on all processes):

13,828K - avgcsrvx.exe (AVG Scanning Core Module - Server Part)
1,844K - avgwdsvc.exe (AVG Watchdog Service)
3,872K - avgtray.exe (AVG Tray Monitor)
500K - avgemc.exe (AVG Email Scanner)
184K - avgrsx.exe (AVG Resident Shield)" }-

Try process explorer, as I believe it is more accurate. I installed without linkscanner, toolbar, & daily scans.

[JRViejo]

-{ Quote: "Try process explorer, as I believe it is more accurate. I installed without linkscanner, toolbar, & daily scans." }-
clocks, here's with Process Explorer today (Mem working set in bold red) and still close enough for government work:

13,828K - avgcsrvx.exe (AVG Scanning Core Module - Server Part) 15,668K
1,844K - avgwdsvc.exe (AVG Watchdog Service) 2,224K
3,872K - avgtray.exe (AVG Tray Monitor) 3,576K
500K - avgemc.exe (AVG Email Scanner) 1,028K
184K - avgrsx.exe (AVG Resident Shield) 172K

What are your specs with Win7?

[clocks]

One of the modules, I believe the resident shield, takes 50-65meg on it's own. The other models are very small, probably similar to what you are reporting.

[JRViejo]

clocks, that's huge! Perhaps it's because AVG is not fine tuned for Win7 yet, heck, the 8.5 version is not even being deployed via the normal update as well. I would say that if that module is at 0% CPU Usage, then nothing to worry about, for the moment. Thanks for replying. Take care.

[JRViejo]

FYI. New User Manual (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba3) Update (version 8.5.2) - March 17.

[JRViejo]

FYI. FileHippo (http://filehippo.com/download_avg_antivirus/tech/) shows a 8.5.283 version today, March 19th. The AVG Installation Files (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba2) page shows the same download, but with a March 16th date. The AVG Updates (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba4) page still shows 8.0.237 and the AVG Free Forum (http://freeforum.avg.com/read.php?12,122423,backpage=,sv=) (scroll to bottom) details the change as of today:-{ Quote: "Improvements
Core: New version of polymorphic virus Win32/Virut is now detected." }-
This new version has not come through my normal update as of the time of this posting.

[robinb]

-{ Quote: "FYI. FileHippo (http://filehippo.com/download_avg_antivirus/tech/) shows a 8.5.283 version today, March 19th. The AVG Installation Files (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba2) page shows the same download, but with a March 16th date. The AVG Updates (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba4) page still shows 8.0.237 and the AVG Free Forum (http://freeforum.avg.com/read.php?12,122423,backpage=,sv=) (scroll to bottom) details the change as of today:
This new version has not come through my normal update as of the time of this posting." }-


It has not come through mine yet either but AVG is still sending out the upgrade to its Pro versions. Some of my clients still have not seen the upgrade yet. They informed me until all their Pro clients upgrades are sent out they will not send the upgrade to the free yet.

When you download it from one of these sites, and it shows the earlier 8.237 version once you install it you need to check for updates again because there are 2 more module upgrades to the newer 8.5.283 version- so you need to do this 2 more times.

Also if you are running 8.0 and you download the version 8.5, when you go to install you will get 3 options:
add/remove components
repair compoments
uninstall componments

you need to pick repair compments (this is what AVG is recommending you to do- I did this on 25 computers so far with no problems) and if you do not want the toolbar you can uncheck it when it gets to that part of the installation.

It will remove the 8.0, ask you to reboot the computer and inform you prior to the reboot that you will need to do an update once it reboots.
Again you will need to do at least 2 more if you pick up the earler 8.5
robin

[JRViejo]

-{ Quote: "When you download it from one of these sites, and it shows the earlier 8.237 version once you install it you need to check for updates again because there are 2 more module upgrades to the newer 8.5.283 version- so you need to do this 2 more times." }-
robinb, both FileHippo and AVG shows the file as avg_free_stf_en_85_283a1450.exe. Are you saying that when you try to install this file, it reverts back to 8.0.237 (the 8.5 series never had a .237 version - see here (http://freeforum.avg.com/read.php?12,122423,backpage=,sv=)) and have to update twice before one sees 8.5.283?

If so, that sounds weird to me. I guess I'll wait until 8.5.283 shows up during normal update.

