Product Review: AVG Antivirus Protection

Most new computers do not offer complimentary virus protection. Many machines running Vista include a trail version of Norton Antivirus, but any seasoned web user knows that virus protection must be current, with regular updates and no blackout date on protection. So, how do you get good virus protection without shelling out even more money on that new PC or laptop purchase? AVG claims to have the answer.

AVG Antivirus Protection comes with both free and paid features. The main difference between free and paid services is the nature of protection. Both feature a very complete, self-updating threat library, but the free only puts that library into use during user-initiated or scheduled scans. Conversely, the pay-for-use edition offers real-time scanning, giving immediate protection on the web.

In weighing the two options, AVG Antivirus Protection's free edition is suitable for most casual users. However, users who spend most of their time online may want to consider the paid upgrade, especially if file transfers and large file downloads are normal procedure. The paid version is still much cheaper than Norton or McAfee, but provides decent protection.

AVG Antivirus Protection is nice because it's real virus protection without a catch. Many other free or low-cost virus protection products come riddled with adware to offset marketing costs. As the old adage goes: "you can't get something for nothing." AVG makes use of this principle by recouping freeware losses via the paid version; it does not resort to selling ad space on the program or, worse yet, on your computer.

Generally speaking, its library is complete. But the free version updates understandable lag behind the priority, paying customers. As aforementioned, real-time protection is not offered for free, but Ryan of Cyber Net posits in his article "AVG 8.0 Review and Screenshots" that the higher end features of the latest version will be adopted into the free edition eventually.

Features similar to McAfee's coveted "Site Advisor" are available with the real-time protection of the paid version, further protecting the user from making poor web browsing choices in the first place. It's a nice update that really sets AVG apart from other low cost virus protection. As a free protector, it is competent but not infallible. Users should keep Windows regularly updated and read computer forums for the latest news regarding top threats. OneCare and other online scans sanctioned by Windows are a good idea for occasional protection against viruses that may be missed by the free edition. However, those viruses will be few and far between, as the free edition is still a cut above many others on the market.

Sources:
Ryan, AVG 8.0 Review and Screenshots, Cyber Net.