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AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

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AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition User Reviews

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5 stars		21
4 stars		9
3 stars		6
2 stars		7
1 star		5
Based on 48 reviews

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Based on 48 user reviews
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Attacks other computer protection with zen

by normgray6980 Jul 02, 2017 (Read all my 2 reviews)

I've been using AVG Anti-Virus FREE for many years and, in the past is has been good, BUT since the beginning of 2017 it includes an add-in referred to as ZEN, pops-up nag screens repeditively, and now ZEN attacks Malwarebytes Premium by turning off & blocking its Exploit Protection, even though I have Malwarebytes listed as an exception in the main AVG set-up. Although I'd have given AVG Anti-Virus FREE 5 Stars in the past, now I wouldn't recommend it to my worst enemy.

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Compatability with other programs

by BCIncInfo963 Mar 12, 2016

I am using the full paid version on two computers. This program is a night mare. The only way you can get other programs to work is to disable the fire wall, and you can't use another fire wall, because AVG disables them so they can't be used. This program is an albatross that needs somewhere to land. You can't get in contact with customer service or tech support because all of the numbers have been disconnected. The only one that works is some paid tech support in India. Their service is so poor, that they don't want to hear all the complaints. I would not recommend this program to anyone.

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Totally disappointed overall

by usnavytank950 Jun 22, 2015

I am a DOD Cyber Defense Analyst and bought AVG to kind of test it out not only for myself at home but for work. I am totally disappointed overall. First off paid tech support that is nuts! you pay for a product and when it does not work you have to pay someone to fix it. Then after reinstalling the software 3 to 4 times because it kept telling me I did not have the paid version but I download for the site it says I am good. The interface is good but clunky and the one overall thing I liked was the privacy monitor which worked as advertised. Overall I would not recommend this to anyone because of the support and the clunkiness of it. Most of my users just want things to work without a lot of backend and AVG falls well short of this requirement. This is sad because AVG used to be a great product but now has gone the way of so many companies after a initial success.

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What happened - reminds me of ad-aware

by royw2307 Mar 14, 2015 (Read all my 2 reviews)

Went downhill, downhill.....downhill. Used to be great, it's updated to death as is Spybot and Ad-Aware...huh? I still use Spybot S&D 1.6.2

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Avg is dead

by Stepan238 Nov 03, 2014 (Read all my 11 reviews)

A long time ago wrote a rave review about AVG Antivirus, but times change, and almost always for the worse; AVG has gone the same way as Avira Antivirus, and not a shadow of it's formerly once extremely impressive self: both of them ate now total wastes of space on your computer, doing absolutely nothing of any use. Ditched AVG long ago, it's definition updates kept on failing, it never found anything during full-scans even though MalwareBytes Anti-Malware and SuperAntiSpyware frequently did (these are admittedly anti-malwareadware progs, and not specifically antivirus), but AVG should have found at least something. Another frustrating thing about AVG was trying to get rid of it, even Revo Uninstaller could not eradicate it, AVG stubbornly refused to vanish and also kept on bombarding me with unwantedpromotional emails. Bye Bye AVG, am never going to install you again. Rating: 05!!!

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Constant popups spoil this program!

by rbelyea127 Apr 05, 2013

Wish I had stayed with MacAffee. AVG runs ads multiple times daily. Quite ironic since I bought this program to protect me from such trash. Very annoying. Would not buy again ever.

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Avg removes good programs

by hospencer402 Jan 08, 2013

I removed AVG free from my system as soon as it went ahead and deleted a very useful program I have used for years, without my permission. The program deleted was System Scheduler 3.31 created by Splinterware Software Solutions. The program was installed and running on my system. With no warning whatsoever AVG removed the program reporting to me after the fact that it had done so. This undermined all my trust in the program, regardless of any other great features it may have. I simply cannot allow an anti-virus program to come into my system and delete programs installed and used by me without giving me an option first to keep those programs. This to me is irresponsible programming, and makes AVG worthless to me.

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Only one complaint on new version

by desertjon Oct 16, 2012 (Read all my 18 reviews)

I have to agree avg is a good antivirus..My complaint is the newer versions keep getting bigger and bigger. This goes for Avast as well. I did a custom install of the new AVG only installing the File and Behavior shields and it installed at 338MB. I think this is excessive for only two shields along with the basic protection. It does the job it claims to do but on a PC with a Pentium 4 processor, I do not recommend it unless you're ready for slow performance. I've noticed the newer versions are being designed for newer computers, but not everyone can afford to go out and buy a new PC.