[robinb]

-{ Quote: "robinb, both FileHippo and AVG shows the file as avg_free_stf_en_85_283a1450.exe. Are you saying that when you try to install this file, it reverts back to 8.0.237 (the 8.5 series never had a .237 version - see here (http://freeforum.avg.com/read.php?12,122423,backpage=,sv=)) and have to update twice before one sees 8.5.283?

If so, that sounds weird to me. I guess I'll wait until 8.5.283 shows up during normal update." }-


no, it doesn't revert back to .237. You said on some sites like cnn.com it showed only the 8.5.237 version not the 8.5.283. If you pick it up on those sites you need to update at least 2x (click on "Updates" to get it up to the newest version. If you get it on a site that already has the 8.5.283 you will not have to do an additional update.

robin

[JRViejo]

-{ Quote: "no, it doesn't revert back to .237. You said on some sites like cnn.com it showed only the 8.5.237 version not the 8.5.283.
robin" }-
robinb, it's good to know that it doesn't revert back, but I said cnn.com? I think you have me confused with someone else. :) LOL

[Nuke]

I have computers on my network that are using this free antivirus. Should we wait or do the update to 8.5?

[JRViejo]

Nuke, I assume that you're using 8.0.237 and not knowing the features that are enabled on each computer, I would suggest to wait until the normal update comes through. Yet, if you are the adventurous type, you could try the new version in one computer and see how it goes. Keep us posted.

[Nuke]

-{ Quote: "Nuke, I assume that you're using 8.0.237 and not knowing the features that are enabled on each computer, I would suggest to wait until the normal update comes through" }-
You are correct (8.0.237). I did get a prompt from AVG to upgrade to 8.5. I selected "Remind Me Later" because it was after 10 PM. Two of my employees are using 8.0.237 (who are on my network) and I told them to hold off on the upgrade for now.

Thanks for the feedback.

[JRViejo]

Nuke, you are welcome! Yes, they are better off waiting than risk an installation, via the Repair Components option, which could be confusing to some. Take care.

[robinb]

be very careful when you see a huge popup in front of you to upgrade AVG 8.0 free. If you click on it to upgrade- it tries to install the Pro version and looks for a license number, (which of course you do not have because it is free). If you cancel it in the middle of trying to install it crashes and you cannot do a thing but go back to this same loop.
WAY WAY down at the bottom it shows the free version- that is what you pick. If you do not see it- cancel the popup immediately. This is an advertising ploy by AVG and you might accidentally not even realize it.

If you want to get rid of this go to their website and download the avg free software and click the "repair component" . Don't be afraid, it is not as hard as it looks. Just make sure you uncheck the toolbar if you do not want it.

It will uninstall AVG 8.0 put on what it needs for 8.5. A reboot will be required after this. Once you reboot the computer, you will need to go to "update now" and get the definition updates. (it actually tells you this after it installs).

Thats about it- no big nightmare.

or you can just keep shutting this popup off till it updates itself or not.
This might actually be the way it is telling you to upgrade.
robin

[JRViejo]

-{ Quote: "be very careful when you see a huge popup in front of you to upgrade AVG 8.0 free." }-
robinb, how did this popup appeared? While updating AVG 8.0 or via a browser (LinkScanner)? Just curious.

[EASTER]

Avast is ok i guess, just tried it again last night but i'm sick of the same old Avast routines and crappy GUI. Right now AVIRA 9 is my best choice and i do favor it in a big way.

However on another partition i would like to try again AVG (free) to see if it's improved but this thread is left me in a quagmire, do you guys suggest keeping with version 8.0 or going forward with the new release?

Just looking for some concrete answers and not ping pong about what is better or worse then version 8 or issues in the latest AVG that might be cause for some concern.

I just spent a solid hour pulling out AVAST from my machine and i hate it with a passion that these AV vendors still haven't learned how to completely uninstall their own products, leaving users & customers with a registry full of absolute crap that consumes nothing but wasted time cleaning up after them

A very poor effort on their part. I can't speak for other AV's at this time except the terrible time i had removing Avast's componants, even after using their uninstall tool in safe mode.

I doubt i will ever take a chance on them again in spite of their progress in a favorable position against virus protections.

[Eice]

-{ Quote: "I just spent a solid hour pulling out AVAST from my machine and i hate it with a passion that these AV vendors still haven't learned how to completely uninstall their own products, leaving users & customers with a registry full of absolute crap that consumes nothing but wasted time cleaning up after them" }-
Try turning off self-protection before you uninstall, Mister High Alert Security Measures.

