AVG Antivirus Free 2011

Hello Rej,

I appreciate everything you say, but likewise you must appreciate everything I say.

AVG 2011 works for me perfect. That does not mean it works for everybody else. You can take any program available and it will work OK for some and not for others. It all depends on the individual set up for particular PC. We all have different combinations of clap-trap and funnies on our machines and different versions of Windows, not excluding keeping updated on all fronts

If a certain program does not work for you, then move on and find another, but I am telling everybody that reads this thread that AVG 2011 is impeccable on my machine with the set up I have. So it is not AVG at fault, it is YOUR particular game-show.

Just do not condemn AVG 2011 because it will not work for you, examine your own set up and if you still have problems, find another program.

I cannot see any other security program that can even match AVG 2011 on the market. If you don`t like it, exercise your rights and use something else.
You like Avast, then have a nice day and use it, but don`t condemn AVG 2011 on piffling issues.

John

 

Well Stapp,

I cannot object to that from MajorGeeks, I am a big fan of MG`s), but to me it is another world, AVG 2011 has been unblemished for the weeks that I have had it and is still going strong. A proverbial Guardian Angel against all that is evil.

It truly is a complicated world we live in. Some ya win, some ya lose.

I could come up with a 100 reasons why HMP, Comodo, Avast, Avira, OA, etc. and just about every other program is crap, but I don`t. Simply because it all depends on the match between user, program and individual PC set up.

The trouble with this kind of conversational dialogue is that if the customer selects a garment off the peg that does not fit their particular framework, it is not the fault of the product, it is the fault of the customer in choosing a garment that does not fit. We do not all take size 9 in shoes.

No program can hope to satisfy the infinite variety of user systems and combinations that exist on the net, so each one of us must find the program that slots into our personal playschool without any problems. AVG 2011 serves me perfect, hopefully I am not alone.

John

 

Yeap, now it's kinda better, I do remember when you had to catch the blinking button... lol. But now they have a set of buttons integrated into the GUI (independent from the Windows titlebar), so you don't have to fight to catch'em anymore, the whole Windows titlebar still blinks in/out tho.

You are not alone, tho I don't think it's perfect, I do like it a lot aswell and find it a good free alternative. I'm currently using the Pro version thanks to the v3.co.uk giveaway. Hopefully they can correct that titlebar glitch rather soon and (if it's not too much to ask for) get rid of that crappy PC Analyzer, or at least allow the user to install/uninstall it as separate.

 

Perhaps you could explain how AVG 2011 serves you perfectly. What does that mean? How did you decide it was perfect?

 

Is it not obvious that in a personal situation the guy in the drivers seat ALWAYS knows what is PERFECT. In my situation - I DO.

For a definition of perfect, please refer to a good English dictionary.

I really cannot believe you do not know what perfect means. As far as HOW I decide what is perfect - it is something that performs it`s task without any problems or hiccups. Who decides that in my case ? I DO !

I find it incredible that this post is asking such a ridiculous question.
AVG 2011 scores 10/10 with distinctions. Others ? Who knows ? I am no psychic celebrity that can forecast the fortunes of others.

JB

 

You're missing my point. Generally the conversation around security software centers around how it performs. We share our experiences and help each other make better choices. I've installed AVG Free 2011 a couple of times and my first impression is it's an improvement over the previous version, which is what one would hope for. However no security software is perfect by which I mean capable of 100% detection and/or removal of malware. That is a fact and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of a product helps us make the best use of that product. If you don't want to have that discussion that's fine. I respect that it's perfect for you, but I can't learn anything from that. I was just hoping you could advance the discussion since I'm always evaluating free security products for my customers.

 

Many thanks Vic,

I fully absorb your extremely definitive explanation and rest my case. No point in squabbling about it or Santa won`t come.

I wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
John

 

I guess I have been one of the lucky ones. I have installed AVG free on about 5 PCs since the new version came out, and so far everyone is very happy. No issues, and it runs very light.

 

For what its worth I work on computers and nine times out of ten when I run across one that is badly infected it has AVG on it. I'm sure other people may have different experiences but that is what I have found with most of the computers I have looked at.

 

Why do people always blame the AV? Maybe it's time people should start blaming themselves and stop watching porn sites, listen to illegal mp3, etc. If they wish it so, then make sure they have proper security measures in place... I bet most of those infections come from situations such as this. One other source are stuff from e-mails sent by friends with images, links to small movies, etc. AV is no miracle worker.

I know there are drive-by downloads, etc., but maybe if a study would be done (has it been done ), we'd find out that maybe these drive-by download issue is the least % of infections that occur.

Next time, it will be Norton, Kaspersky, Prevx, avast!, etc... There's always something to blame... even the operating system... just never the user him/herself.

 

Most of the infected machines I saw were running Avast ... I think AVG offers better protection (much better behaviour blocker)

 

Reviews I've seen suggest that AVG is better at cleanup than it is at blocking new malware.

 

That is why you put something like Defensewall on.
AV should not be a front line of defense but unfortunately the average user doesn't know about sandboxing/virtualization.

