Entered CNET Catalog: 03/13/2006
SKU: CNETGRISOFTAVGANTIVIRUS
Manufacturer: AVG Technologies USA, Inc.
Manufacturer description
AVG Professional Single Edition is perfectly designed to give you the maximum antivirus protection for your single home PC or workstation. It is simple to install and operate. No IT expertise is required and it can run in the background, providing uninterrupted protection. All file and e-mail activity is checked automatically, allowing you to get on with your work without worrying about viruses. It is extremely fast, reliable and light on resources, so, no matter how demanding a user you are, it will not slow down your performance. The powerful AVG Resident Shield provides maximum protection by scanning every file opened, executed, or saved. It will also prevent the opening or executing of infected files. The AVG Personal E-mail Scanner checks every e-mail sent or received, providing much needed protection from e-mail borne threats. AVG supports all leading e-mail clients including MS Outlook, The bat!, Eudora and all other SMTP/POP3 based email clients such as Outlook Express. Encrypted connections using SSL are also supported. AVG Professional can scan attachments of instant message services (like ICQ, MSN Messenger) for viruses and other threats. AVG provides support for the detection of "potentially unwanted programs". AVG's scanning engine uses a unique combination of heuristic analysis and generic detection methods to detect all known viruses. The AVG Resident Shield can include/exclude files from scanning based on individual file extensions. Automatically attempts to heal/remove infected files and other threats such as trojans, worms, and java applets. Removed files are quarantined in the AVG Virus Vault. AVG Professional has flexible password protection so you can select which settings you wish to protect from other users.CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 04/06/2006
AVG Anti-Virus 7.1 Professional Single Edition was a snap to set up. Available as a 30-day, 20MB trial download from CNET Download.com, AVG Anti-Virus 7.1 installed on our Windows XP test system without incident in about two minutes. Next, AVG's First Run Wizard launched automatically, giving us the option to download the latest virus definitions and program files; create a rescue disk, which boots the system into a DOS environment to remove viruses and restore system files; and scan our computer. (The free version does not automatically offer to download the latest virus definitions; you have to remember to do that on your own.) While the rescue disk wizard is easy to use, it creates only a rescue floppy disk, not a CD, and that's bad news if you're using one of today's floppy-free PCs.
It is simple to navigate AVG Anti-Virus 7.1 Professional Single Edition. The basic interface screen provides quick access to AVG's limited tool set along the left side, allowing you to scan the entire computer or select components, such as a CD or a floppy, with a couple of clicks. See our AVG Anti-Virus slide show for images. For a quick tutorial on how to use AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition, see CNET Download.com's feature.
Unfortunately, AVG Anti-Virus 7.1 lacks the detailed options found in competing products. Unlike F-Secure Internet Security 2006, for example, AVG 7.1 doesn't let you run scheduled scans after your computer has been idle; you can schedule daily and weekly scans, though. And AVG Anti-Virus 7.1 isn't as configurable as, say, Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2006, which allows you to set its real-time virus scanner to scan compressed files up to six layers deep. Neither the paid nor the free version of AVG Anti-Virus 7.1 offers that level of granularity. On top of that, the free version doesn't scan network drives, doesn't come with tech support, and limits you to one scheduled update and scan per day.
AVG Anti-Virus 7.1 Professional Single Edition's biggest asset is its low profile. AVG 7.1 had a minimal impact on our boot times: 61 seconds compared to 84 seconds from F-Secure. However, with our test system, we did encounter a slight, 1- to 2-second drag while AVG scanned files being loaded into Microsoft Word. When testing, we found AVG wasn't the fastest scanner around, requiring 290 minutes to scan our 74GB hard drive, while PC-cillin Internet Security 2006, the fastest virus buster we've tested, scanned the same partition in just 181 minutes. Read the CNET Labs' test results page to find out how AVG Anti-Virus 7.1's overall performance compares with that of other antivirus apps.
You get support for AVG Anti-Virus 7.1 if you purchase the Professional Single Edition. You can even initiate technical support e-mail from within the program itself; this option is unavailable in the free edition. There are searchable FAQs online, with dozens of useful questions and answers on most topics; however, there is no telephone technical support available, even for the paid version.