[EASTER]

-{ Quote: "Try turning off self-protection before you uninstall, Mister High Alert Security Measures." }-

I did. As well as closed out and wiped the process files with an Anti-Rootkit App which by the way found several entries in the SDDT Table i had to unhook. Lousy, just plain lousy.


Nothing worked, so had to do it the hard way. Lesson learned

By the way, wheres your opinion (if any) on the initial concern regarding AVG? Or do you Mr Eice even have one?

[JRViejo]

-{ Quote: "However on another partition i would like to try again AVG (free) to see if it's improved but this thread is left me in a quagmire, do you guys suggest keeping with version 8.0 or going forward with the new release?" }-
EASTER, with your knowledge, the new version 8.5 (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba2) should pose no challenge to you. If you want to try it with its plethora of features, I'm sure you will know right away whether AVG conforms to your wishes or not.

The problem with AVG is that people got used to the simplicity of version 7.5 and version 8.0 introduced, IMO, more junk into the fray, running into compatibility problems with other installed software. Those of us who can tweak to our heart's content, can produce a final product that fits our needs, but newbies, who hardly have a grasp on computers, were overwhelmed by AVG's new version problems, thus jumping ship to Avira and Avast free versions.

My post #34 will give you a pretty good idea on how lean I'm running AVG 8.5.278 at the moment (waiting for 8.5.283 to come via normal update channels). Post #38 confirms the memory usage of post #34. Post #7 displays how long it takes to run a scan.

I use AVG mainly to scan incoming business email directly from a server (no Web based Email Client) and in the past couple of days, it has captured several emails where the Trojan horse Injector.CZ was attached, in a .zip format, and moved them efficiently into its Virus Vault. Killing them was a pleasure. So as far as I'm concerned, AVG is doing the job I want it to do.

So, in conclusion, I would encourage you to try it and report back all good and/or bad experiences with this new 8.5 version. I look forward to your dissertation.

[progress]

-{ Quote: "(waiting for 8.5.283 to come via normal update channels). " }-

What's new? :)

[JRViejo]

ance, look at my post #42 on this thread. Re: AVG 8.5 FREE EDITION (8.5.283) (http://freeforum.avg.com/read.php?12,122423,backpage=,sv=) (scroll to bottom)

[robinb]

-{ Quote: "robinb, how did this popup appeared? While updating AVG 8.0 or via a browser (LinkScanner)? Just curious." }-

when it does its automatic updates is when you will see this. Believe me you cannot miss it.

robin

[robinb]

I use AVG mainly to scan incoming business email directly from a server (no Web based Email Client) and in the past couple of days, it has captured several emails where the Trojan horse Injector.CZ was attached, in a .zip format, and moved them efficiently into its Virus Vault. Killing them was a pleasure. So as far as I'm concerned, AVG is doing the job I want it to do.

So, in conclusion, I would encourage you to try it and report back all good and/or bad experiences with this new 8.5 version. I look forward to your dissertation." }-

I agree :)

It is still my first choice over Avira free version- it scans emails- avira doesn't,
it doesn't popup with an annoying popup that takes over your whole screen when it does an update- to purchase it.

I found Avira finds more false positives than avg does.

Yes I had to put Avira on some of my clients computers only because AVG just would not load but 90% of my clients have no problems with AVG.

I do not like AVast because it doesn't do scheduled scans. Most of my clients will not remember to do a weekly scan, they are way too busy in their lives to remember to do anything to protect their computers manually.

robin

[JRViejo]

robinb, thanks for the heads-up! I'll post when I see it. Take care.

[EASTER]

-{ Quote: "robinb, thanks for the heads-up! I'll post when I see it. Take care." }-

JRViejo, thanks for your encouragement and offering where the differences stand between them. I appreciate that. I really dumped all AV's when HIPS entered the scene but times change and code geniouses are hard at it dismembering objects that stand in their way and becoming creative again.

I will definitely give it run and post a review of my results. My last AVG 6 then 7 was long ago and it done ok as per AV's can do given all these floating threats and variants.

EASTER

[JRViejo]

-{ Quote: "JRViejo, thanks for your encouragement and offering where the differences stand between them.
I will definitely give it run and post a review of my results." }-
EASTER, you are welcome! Looking forward to your findings.