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Only antivirus that can compete with Avast

by Bulasikci Jul 22, 2012 (Read all my 3 reviews)

I have used AVG and Avast free for years. I have AVG currently installed on my desktop. I have not had any problems. No viruses or malware. AVG is better than Avast when it comes to detection rates and malware removal. However it needs to improve its interface. Avast is better when it comes to interface and tech support. (yes Avast has tech support for free users) Other than that I love AVG. One of its best features is that it scans resource-wise. (Meaning that if you are using your computer it will decrease its ram usage)

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Very much improved

by freeclick Sep 14, 2011 (Read all my 32 reviews)

I had used AVG and then Avast for years and one day a couple weeks back I decided to try AVG again. I ran a scan after I just uninstalled the other and it found several threats and it seems to spot more dangerous threats, For real, new and improved!

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Only as a last resort

by SeSorrow Apr 30, 2011 (Read all my 29 reviews)

I used to use AVG years ago when it was a decent product. Now it is useless to me. AVG is bloated, has WAY too many false positives (flags my Windows update process as a virus), and has a poor scan engine. 95 of the time there are one of two AV products on any machine that I have to clean up: AVG or Norton's. I know some users have had a great experience, but for me those days are long gone. I think there needs to be a rating category for "Effectiveness".

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Now one to avoid...

by ianmacm Dec 28, 2010 (Read all my 174 reviews)

AVG has taken a step backwards with the 2011 edition. It is bloatware and takes up far too much of the system resources. Past editions have worked well on my older computer, but the 2011 edition is slowing it down like swimming through a vat of treacle. This program cannot be recommended for older computers, or if there are worries about reducing the performance. AVG should consider offering a "lite" mode which keeps the real time resources required to a minimum.

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Formerly good software gone bad...

by gottleib1885 Jun 30, 2010 (Read all my 6 reviews)

I've used AVG Free for probably a decade and I always used to recommend and install it for people. I've even sold a couple of paid versions to businesses based on my experiences with their free product. But at some point not too long ago, I started noticing that this software was drifting from its honest, minimal roots into that awful category we call bloatware - where software starts getting really large and resource-intensive, and begins to advertise itself as a "suite" although most of its new 'features' are just superfluous window dressing. Then the free version links start getting smaller and harder to find. There was the LinkScanner debacle, the false-positive keygen deception which continues even now, and my favorite - the "no active components" failure which seems to occur without warning or even notice after it has happened. All of this as the quality of protection has absolutely tanked.

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Requires updating

by dragons Oct 31, 2009 (Read all my 2 reviews)

Nice tool, but requires constant updating, and the newest version 9 is more for Vista, or faster CPU and more RAM, this causes lag in older systems.

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I've since given up on this

by boofby Aug 16, 2009 (Read all my 14 reviews)

Used the program for many years, even recommended it to clients. But no longer. I feel its become far too invasive; from the toolbar it tries to install, to checking what websites you visit (do I really need this functionality duplicated since my browser already does this for me?). A lot of good software tends to get lost once the marketing heads get involved, and I feel this has become more bloatware than anything else.

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Overrated

by pugiee Aug 01, 2009

Lacks anti-rootkit protection that alone makes it a very weak product.

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Does not bog down your system

by Davoid Dec 21, 2008 (Read all my 7 reviews)

Great FREE antivirus program. Does not bog down your system like others with too many bells and whistles. Been using AVG since 2001.

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Nope no AVG for me

by gimpguy Aug 27, 2008 (Read all my 1159 reviews)

Why I ask myself do I keep giving this a chance? Slow, false alarms, doesn't detect real threats until you run something that does, ugly interface... my list goes on. Sure, it's better than nothing, you get a FREE edition, but hey, viruses are free too, doesn't mean I want one. Rising needs work but is still better than AVG. It's not worth my time. If some like it, that's ok and their choice, regardless what I think, it's still a choice for people which is the only reason I don't give it a 1. If others like it and it works for them, that's ok too. Just not for me.

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Enough is enough

by bill_ymr Aug 25, 2008 (Read all my 11 reviews)

Great program for free, but too many false alarms. My wife`s games were always being quarantined. I guess if you don't pay for the software, they ignore you.

