Antivirus Software

Czech company AVG Technologies offers a free anti-virus program and several low-cost anti-virus and security applications. The company marketing strategy is to offer a complete anti-virus solution for free while promoting the additional features of the paid applications. Whether the additional features are needed -- and whether they are worth the price -- primarily depends on the way you use your computer.


Installation
Downloading the 33MB file and installing the free version of AVG AntiVirus takes about five minutes. You have to opt out of installing the AVG browser bar and "SafeSearch" if you don't want these features. A reboot is not necessary and you can configure the program to work the way you want under the "Options" button of the start screen. The free version installs similarly to the AVG paid application and there is no disadvantage to the free version as far as the installation is concerned.

Included Features
The free version of the program includes all the basic anti-virus features of the paid application and those of similar anti-virus programs offered by other vendors. It detects and removes or quarantines malware, viruses and threats. If installed on an infected machine, it scans the computer and isolates infected files. Once a machine is clean, the program blocks infections. AVG AntiVirus consistently scores near the top in performance tests, detecting almost all threats at levels similar to the anti-virus applications of other major vendors. For basic anti-virus functions, the free version is as effective as competing paid software.

Extra Features
The AVG website lists features that are not included in the free version, most of which deal with preemptive monitoring. The paid version checks files before downloading while the free version checks a file once it is on your computer. The paid version also checks the links in instant messages, blocks some spam and email scams and has additional security features for personal data such as banking and credit card information. If you value these extra features, you'll want to get the paid version of AVG or a similar paid software product.

Reviews
Reviews of the free AVG AntiVirus software have been generally favorable. PC Mag rates it excellent and gives it a score of four out of five. The staff of CNET gives it five out of five stars and also tracks user ratings, which give it four out of five stars. According to the reviews, the free version of AVG AntiVirus compares favorably with other free anti-virus programs but also matches the performance of paid applications from major vendors. If you're looking to keep your computer free of malware without requiring any additional protection, the free AVG software is adequate.


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