[JRViejo]

If you keep up with the Wilders' Update Alerts sub-forum, you know that AVG had a Virus DB update today:
AVG - AVI: 270.11.29/2024 - March 26, 2009 (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=237287). In that update, you might see a Program Update, like mine:

207412

If you were trying to update ealier and getting a .bin file missing error, that's because AVG's servers were missing that file, however, I just updated my AVG Free to version 8.5.285 without a missing .bin file issue.

I see that AVG changed the Main Program UI giving us new Component Icons. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You'll be the judge.

Also, many of you know that I disabled the Update Manager component so I can manually check for updates, instead of auto, and previous AVG versions stated that this component was at fault, forcing me to place a check mark for the Update Manager via Tools > Advanced settings > Ignore faulty conditions so I would not see the ! in the tray notification area AVG icon.

As soon as I updated, I saw that AVG restored the main program UI to show that the Update Manager was active, even though I still have the program update schedule disabled, and thought: way to go AVG. However, as soon as I ran another update, to make sure that my ZA firewall would allow this new version, the main program UI went back to its old self, informing me that the Database update is disabled. Just FYI.

Installation File (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba2) page now shows avg_free_stf_en_85_285a1462.exe. Updates (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba4) page still shows 8.0.237 version.

Task Manager reports 0% CPU Usage on all processes and slightly lower Mem Usage (old readings in bold red) in the Scanning Core Module:

10,088K - avgcsrvx.exe (AVG Scanning Core Module - Server Part) 13,828K
1,868K - avgwdsvc.exe (AVG Watchdog Service) 1,844K
3,292K - avgtray.exe (AVG Tray Monitor) 3,872K
516K - avgemc.exe (AVG Email Scanner) 500K
172K - avgrsx.exe (AVG Resident Shield) 184K

[progress]

-{ Quote: "
I see that AVG changed the Main Program UI giving us new Component Icons. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You'll be the judge.
" }-

I got AVG Free 8.5.285 but I can't see any differences, am I blind? ???

[JRViejo]

-{ Quote: "I got AVG Free 8.5.285 but I can't see any differences, am I blind? ???" }-
ance, maybe it's me who is blind because I just checked the User Manual (02/16/09) for the previous version and the icons look the same, yet, this was the first time I noticed them. Call me crazy. Maybe they are sharper or maybe I need glasses? ;)

[JRViejo]

FYI. Program update today.

207723

Installation File (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba2) page now shows avg_free_stf_en_85_287a1483.exe. Updates (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba4) page still shows 8.0.237 version.

No other info on what Fixes & Improvements this new 8.5.287 version entails yet the Paid Version (http://www.avg.com/223158) states:

Core: New version of polymorphic virus Win32/Virut is now detected.

Perhaps it is the same with the Free version.

[Rain_Train]

A quick question: does AVG 8.0 Free have self-defense (protection against process termination or manipulation)? (I'm asking about the free version because if that has it, then I assume the paid version as well as Internet Security will have it, too.)

[JRViejo]

Rain_Train, it's a little tough to answer your question because there is no direct quote that I can find on AVG's site, stating what you are asking. However, by deductive reasoning, I believe it does include self protection. Allow me to explain.

AVG used to have an Anti-Spyware program and in FileHippo (http://filehippo.com/download_avg_antispyware/)'s description, it stated "Self-protection at kernel layer guarantees gapless monitoring."

On April 24th, 2008, AVG Free 8.0 (http://free.avg.com/news.ndi-93835) was launched, while the Anti-Spyware program was being phased out, incorporating "protection against spyware through a new combined antivirus and antispyware engine" and that combination is spread among all products (http://free.avg.com/download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition), Free and Paid.

As I understand it, the antispyware component on AVG Free is the old AVG Anti-Spyware Plus version program. If so, then the protection from termination has been built into the new AVG. Should someone have concrete proof that my assumption is incorrect, please post those facts.

[Rain_Train]

-{ Quote: "Rain_Train, it's a little tough to answer your question because there is no direct quote that I can find on AVG's site, stating what you are asking. However, by deductive reasoning, I believe it does include self protection. Allow me to explain.

AVG used to have an Anti-Spyware program and in FileHippo (http://filehippo.com/download_avg_antispyware/)'s description, it stated "Self-protection at kernel layer guarantees gapless monitoring."