 

I tried the free version some months back and now I am running AVG IS. During my short stint with AVG Free I would have to say it was really good but couldn't test it in proper way and now as I am using the pro version I still doubt on its self protection module(both Free and pro have self protection module so I am posting my experience with AVG pro here)

I mean to say that some other program prevented AVG from running. Recently I tested a variant of Security Tool(security shield to be precise) and as usual it wasn't detected when being copied and even after execution no behavior and after it got installed and after a reboot everything was locked. No task manager opening, no other application programs able to open and the rogue also prevented AVG. That is really BAD from AVG

I guess inorder to provide protection with the outside world it is first necessary to build a strong self protection module

 

Protection comparison: -http://www.av-test.org/certifications?order=protection_desc&lang=en-

It seems that AVG is better than Avast ...

 

The vendors make it sound like their product(s) will keep you safe, no more worries, and that's not exactly an industry-wide accident.
Maybe it's time we start blaming the vendors more and stop assuming that most infections are due to porn, warez, etc.

Says one test by one testing body. AV-Test. No further comment.

 

I have known people that have been infected without going to porn or warez sites. You don't have to go to shady sites to be hit with something.

 

They always blame the AV because the (let's call him) dumb user is the one constant that can be relied upon not to change. The AV's all have varying UI's, detection rates, clean up capabilities and resource usages... all of which lend themselves to comparison. Dumb users never change, so the AV gets the attention, or blame. That's my theory, m00nbl00d.

 

Exactly.

Users should bear some blame. Vendors should bear some blame.
If the vendors didn't market their crapware like they do, providing a false sense of security, then I'd be all for these blaming the "dumb users".

 

My experience is that most people ask people from computer shops which one is the best antivirus; at least those people who are aware that the Internet poses a risk. I'm not saying it's a general situation, but most answer: For free "this one" and paid "this one".

Now, why don't these people simply say: Well, there are great free and paid solutions, but they don't make miracles, so why not couple a very decent free AV with other security measures, which we'll explain how to operate them?

Yeah, sadly, they don't... Then again, neither do people ask what other measures exist out there.

And, do you have any numbers that tell that drive-by downloads are the cause with higher % infections?
I don't, and I also don't know if it's warez, etc and stuff received from e-mail, but I do know that many people have their systems infected due to this.

So, yeah, the user should also be blamed. It's a nice trio - Users, computer shops and security vendors.

-Edit-

Heck, people even run cracked antimalware applications! Even in the Vatican!

 

Your comments are correct for 90% of users who are just gullible punters that only know a PC connects to the Internet and they can then order all kinds of goodies by entering their personal and financial details on this magic lantern and BINGO ! All the goodies arrive. "Yes Master, your every wish is my command".

What they have no clue about is that whilst they are gloating over this magic lamp and the exciting improvement it has made to their lives, some guy in China, Africa or God knows where has all their bank and credit card details ready to have a spending spree at their expense.

HUH ! Not me matey, I don`t enter any personal or financial details on this widely read news sheet and risk being reduced to a pauper. Not an atom of worry about from porn sites or any other threats either - Why ? Easy, I use Sandboxie so NOTHING gets into my parlour and coupled with AVG 2011, ZA and several other bits and pieces - I am immune to Malware and other criminally created bugs.

Actually using SBxie makes any discussion on the merits of various AV and Anti-Malware products a waste of time. I can stroll through the dingy back streets of the Internet with impunity.

John

 

Exactly.

I can give the examples of two relatives. One, who was running Windows XP under admin account, and with AV disabled - without knowing it! - had it completely infected.
When I noticed such, I promptly took the computer and cleaned with DBAN, and then advised to get Windows 7, and so I installed it.
Now, will be running under standard user account plus a few other security measures. But, at first, the reaction was: Why are you taking much time setting everything up? Just install the antivirus, and it's moving...

There are people who just are not aware of what risks the Internet really poses. And, I'm talking about a person who does home banking!

The other one... well, I was actually trying to solve a problem on why the firewall wasn't stealthing a port. (I managed to figure it out moments ago!), and when I said it was not possible to make use of the computer until I had it fixed, well the answer was that it was needed to check e-mails!!! Crazy!

And, that's a decent security measures you got there. Not blindly trusting an AV for everything either.

 

Hello again m00nbl00d,
What a sensible and rational guy you are. A man after my own heart.

I live amongst the Lemmings of Internet society and I can tell you all that the percentage of slugger's that even know about Forum`s is infinitely LOW. They think that a Forum is something Julius Caesar had in Roman times before Brutus topped him.

With Sandboxie, I doubt if you even need an AV or AM program. So we get 100`s of posts on threads discussing the virues of different AV and AM programs - it is a waste of space. Ah well, it keeps Forum addicts happy to tear to pieces one program after another in a frenzy of useless technical mayhem.

John

 

In my eyes AVG is the most compelete free antivirus (avast! 6 can take that status back, however until now I have seen too many infected pc's with avast! installed). In my experience Panda is too buggy, Security Essentials too resource-hungry and Avira lacks some languages.

Also, why care so much about all those tests. I have never seen a user throwing hundreds of malware samples on his pc? Base your opinion on your own experiences.

Also, in most cases porn sites are surprisingly safe (except for that dodgy links/ads). There have been quite interesting research in this area, result: news sites are less safe than (much visited) pornsites.