May 19 2008
AVG 8.0
AVG 8.0 has arrived. I’m slightly disappointed in it.
Not to worry, though. AVG 8.0 still provides free virus protection. Not only that, this version incorporates anti-spyware technology. Nice.
The problems:
- The program is double the size of AVG 7.5. It’s more intrusive meaning system performance will likely suffer.
- It’s been reported (not by me) to be buggy. I’ve had no problems myself.
- If you don’t use the “custom” installation option, you’ll install the Yahoo! toolbar, which they’re calling a “security” toolbar. Huh? Come on, AVG, just be open and honest here.
- AVG ramped up efforts to get users to download the commercial version. The warnings and reminders that “you’re not fully protected” and that you should “download now!” abruptly jump out at you at various times.
Overall, I recommend AVG 8.0. Automatic updates, email scanning, spyware protection, the ability to schedule daily scans . . . what’s not to like? Combined with a decent firewall (Windows firewall works well) and real-time spyware protection (like Windows Defender, for instance), you’ll have a pretty solid security suite.
Do you get everything you’d get with the commercial version? Obviously not, or AVG would be out of business. You’ll be missing the hostile websites protection, a rootkit scanner, a firewall, and free support, among some other minor goodies.
I feel safe without the above, so I’m quite happy with this offering.
In fact, I have disabled some of the aspects of this program so that it’s less intrusive. Check out page 50 of Koroush Ghazi’s Tweaking Companion for Windows XP. You’ll find a detailed explanation of the options he recommends disabling for optimal system performance. I’ve found these settings to work well for me. Remember, there’s always a trade-off when considering system performance versus system security. The more safeguards in place, the less “peppy” your system will be. The fewer safeguards in place, the more “at risk” your system will be. It’s up to you to decide your comfort level.
Stumble it!
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I concur with your observations! I recently downloaded the new free version of AVG 8.0 and have noticed a slight slow-down in performance, though I hadn’t associated it with AVG, so now it makes sense. I avoided the toolbar installation – also the commercial version, which at first seemed the only option. Just thought I’d comment since I finally know something about one of the computer helps you’re featuring.