On April 24th, 2008, AVG Free 8.0 (http://free.avg.com/news.ndi-93835) was launched, while the Anti-Spyware program was being phased out, incorporating "protection against spyware through a new combined antivirus and antispyware engine" and that combination is spread among all products (http://free.avg.com/download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition), Free and Paid.

As I understand it, the antispyware component on AVG Free is the old AVG Anti-Spyware Plus version program. If so, then the protection from termination has been built into the new AVG. Should someone have concrete proof that my assumption is incorrect, please post those facts." }-
Thank you very much for your response. Yes, that does make sense. However, I was thinking more along the lines that if you have AVG installed, try terminating one of its processes through Task Manager.

[JRViejo]

-{ Quote: "However, I was thinking more along the lines that if you have AVG installed, try terminating one of its processes through Task Manager." }-
OK, I see what you mean. I just tried killing avgcsrvx.exe (AVG Scanning Core Module - Server Part), avgwdsvc.exe (AVG Watchdog Service) and avgrsx.exe (AVG Resident Shield) via the Task Manager. In each instance, the terminated process was instantly added back to the Task Manager, together with a new avgrsx.exe, so I ended up with 4 Resident Shields running. Talk about not wanting to die. I rebooted and everything was back to normal.

[Rain_Train]

-{ Quote: "OK, I see what you mean. I just tried killing avgcsrvx.exe (AVG Scanning Core Module - Server Part), avgwdsvc.exe (AVG Watchdog Service) and avgrsx.exe (AVG Resident Shield) via the Task Manager. In each instance, the terminated process was instantly added back to the Task Manager, together with a new avgrsx.exe, so I ended up with 4 Resident Shields running. Talk about not wanting to die. I rebooted and everything was back to normal." }-
I see. Thanks for your testing :) :thumb: !

[JRViejo]

Rain_Train, you are welcome! Take care.

[JRViejo]

FYI. Program Update today.

207932

While it states New component (version: 5), I can't find anywhere what this program update entails.
My version remains as 8.5.287 and no visible changes are noticed.
Updates (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba4) page still shows 8.0.237 version.

[JRViejo]

FYI. New User Manual Version 8.5.3 (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba3), dated April 14, 2009, appeared today.

[JRViejo]

FYI. I see that the Installation Files (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba2) page now shows an AVG Download Manager, dated January 26, 2009 (?), and from what I read in the Forum (http://freeforum.avg.com/read.php?13,179110,179601#msg-179601), it's more for the benefit of dial-up users due to its smaller file size.

robinb, have you or any of your clients seen an update popup for 8.5 that includes this Download Manager? Any issues?

[robinb]

-{ Quote: "FYI. I see that the Installation Files (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba2) page now shows an AVG Download Manager, dated January 26, 2009 (?), and from what I read in the Forum (http://freeforum.avg.com/read.php?13,179110,179601#msg-179601), it's more for the benefit of dial-up users due to its smaller file size.

robinb, have you or any of your clients seen an update popup for 8.5 that includes this Download Manager? Any issues?" }-

no i have not

btw check the post i just put in about the new "free" stand a lone Link Scanner avg is offering

robin

[JRViejo]

Thanks, robinb!

[JRViejo]

FYI. The Installation Files (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba2) page now shows the AVG Download Manager, version 8.5.18, as of April 20th, 2009.

[Nuke]

ETA: Ignore, I believe the issue is resolved.

[progress]

New upgrade: 8.5.325 8)

[raven211]

-{ Quote: "New upgrade: 8.5.325 8)" }-

Waow... so their behavioral protection is now a part of their free AV? :o

[progress]

No, you have to pay EUR 19.99 to activate! Clever ;)

[raven211]

-{ Quote: "No, you have to pay EUR 19.99 to activate! Clever ;)" }-

Haha, too bad ;D The automatic removal-mode of AVG doesn't work as good as I would like, so it comes after other free AV software in my case. If that feature was also free, though, it might change my order. ;)

[robinb]

if you do not want it just do not activate it. :)

robin

[progress]

-{ Quote: "if you do not want it just do not activate it. :)

robin" }-

.. or you can activate and test it for 30 days :)

[JRViejo]

FYI. Version 8.5.325 came through the normal update today and as noted by ance, the ID Protection component is installed but not active.

