Genealogy Chat

I dumped paid for Mcaffees for AVG - I lost ALL my files due to a virus when I had Mcaffee. The Microsoft qualified engineer who reinstalled all the programs told me to use AVG. It found several trojans and viruses the first time I ran it so Ive kept it ever since. I like the way it updates itself every morning, makes you feel like you are keeping on top of the problems. Though obviously no program is fool proof.

I have just installed AVG and it immediately detected a potential virus that my paid for Norton had missed so I am very impressed

I use AVG Free version and Firewall. These were installed for me when I purchased my new computer by the IT guy I got the comp through. I work on the theory that he know's best!!

Chris

This too

You can have as many Anti-virus programs as you want on your PC. I have Avast, AVG and Antivir.

There are two parts to most anti-virus programs. The resident part, which is designed to run on startup and is intended to cash the little nasties at the point they hit your machine, and the scanning part, which you run periodically to check your files have not been infected.

I run them all in scan mode from time to time as they all work slightly differently and can find different problems.

When it comes to the resident part of the software this is where you can have difficulties if you have more than one anti-virus program running at once. However I find that Avast and AVG are happy to run side by side, although I normally only have AVG running.

As I said earlier, don't forget Anti-spyware, for many it is more important that anti-virus. Whilst spyware can be less damaging, it ie easy to get it on your machine and can be a fiend to get rid of.

AVG also have a spyware program which is not the same as their Anti-virus, so don't confuse the two.. The other most popular ones are Spybot Search and Destroy and Ad-Aware.

Anti-spyware up to now has only been able to operate in scanning mode, but the latest version of Spybot also runs in resident mode. This is very useful as it warns you if something is trying to alter your system, especially the registry.

From earlier threads - may be of interest.

Check out http://www.filehippo.com/

It is a very useful site from where you can download programs for free.

Don't forget that you need Anti-Virus and Anyi-Spyware programs installed, as each protects from different types of problem.

You also need to install a firewall, you can use the one supplied with Windows Defender.

Finally, make sure that you regularly upload Windows updates, as many of these contain security patches.

Not all Anti-virus programs will automatically check incoming emails before you open them, in fact some that do can be troublesome to manage, but programs such as AVG, which also run in the background should catch anything nasty. Unless you receive large numbers of unsolicited emails, the risk of infection from attachments, whilst ever present, is slight. The best advice is not to open anything that you don't recognise.

Most infections come from visiting dodgy sites or being taken in by messages telling you you are infected and should load so-and-so software.

Can I just add that MGH suggested AVG to me this week and I uninstalled Norton and installed AVG which then found 3 trojans. Someone who has designed a website for my son recommended AVG too.
Di

i also have AVG free, and i would'nt change it, i had norton once and when i changed to AVG it picked up abt3 trojons which norton failed to do!!
Chris.

You're quite right Joy. AVG is far superior to norton. There are certain trogans that norton can't detect but AVG can.

When I recently purchased a new computer, it came with norton pre-installed. I un-installed it and downloaded AVG free version.



Deb:)

I have AVG. I understand that AVG has picked up viruses when Norton hasn't.

I think the free one is fine for home users - read what the extras are for the paid for version and decide if you need them.

Does this mean that the free stuff available is as good as Norton anti vrus - I ask because my Norton is due for renewal later this month and if I can use a comparable free alternative then it seems a good idea

Hi Deb,

Sorry for late reply, I just wondered because I have a message come up when I run AVG saying it does not fully protect you against everything.

I have found it ok too but I also use Ad-aware and Spybot too.

Betty

Hi Betty,

The full version is $52.95 US which converts to 25.39 pounds sterling GBP.

I've been using the free version for the past 5 years and find that it is more than adaquate for a home pc. Unless you run Windows Office, ERA, MYOB or the likes, there's really no need to purchase the full pack.

If you select auto upgrade on your AVG settings, it will download latest upgrades every 24 hrs. In my opinion, there isn't anything better than AVG free version.


Deb:)

I have AVG Free Edition, just wondered if anyone had the full version and if so how much it costs. I have looked at their website but is just looks like price in dollars not pounds sterling.

Anyone know how much it actually costs.

Betty