User opinions
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User Rating: 
9/10
Best Antivirus
Pros: Consume Low Memory of your computer and find very quickly any virus
Cons: Need a better GUI
User Rating: 
1/10
AVG Tech Support Sucks!
Pros: Good sales presentation but be careful!
Cons: Technical Support inexistance!
After installing the AVG Internet Security, it screwed up my Outlook and keeps popping up an error: "avgxch32.dll is missing". It basically hanged my Outlook and pops up the same error message everytime I click on any of the Outlook command.
I tried to uninstall the AVG IS7 by running the uninstall program but it cannot be uninstalled!
I also tried to reinstalling it but the same problem still exists.
A check with the forum indicated that this is a common problem and the fixes provided by AVG also did not work.
I wrote to AVG Tech Support and all I got was a standard reply message that they are busy attending to the paying customers. I guess they must be as it has been 3 weeks since I last wrote in and there is still no follow-up.
I had no choice but to reinstall my Vista Business and every other software to get rid of the AVG IS7!
You still want to try this piece of software?
User Rating: 
8/10
Excellent Anti-Virus Solution
Pros: Automated Updates, Fault Protection, Easy user interface
Cons: Consider scheduling the virus scans in non-use hours, overnight
User Rating: 
10/10
AVG is hands-down the best AntiVirus software I've ever used!
Pros: FREE, Catches more viruses than NAV, fast scanning, easy interface, low resource hog
Cons: I can't think of any
Quite honestly I am shocked at the low rating CNet gave AVG, which causes me to wonder if (as another reviewer put it) they are in the pockets of other AV companies like Symantec. There's just no reason for a low rating of the AVG product.
For one, it's 100% free! And free, in this case, doesn't mean inferior. AVG updates their virus database daily and provides one of the most complete protection resources available anywhere in terms of virus blocking. The free version also allows background protection, auto-updating and scheduling!
I've been using the free version for a few years now and am impressed at how sensitive it is to threats. As a matter of fact, AVG caught a virus that Norton failed to identify on one of my work PCs!
AVG's scan is FAST too! Compared to Norton, which is terribly slow, AVG does its job quickly and exceptionally efficiently and, as I mentioned before, even with Norton's terribly slow scan it failed to catch a virus that AVG picked right up!
AVG also uses far less memory than Norton. Translation: It won't bog down your PC!
AVG is also incredibly easy to install, set up and manage! It's also totally stable! I have never once had a problem with AVG. Norton, on the other hand, can tend to be a real headache at times. Since my office has used Norton for years, I've noted the times it has crashed and had to be re-installed. Often both uninstalling and re-installing are a pain as well. Not so with AVG; install it once and you're set!
The only real difference between the free and the pro version is technical support, which you won't need as the program functions flawlessly. However, I have just talked our corporation to get rid of Norton and replace all network machines with Grisoft AVG's AntiVirus Network program, which is reasonably priced and comes with all the exceptional AntiVirus protection AVG is famous for, plus e-mail SPAM guard, Adware, Spyware and Malware protection, a firewall, and all can be controlled from a single network workstation for maximum ease of maintenance.
If you're looking for speed, thorough protection, features, ease of use and affordability it really doesn't get any better than AVG! Did I mention that it's also compatible with Microsoft's new OS, Windows Vista? This program deserves 5 stars and a full 10 rating at Cnet, in my opinion, which I'm very happy to give.
If you need a virus protection program for your PC, download the free version today! Don't waste time or money with the other guys and don't worry that you might be getting less protection because it's free. AVG provides, in my opinion, better protection than Norton AV! As I said before it caught a virus that NAV missed. Trust it and enjoy a protected PC that won't slow down because of the AV software! Good stuff! Highly recommended!!!