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Caution advised on new version 8

by mragjr May 27, 2008 (Read all my 5 reviews)

I have used AVG Free the past two years. It has worked fine (great?) and there have been no virus incidents. On trying to upgrade from 7.5 to new 8.0, I have one XP machine that can't make the upgrade-on install, keep getting message that there is "another" av or security package running. Numerous messages back and forth to their help forum (which is responsive although all volunteer) has not yielded resolution and no one can find this "other" av. Obviously AVG has been around a while and is a "free" program that gets good grades, but I'd highly recommend BEFORE upgrading or installing fresh, a trip to their Forum and a review of their "stickies." Note that version 7.5 is being phased out 5/31/08, updates though will be provided through Dec 2008-waiting may be a good option. Given that I now cannot install version 8 nor install my "old" version 7.5, I can't recommend the program despite the other ratings I provided.

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Great

by MouseChaser Apr 24, 2008 (Read all my 27 reviews)

This is A Really Great Free Anti-Virus Program. They Now Have A New Version Out Called AVG Free Version 8.This New Version Has The Avg Anti-Spyware Built Right In,Plus It Has A Whole Bunch of New Stuff Built In.For A Great Free Anti Virus Program This One is It.It has Real Time Protection To.

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Exceptional

by celticangel Sep 20, 2007 (Read all my 2 reviews)

This program is amazing! It is the best of all the anti-virus programs. Plus it is free,which is a bonus.

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Great software for the price

by dacohenz Aug 01, 2007 (Read all my 3 reviews)

It's free and does not use close to the memory that McAfee and Norton use. I use this on my computers and my clients, and have yet to have any problems.

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Excellent!

by pantherman Jun 04, 2007 (Read all my 14 reviews)

Does what it says on the label. For a free program it is very good.

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Great

by jnuts74 May 14, 2007

Running this with windows vista ultimate. no problems, easy install, descent interface, free. i recommend it to others. note i have not ran this with xp or any other os other than vista ultimate.

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It's good, but

by Belatucadrus Apr 12, 2007 (Read all my 14 reviews)

I've been using various generations of AVG free off and on for some years now and while it's a very good anti virus I have issues with the update system. For cost reasons the updates for the free versions are hosted on cheaper servers than the paid for variant, which is fair enough. But some of the update files are pretty big and the less than ideal connection can be problematic. The scheduled scan is also a bit short on choices, nothing or every day and I don't know many people that run a full scan on a daily basis, so it's a bit of a non choice. My main machines use avast! which I rate highly, but my old W98 machine has been forced to an alternative by the need for license compliance and an easy second on my freebie AV list is AVG.

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Very good - to a point!

by Cheeky_Pete Feb 14, 2007 (Read all my 2 reviews)

Working in IT, I had the responsibility for evaluating and implementing several Anti Virus / Anti Spyware products. Having previously used one of the major, Enterprise level products both at work and home, I thought I would compare one of the freeware offerings - specifically AVG. And I was quite impressed by the functions and features as well as the capability of the product. My main concern is that the software appears to be very resource hungry - especially at system start up, and also the free version does not allow the daily scan to be disabled. All in all, great as a free product, and despite the restrictions it's become my AV product of choice at home.

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Doesnt get any better

by Doublechecked Jan 28, 2007

One of, if not the best free virus detection on the market. Highly recommended. Ease of use with all the default settings already pre-configured

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Works for me and my clients..

by james__uk Jan 22, 2007

AVG were the first to bring out a free AV, and they have been much copied. No virus has ever got past AVG Free in my experience. Advantages: Small footprint, taking only 2 MB memory. Easy to learn, with uncluttered interface. Daily updates of the virus definitions. Effective, free virus security. Disadvantages: Sometimes won't install properly on "dirty" systems. Update notification is slightly too obtrusive. Manual update won't find server during peak demand. This is occasional. Wait or hour or just leave it to undate automatically. Trouble free operation has resulted in many of my clients being prescribed AVG Free, even PC averse elderly clients prefer it. Companies use it too, without problems. It has proved worthy of my constant use, (I dropped Norton AV like a hot potato when it started failing before the millenium). Use with Windows Defender (ant-spyware) for total peace of mind. Highly recommended.

