AVG Anti-Virus Free 8.0
Proof of just how popular AVG anti-virus products are is the fact that Grisoft, the company behind these anti-virus products, has changed its company name to AVG Technologies. And with the release of AVG Anti-Virus Free 8.0, we can only expect AVG Technologies to once again reap the benefits of their hard work through their clients' continual patronage.
So what is it that makes AVG Anti-Virus Free 8.0 so popular?
Features
AVG Anti-Virus Free 8.0 has an integrated virus and spyware protection system and is equipped with AVG's LinkScanner technology that provides Web protection. AVG Free 8.0 also has an email scanning feature that scans all incoming and outgoing email messages for threats and any form of malware.
Some reviewers created a buzz about the program's email scanning, saying that the feature only works for the first 30 days. This circulating information has been corrected by AVG's CEO Karel Obluk, who made it clear that all the features users saw and enjoyed when they began using AVG Free 8.0 will be available for the entire duration of their program usage.
And even though AVG Free 8.0 doesn't have a rootkit scanning feature, many users report that the program was able to completely remove known rootkits through its standard signature-based scanning.
nstallation and Setup
Unlike other AV programs, AVG Anti-Virus Free 8.0 will automatically check your system before it proceeds with the installation process. You will then be given the option to choose between two modes of installation: standard and custom. It's highly recommended to just stick to the standard installation that comes with predefined settings, so you won't have to go through the hassle of customizing the program right then and there.
Besides, you can always change the configuration and alter the settings directly from the AVG application once it's installed. Custom installation is only recommended for advanced users who have to do a bit more tweaking to make the program fit their specific system requirements.
Another thing we like about AVG Anti-Virus Free 8.0 is that it tells you straight up what you can and can not expect from the product. For example, AVG makes no qualms about telling you that you can't expect to get the technical support given to those who use full versions of their products. What you can do, however, is register your AVG 8.0 Free and look for help from fellow users in AVG forums and discussions.
User Interface
AVG AV Free 8.0's user insterface sports a clean look, with only three general tabs on the left side. Unlike other AV programs' interface where shortcuts are crammed on the left-side of the main window, AVG Free 8.0's interface only has three general tabs: Overview, Computer Scanner, and Update Now.
It's easy to navigate through the program's interface too. From the system menu, you can easily access all the program's components, services, and features such as email scanner, anti-virus, anti-spyware, Resident Shield, LinkScanner, and Update Manager.
On the upper part of the main window, you'll find information on the current security status of your AVG Anti-Virus 8.0 Free program. The green icon means that your AV program is fully functional, that the components are up to date, and that your computer is properly protected.
If the orange icon is displayed, it means that one or more of your AVG components are falsely configured and that you should correct the properties and settings.
Not to worry though, the orange icon also indicates that your computer is still protected by AVG. If you see the red icon, however, this means that your AVG is in critical status and its components are not working properly.
You should immediately correct your configurations if you see the red icon because this means that your computer cannot be protected by AVG.