AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition Virus Scanner

AVG Anti-Virus Free

The latest version of this AVG anti-virus program is now on the market: 2012. This article covers the older version eight. It is advisable to switch to the latest version for optimal protection.

AVG Anti Virus Free 8.0

The new Anti-Virus version 8.0 naturally detects viruses, worms, trojans as well as executable files that may be unwanted or harmful. The Anti-Spyware function detects spyware and adware and finally, the E-mail Scanner scans incoming and outgoing e-mails for malware.

LinkScanner and AVG Security Toolbar

As you can see on the AVG website, the program has grown from more than 30 MB to about 45 MB. What do you get there for extra compared to the previous version? Which was also simply effective against viruses and spyware? That is (among other things) the LinkScanner that is included in the program. This tool is now available through the acquisition of the Exploit Prevention Labs company in 2007.

The LinkScanner blocks malicious websites and checks links on search pages of popular search engines. If this function is enabled, you can test it by, for example, searching for something in the search engine Google. Then you will of course get a list of search results. If there is a green tick behind the link, the coast is clear. The AVG Search Shield also offers search protection and is also part of the LinkScanner.In summary, now AVG Search-Shield and AVG Active Surf-Shield bundled in the LinksScanner should guide you more safely through the internet.

What are you still missing with this program?

Unfortunately, this free version does not protect all of your computer’s ‘enemies. The following points remain a problem:

• Spam
• Hackers
• Phishing attacks
• Keyloggers
• Infected IM attachments (eg Windows Live Messenger)
• Drive-by downloads

So for this protection, you still have to buy the commercial software, but for most people the protection that AVG offers in this version is sufficient. Beware of fake anti-virus and fake anti-spyware programs circulating on the net. These can appear as a pop-up and appear real. For the prevention of downloading such a program and its possible removal, please read the article Fake Anti-Spyware & Anti-Virus programs.
One more point of criticism: AVG Anti Virus Free is only available in English and Japanese. There is therefore not (yet) a Dutch version. Fortunately, there is a Dutch manual (see earlier for the link).

Problems with AVG

Do you have a question or problem with the anti-virus program? Then you can ask your question at the bottom of this page. You can also look at the questions already present or the following paragraph:

AVG 8.0 Free makes computer/internet slow

Various forums have reported a problem experienced by a number of people: using the internet is slower than with the old version AVG 7.5. A possible solution could be to turn off the Security Toolbar. Perhaps the creator of the program will fix the problems in an update. If you can’t wait for that, Avast! Antivirus also an option (free and with over 50 million users).

Fake antivirus program: XP Antivirus 2010

Beware of this bogus antivirus program! Many computer users are already infected. It is now certainly important that you regularly update AVG and have scans performed. In addition, you can also scan your computer via the bottom two sites and have the virus removed (with instructions).

• http://www.internetinspiration.co.uk/roguefix.htm
• http://hands-oncorp.com/2008/06/20/xp-antivirus-2008-removal-instructions

If you get strange pop-ups when opening Windows Internet Explorer, don’t click on anything! Almost a 100% chance that this is the virus or a fake anti-virus program and will activate when you press “Ok”.

AVG removes Windows XP file – Blue screen

AVG has been causing a lot of problems lately because it detects an important Windows XP file as a virus and puts it in quarantine. This will cause the users to see a blue screen at startup.

Virus Conficker (also Downadup or Kida)

In January 2009 a new virus has surfaced: Conficker, also called Downadup or Kida. Windows PCs are victims of this. The highly ranked VirusAlert.nl has now also raised the alarm in the Netherlands. The problem is a vulnerability in Windows security. Windows has already fixed this vulnerability if you installed an update. Computers without this software update are at high risk. Especially with companies and governments, the virus has free rein. If you perform a recent update of AVG, your computer is not at risk.

Virus Gumblar: More dangerous than Conficker

After the virus Conficker caused a lot of damage in January 2009, there is currently a new virus that is even more dangerous according to experts. His name is Gumblar. As a result, hackers exploit leaks in Adobe Reader and Flash software. In infected PDF documents, you may encounter the text “Boris like horilka”. Fake websites that are found with Google by Internet Explorer can also steal your data. Therefore, keep your AVG Anti-virus program up to date!