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The best AV software out there!!!

by TaBaScO Jan 09, 2007 (Read all my 3 reviews)

I have worked in I.T. for over 15 years, and for most of those years I was a die hard fan of the industry's most popular commercial AV software. Over the last two or three years I've become progressively disappointed with each year's new release. It takes up too many system resources, is buggy, and has annoying "product activation." As a result I started looking at numerous alternative anti virus programs -- both free and commercial. I tried four of the best known free AV products, and three commercial ones. After I installed AVG I was surprised to learn it found a Trojan that the none of the other AV products found even with the latest defs. AVG also takes up the least amount of system resources of any AV product I've used. Most of my friends and relatives now use AVG as well, and have had similar experiences. Today I run AVG on every PC in my home. With AVG being available for free there is no reason to buy anti virus software anymore.

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Wow, really does work wonders !!!

by webexpressions Dec 18, 2006 (Read all my 35 reviews)

I have an older machine that has windows 98 on it and one day it started to get the (blue screen of "death") and tried to figure out how to fix the problem but not knowing exactly what the cause of the problem was makes it difficult to figure out what to do. So I had tried a few name brand virus programs, and none of them had taken and picked anything up out of the ordinary. Then I saw AVG's free edition on snapfiles.com, and was reading the reviews from other users and thought that i'd give it a shot. Nothing else worked so what could the harm do. And was totally impressed with the outcome installed it on all my machines now. Fantastic Program keep up the great work All I can say is the program works wonders so take and download this one today you won't be disappointed. Thanks to the developers for a "Fantastic Program" . Avg is the only virus program that worked for me in detecting viruses that the name brands didn't.

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Good and fast

by ChrisWalker Dec 07, 2006 (Read all my 3 reviews)

I've used AVG for over a year on several computers at my house. It's solid, reliable and fast. Several of my computers are older computers and slow, so I was reluctant to add and AV program that might slow them down even more. After installing AVG I did not notice any slow down. Reference to the other AV programs in other reviews are -vastly- slower. Yeah, the interface could use some work, but if you want a fast, solid and free AV, then look no further than AVG.

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AVG is still king

by GsyMoo Nov 19, 2006 (Read all my 2 reviews)

My nephew gave me his new Dell laptop (running XP) to look at as it kept getting the Blue Screen Of Death. A quick inspection showed although his McAfee suite was up to date a virus had got in and switched it off! I couldnt re-activate the McAfee so I took it off and ran Stinger and Sysclean from Safe Mode. After that I put on Avast! and although that cleared up most of the machine there were 3 infected items it could not delete. So, I took off Avast! and installed AVG Free. The first scan found 50 more infected items that had been missed by the other softwares. Apart from a corrupted IE left by the infections (now using Firefox) the laptop is back to normal and no longer trying to spam the universe! Setting up is easier than tying your shoe laces and the protection is bullet proof , Ive been using AVG successfully on my own PC for years now with never a problem, even though my PC is permanently online, and best of all AVGs free!

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A very good program, but....

by Dragon10 Nov 14, 2006 (Read all my 43 reviews)

Having uninstalled my AV program and wanting to support Freeware distribution I chose AVG finding it a disappointing experience. It only scans infectable files which on my PC was only 13,336 files. My previous AV program a certai-N commercial product would regularly scan iro 39,000 files, quite a difference! I found AVG's scanning of 'In'/'Out' e-mails lacking as it proved intermittent and unreliable even though the settings were correct. The AV definition update 'splash' screen arriving 'wham' right in my face was alarming and rather irritating when trying to work. Surely, this could be done in the background, with a much smaller notification when the update is complete? Even for the free version I thought the features were somewhat limited. I know when writing a review direct reference should not be made to other programs, so all I can say is, the AV program I have installed on my PC, now, is a vast improvement on AVG! ;-)

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Seems promising

by prettyface Nov 13, 2006 (Read all my 9 reviews)

I have started using this application on a trial basis this week, and it picked up a high risk trojan which was missed by my antiVirus security suite and another Real-Time antiSpyware application - Spyware Terminator. To be fair, it is unwise to use 2 Real-Time antiSpyware applications at the same time as there is a risk they may undermine each other's effectiveness in exactly the same way as 2 antivirus programmes used together may do. Nevertheless, AVG's antiSpyware programme is probably as good a contender for getting results as several others.