208734

The Update (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba4) page still shows version 8.0.237 (Feb. 22, 2009) so the switch to the 8.5 version is not complete.

[progress]

I'm testing it for 30 days, maybe I'll buy it for 1 year :blink:

[Kees1958]

What version did you download, from where. When I download the Free I do not see the ID protection (I still have aPRSC key).

Edit found it: EU version does not recognise AVG IP, UK version does on my PC ???

[progress]

AVG EU 8.5.325 recognised it: AVG IP Active :)

[raven211]

-{ Quote: "AVG EU 8.5.325 recognised it: AVG IP Active :)" }-

You mean with license key activated?

[progress]

-{ Quote: "You mean with license key activated?" }-

As I said:

-{ Quote: "I'm testing it for 30 days, maybe I'll buy it for 1 year :blink:" }-

:)

[raven211]

-{ Quote: "As I said:



:)" }-

Oooh... missed your previous message, sry. ;D

[progress]

No problem raven my friend ;D

[robinb]

i have it on this computer since i am running the internet security which comes with , identity protection, i have no problems at all with it. it just sits there in the taskbar and pops up only when i am going to install something.

robin

[progress]

Hi robinb :) I noticed that AVG Free doesn't have the icon Anti-Rootkit (http://www.fanansoft.com/uploads/1226178613_avg-internet-security_1.png) a few months ago! Is this a simple scan for hidden files like AVG Anti-Rootkit Free? Or what is it?

[JRViejo]

FYI. The Installation Files (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba2) page now shows version 8.5.329 (May 6, 2009). No additional info found as to why the change in version.

Documentation (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba3) page now shows a new User Manual 8.5.4 (May11, 2009) but Updates (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba4) page still shows version 8.0.237 (February 11, 2009).

[robinb]

-{ Quote: "Hi robinb :) I noticed that AVG Free doesn't have the icon Anti-Rootkit (http://www.fanansoft.com/uploads/1226178613_avg-internet-security_1.png) a few months ago! Is this a simple scan for hidden files like AVG Anti-Rootkit Free? Or what is it?" }-

they took out the rooktit in the free version and put in webscanning instead.
Personally i would have liked if they left the rootkit scanning in but i have rootkitscanning in superantispyware (it is in the free and the pro)


robin

[progress]

The only difference is this option?! There are a lot of free Anti-Rootkit tools out there :)

[JRViejo]

FYI. AVG 8.5 FREE EDITION (8.5.329) (http://freeforum.avg.com/read.php?12,122423,page=2,backpage=,sv=)-{ Quote: "
Program update AVG Free 8.5.329

Fixes & Improvements
User Interface: Small fixes in the UI localization. " }-

[JRViejo]

FYI. Version 8.5.329 came through the normal update today:

208900

Updates (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba4) page continues to show 8.0.237 (February 11, 2009).

[JRViejo]

FYI. AVG 8.5 FREE EDITION (8.5.336) (http://freeforum.avg.com/read.php?12,122423,page=2,backpage=,sv=) (2nd Post)
-{ Quote: "Program update AVG Free 8.5.336 - SP1

Fixes & Improvements
Core: Detection of new modification of polymorphic virus Win32/Virut was added.
Core: Fixed crash during healing of corrupted cookies.
Core: Fixed crash during healing of corrupted Mozilla Firefox 3 cookie file.
Outlook: Fixed possible crash of MS Outlook 2003 on email receiving with MSO enabled.
Setup: Fixed crash of setup instalation if directory access for Administrator is missing." }-
Installation Files (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba2) page shows version 8.5.336 (dated May 11, 2009) but has not come through Normal Update yet. Updates (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba4) page still shows version 8.0.237.

[JRViejo]

FYI. Today, the Installation Files (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba2) page is showing version 8.5.339 (dated May 15, 2009). No info on this new version yet.