User Rating: 9/10
Very good espectacular I had never ahd soch a good antivirus
Pros: Fast scan And a real time monitor that works perfect
Cons: None exept that it doesent has a firewall but its no problem
User Rating: 10/10
Better than norton
Pros: Kills all viruses dead, free
Cons: Spyware has to be done separately (Grisoft anti-spyware is free also)
I work in a computer repair shop and one of the most common things we do is virus removal. One pc came in about a week ago that had a total of 500 viruses and spyware on across 3 hard drives. The viruses had a) Got past norton b) Disabled norton silently c) Continued to multiply and open backdoors. We had to uninstall Norton and put AVG free on to get rid of them as you couldn't use Norton for the viruses.
It may not be the most flashy piece of software ever but it better than all the other antivirus software out there and its FREE.
User Rating: 8/10
It's awesome! All things great and small.
Pros: It works great and it's small as far as resources required
Cons: Scanning does tend to slow the system down
I try to practice safe computing habits so I can honestly say I've only gotten a virus once in my life -- and that was before I got AVG free. That's why I don't really know how good AVG is when it comes to detecting and getting rid of viruses. Sorry if that makes this review lame.
What I can say is that it doesn't take much resources, as compared with McAfee. It automatically does a daily update and scan, although, sometimes, I do press the "Check for Updates" button just for the heck of it!
One thing I dislike about AVG free is when it does its scheduled system scan. It doesn't keep me from working, but my system slows down noticeably. Luckily, I eventually figured out how to re-schedule a system scan in the wee hours of the morning.
I have no problems recommending AVG free to my friends and family as well as to CNET visitors.
User Rating: 9/10
Free, simple, unobtrusive, and effective
Pros: Easy to use, automatically updates, no viruses have found their way through
Cons: Has never detected a virus, but Ive never experienced one
User Rating: 
6/10
it Free That is cool BUT is it good
Pros: it scanns for Virus yes
Cons: i have a partion hard drive when it scanns the report at the end only show C: drive
RIVE, and the report in the end will show it as C: I know the software is scanning D: Drive because it shows at the bottom of the screen what file are being scanned and the Drive letter is shown as D:, so software is great but the area that show the report at the end need a little work, but it is free. i do not know if i will use this because my PC cost about $2000.00 and i custom built it so i do really know yet. if you think of it no anti Virus company will warrnety your pc if there produce fails, and your pc is kill by a virus so what to do ? i still gave it a 6 because it does a good job on scanning the report at the end was the only problem i have foundThe program run very stable, scans very fast an good, but a weird glitch, when I scanned my PC it has a partitioned hard drive with C: D: and E: drives and in the end report it only show a report for C: drive. So I just tried to scan D: drive only, and the report in the end will show it as C: I know the software is scanning D: Drive because it shows at the bottom of the screen what file are being scanned and the Drive letter is shown as D: so the software is great but the area that show the report at the end needs a little work.
When I first saw AVG I thought this is so cool because it is free it works good. Then I started looking around the web and found a ton of free anti virus software the web site below has tons of links to free high quality anti virus software
http://www.freebyte.com/antivirus/
Here are some of the names
AVG
Avast
COMODO
Anti-vir
F-PROT
PS there is even a lot more than this list at the website above. if a person was just looking at how the software looks COMODO software looks very cool, it has a very nice looking user inter face, but I have not tried it yet, I am a person though that is more concerned with how accurate the software is, how good it works, does it slow a pc speed down a lot and will it catch all the virus and bad stuff. The Free software or paid software could cost a lot more money than you think if it fails my PC cost me $2000.00, so if a virus kill my PC it cost me a $2000.00 mistake so I will choose very wisely and carefully.
User Rating: 9/10
avg anti virus with firewall
Pros: does have firewall and now has anti spyware
Cons: couldnt find any (YET)
oh nearly forgot firewall not available with free edition avg not sure about ewido anti spyware though.
User Rating: 9/10
VERY GOOD ANTI-VIRUS SOLFTWARE
Pros: You can buy the package AVG & EWIDO together
Cons: no firewall
User Rating: 9/10
Excellent product.
Pros: Very fast scanning
Cons: Not easy to configure scans
User Rating: 9/10
the free avg version it is as good as the pro
Pros: avg free it is a great av,even scans your email.