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Surprising good for a free virus scanner

by SithTracy Nov 11, 2006 (Read all my 19 reviews)

I have tried a lot of commercial virus software products and I did find one I liked, though I won't name it (starts with a "K")... And while I like my commercial selection, I did not want to buy two licenses. I put AVG free on my wifes PC and did not pay much attention to it. I then started having nagging issues (browsing slowdowns and sites not loading) with my commercial selection and I started looking at AVG after the latest update. Needless to say I was quite impressed and quickly installed it on my system. It's not as polished as my commercial product, but I think it is a great choice for most people behind a NAT router and are generally cautious with things the download and launch, etc. I am very happy with it and may keep this installed even after my commercial product addresses the issues in their service release.

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Good but not the best.

by ShockTroop Sep 29, 2006 (Read all my 4 reviews)

AVG is on par with most major anti-virus packages. It's fairly easy to setup and has a robust set of features for free software. However, it does hog system resources and its detection success isn't extremely good.

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Appears on screen disrupting work. crashes.

by GetReal Sep 21, 2006

AVG is very good at detecting viruses. We all appreciate that it is also free for consumer use. However, it is distracting to have constant and frequent update reminders right in the middle of the screen while working on a project. You have to click on it to get it to leave and then it may activate the "blue screen of death" crashing your computer losing all of your work. It caused the same problems on both of the computers it was tried on. I had to uninstall AVG.

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The best I`ve used

by Dave_in_Roanoke Aug 27, 2006 (Read all my 2 reviews)

I like many have had problems with NortonSymantec and I also tried Avast and the one Cox Cable provides. I've been on the AVG bandwagon for a couple of years. Absolutely No Problems whatsoever with it.

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Just plain excellent

by hrwasp Aug 13, 2006 (Read all my 48 reviews)

All I can say is, excellent. This software package has helped me greatly and has helped out my clients! I recommend this to everyone I know! Very nice! Norton who?

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James

by james5 Aug 10, 2006 (Read all my 7 reviews)

This is a very good program to use and is fairly easy to use. This is my second choice but buy all means not the last. It is free and does the job very well. It is easy to update and that is always a big plus.

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Great software

by gregor303 Jul 30, 2006 (Read all my 4 reviews)

I have used this software on several computers for friends/family who are low-end users with minimal knowledge. The auto updates and scans work beautifully and are near-maintenance-free.

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Best free anti-virus there is

by Eonasdan Jul 25, 2006 (Read all my 8 reviews)

AVG is the best free anti-virus there is. When ever I work on computers for people I always install AVG free anti-virus. Most people go with out any kind of anti-virus.

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Deleting worms and trojans

by magnetic56 Jun 28, 2006 (Read all my 7 reviews)

AVG is a good program, with ONE failing. If you put it on a computer already infected with Virues, Worms, etc; it will only attempt to heal infected files, not delete Worms, and Trojans. As a Blocking program it is good, but for cleaning an infected system, NO. Regards Mick

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Outstanding

by TerryP Jun 21, 2006 (Read all my 87 reviews)

AVG is updated regularly and works flawlessly. I've used it for several years and highly recommend it. For most users, the basic freeware version works so well you wouldn't think it's limited in any way. This is top notch freeware and it doesn't get any better than this.

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Best free antivirus

by bobble Jun 20, 2006 (Read all my 2 reviews)

I am in the IT industry and have used all AV programs that are out there. AVG is as good (if not better) than any commercial antivirus out there. All of my collegues in the IT industry use AVG and claim it actually finds and removes viruses other AV programs can't. I would highly recommend this product. VD files are updated and available every day. And best of all, this program is FREE.

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The best free antivirus!!!

by BJ_Ge0rgE Apr 29, 2006 (Read all my 4 reviews)

I have used many high-rated A/V for months...They worked very good...Before a month i installed AVG and i did a full system scan.It found 4Trojans that the others haven't find...If you don't want to spent your money in buying A/V then AVG is perfect for you...It detects many viruses and it uses low resources without slowing your machine...You wil love it...I have tried other free A/V programms like AVAST but AVG is much better...Try it and you will see it by yourself :)

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One of the best free anti-virus programs!

by reviewer2006 Apr 26, 2006

While the free version has some limitations- only one automatic daily update, one scheduled scan, no technical support (although the forums are a good source of support), I was quite impressed by the wide variety of features. The only reason why I think that the "ease of use" doesn't get an "excellent" rating is because configuring the additional e-mail scanning plug-in's is a little complicated. Definitely worth downloading!

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