[progress]

-{ Quote: "Updates page still shows version 8.0.237." }-

My machines updated from 8.0.237 to 8.5.329 a few days ago :thumb:

[raven211]

Wow - they're fast with the updates now, aren't they? ;D

If the darned unattended mode wouldn't fail to take care of the threat in question from time to time (okay, I'll be fair - "semi-fail" :P), I would probably easily use it, being a user of LinkScanner which works just great. Can someone confirm if this still stands true? :) The only thing that would stand in the way anyway is that avast! so far works fantastic. ;D

[gery]

For the sake of truth AVG has improved a lot since 227 or something.I am using paid version and i find it lighter and faster . Even browsing is better, though i have to admit i use it mainly because of LINK SCANNER which ireally like a lot

[JRViejo]

-{ Quote: "My machines updated from 8.0.237 to 8.5.329 a few days ago :thumb:" }-
ance, yes, AVG is slowly rolling out version 8.5, but not fully yet. Once I see that the Updates page officially shows version 8.5, we can move on to a new discussion thread and close this one. Thanks for letting us know! :)

[JRViejo]

-{ Quote: "Wow - they're fast with the updates now, aren't they? ;D
If the darned unattended mode wouldn't fail to take care of the threat in question from time to time (okay, I'll be fair - "semi-fail" :P), I would probably easily use it, being a user of LinkScanner which works just great. Can someone confirm if this still stands true? :) The only thing that would stand in the way anyway is that avast! so far works fantastic. ;D" }-
raven211, yes, lately, updates are coming fast and furious. When you say "unattended mode" what do you mean? Can you give an example?

You know, avast! is a great program as well and for as long as LS works with it, IMO I would not switch to AVG.

[raven211]

-{ Quote: "raven211, yes, lately, updates are coming fast and furious. When you say "unattended mode" what do you mean? Can you give an example?

You know, avast! is a great program as well and for as long as LS works with it, IMO I would not switch to AVG." }-

If you go to the Resident Shield, you can tell it to automatically remove threats that are found by it - that's what I mean. :) I'm also not sure if it removes tracking cookies in real-time too by now, but I vaugly recall it does in the later builds... :doubt:

EDIT: BTW... are the settings more optimal now from out-of-box, e.g. incl. checked rootkit scan and removable media scan?

[JRViejo]

gery, I agree with you. Even the Free version gets better and better with each update! :thumb:

[progress]

-{ Quote: "
EDIT: BTW... are the settings more optimal now from out-of-box, e.g. incl. checked rootkit scan and removable media scan?" }-

Rootkit scan (for hidden drivers) isn't available in the free version but it detects known rootkits. Removable media scan is disabled I think, that setting is ok. I don't like it when AVG scans my single usb stick 10 times a day :ouch:

[JRViejo]

raven211, I see what you mean. I have mine set to Ask me before removing threats so I know what's being removed and I don't have Scan for Tracking Cookies enabled since I allow CCleaner to clean them out.

There is no Rootkit scan in the Free version (I wish they did!) and although I have set mine to scan removable devices, I can't recall if it came enabled by default. I have tweaked AVG so much that's it's hard to remember but for most people, the default settings do seem to work.

Let me see if I can dig up some info on cookies & removable devices and report back later.

[progress]

-{ Quote: "
There is no Rootkit scan in the Free version (I wish they did!)" }-

I agree, but there are some free antirootkit tools, so it's no problem really :)

[JRViejo]

ance, yes, its' not a big issue. BTW, you know that you can disable the USB scan via the icon that pops up in the tray notification area?

I need to enable this feature since my family is always plugging in their sticks and I rather be safe than sorry! ;)

[JRViejo]

raven211, this is what the User Manual (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba3) says about Tracking Cookies and Removable Devices:
-{ Quote: "7.5.2. Resident Shield Interface (Page 45)
In both cases, you can still select whether you want to Remove cookies automatically. In specific cases you can switch this option on to achieve maximum security levels, however it is switched off by default." }-
-{ Quote: "8.6.4. Removable Device Scan (Page 63)
The editing interface for Removable device scan is basically identical to the Scan Whole Computer editing dialog. All configuration options are the same; however, this scan is switched off by default." }-

[raven211]

-{ Quote: "raven211, this is what the User Manual (http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe#tba3) says about Tracking Cookies and Removable Devices:" }-

I think I'll keep avast! for now as it works great from what it seems. ;) If unattended operation probs. does get fixed, I might change my mind. :)

[robinb]

-{ Quote: "Rootkit scan (for hidden drivers) isn't available in the free version but it detects known rootkits. Removable media scan is disabled I think, that setting is ok. I don't like it when AVG scans my single usb stick 10 times a day :ouch:" }-

Superantispyware free or pro removes rootkits, so whynot download and install it and run it every few days for the free version. For the pro you can set it up when to do the running

robin