Cons: 90s interface
User Rating: 9/10
A fantastic, and FREE Anti-Virus Application
Pros: FREE, offers good, solid anti-virus realtime protection, updates daily, very easy to use and set up, and uses VERY LITTLE resources
Cons: Some people might dislike the Windows 95-ish looking interface (I find it nice though), the scanner isn't that useful or great, but you won't need it since you have the realtime protection
So, this thing is fantastic. I used to have Norton AV but decided to switch to AVG since it doesn't take up as many resources as Norton is infamously well known for doing, and it seems just as effective.
Coupled with Mozilla Firefox, I haven't had ANY tracking cookies, spyware, adware, viruses, or anything for a while now. Norton AV coupled with Ineternet Explorer/Netscape 8.1 and Windows Defender constantly had me wishing I had 4GB of RAM. Not only that, I still kept getting tracking cookies and other crud that other scans like Housecall picked up. Since then, NOTHING.
Next, the realtime protection, e-mail scanner, everyday updates, a rescue disc feature, a wide level of customizability not found on many other AV apps, good heuristics, and a handy schedular round out the best features. Some people might find the interface lacking, but trust me: it is clear, it is simple, and it is cool
.Finally, people, let's not forget this is free? This thing in my honest opinion is a little better than Avast because of the better interface and options, but really you can't go wrong either way. It's really a matter of personal taste rather than fact. Both are excellent.
Now, I would've loved an anti-spam option. Additionally, protection for my instant-messenging programs would be fantastic. Strangely, I miss the annoying Norton AV popups. At least it really let me know it was working and constantly scanning. But hey, I haven't gotten any malware onto my PC since switching to a new browser and AV app, and since it's free there's no way I can't give it a "Spectacular" rating. If I had to pay I'd get Avast or just stick with good ol' Norton.
- Nick
User Rating: 9/10
Very Good & Free
Pros: Can be set to auto update and auto scan - FREE
Cons: According to the review only Good on Detection
User Rating: 9/10
One of the Best CNET's freeware!!!!
Pros: I've been using AVG since i was searching for a free anti-virus, for my PC, i thought it wasn't good, 'casue it was free, I WAS INSULTED !!!
Cons: The e-mail scanner doesn't really protect.
User Rating: 10/10
The best anti-virus software!
Pros: Doesn't bog down my system
Cons: None that I see.
User Rating: 10/10
Doesn't slow slow down my computer
Pros: gamer-friendly.
Cons: No firewall or antispyware - but who cares? I can get those elsewhere anyway
User Rating: 
7/10
avg free vs norton
Pros: its free and good
Cons: no cons yet
User Rating: 9/10
Better than $$ competitors
Pros: Excellent updates, NOT a system hog, FREE!
Cons: I have no cons.
I've been using AVG for years and have yet to get a virus. It stops them all cold! It has cleaned other computers with ease. This is MUST BUY software. Hey, wait a minute...it's FREE!
User Rating: 10/10
Avg is the greatest anti-virus
Pros: Finds trojans like no other
Cons: there are no cons AVG is GREAT
no firewall will stop viruses.
AVG free does not come with a firewall and for those who are illeterate AVG pro you can get a firewall.
Grisoft is the leader of Anti-virus software keep up the great work
because betwen you and spysweeper and my knowledge my computers and those that I repair work great
User Rating: 
5/10
CNet does the product justice
Pros: Free, and that's all folks
Cons: Worst detection of the free avs, not as light as the other free avs as well
User Rating: 8/10
Free - Yet better than most
Pros: Small demand on recssources, Simple and Efficient
Cons: No firewalls, the free version lacks options for scheduling
User Rating: 7/10
Another correction
Pros: -----------
Cons: ------------
HUH? PURCHASE? A lot of misinformation in that one sentence.
Isn't a version of Zone Alarm still free? Isn't there a free version of Spybot Search & Destroy? Isn't Microsoft Windows Defender free?
Perhaps the author and his editor should click on the link to the left under 'Related Features' that says "Free Software" and look at Tip #3 for "Free security software"
User Rating: 9/10
Corrections
Pros: The free version can do things your review said it can't
Cons: Limiting the recovery disk to a floppy is not good
