Software my AVG expiring?

[Blobbenstein]

I keep getting these popup notices that say my AVG will expire.

I has been free for a few years...Is it no longer going to be free? Anyone know?

Or do they just want me to buy the pay for package?

 

[beancounter]

Just delete your current copy of AVG, and any browser and registry references, then re-download a new free version. That should "reset" the clock.

 

[Joe]

I keep getting these popup notices that say my AVG will expire.

I has been free for a few years...Is it no longer going to be free? Anyone know?

Or do they just want me to buy the pay for package?

Bob Rankin wrote a column about this problem. You might find it interesting.

No More Free Antivirus?

 

[Blobbenstein]

He thinks Avast is the one for him, so maybe I'll switch to that.

 

[Blobbenstein]

I liked the thing he said about the “SafeZone” virtual computer...I suppose you have to pay for that.

 

[shyvas]

He thinks Avast is the one for him, so maybe I'll switch to that.

I also used Avast when I owned a pc and it was foc.

 

[Freesia]

My AVG be crazy at the moment.

The problem is that it asked me to update and reload it. So I did, and then it said "Do you want to try our extra protection package for 30 days?" So I uploaded that too.

Problem is now I keep getting messages saying "Your package will expire in 12 days. Do you want to purchase the package?"
Every day it is popping up.

I am pretty sure I can just cancel the package when the time comes and it will go back to normal though. They are just trying to get me to buy it.

 

[Freesia]

i have Windows defender on the other machine. I find it a bit simpler, but the virus scan takes 5ever.

 

[Blobbenstein]

my AVG has lasted a few years, so it must have been the right download...maybe it was an update that I clicked on the wrong thing.

 

[beancounter]

I think a paid version of a major AV peogram is the best way to go. I know that's an unpopular opinion, but it's the most reliable and consistent option.

Ive had issues with free AV programs in the past, so I don't trust them.

And it doesn't have to cost a lot. For example, you can purchase a year old version of Norton on Amazon for $25, then during the loadong process it will automatically upgrade you to the current version for free.

Given how nasty malware can be, IMO, $25 per year is worth the peace of mind.

If you insist on freeware, I recommend finding one that provides "real time protection".

 

[Freesia]

my AVG has lasted a few years, so it must have been the right download...maybe it was an update that I clicked on the wrong thing.

It is possible you did the same thing as me and "trialed" the new features. I am definitely regretting having done that.

 

[Freesia]

I think a paid version of a major AV peogram is the best way to go. I know that's an unpopular opinion, but it's the most reliable and consistent option.

Ive had issues with free AV programs in the past, so I don't trust them.

And it doesn't have to cost a lot. For example, you can purchase a year old version of Norton on Amazon for $25, then during the loadong process it will automatically upgrade you to the current version for free.

Given how nasty malware can be, IMO, $25 per year is worth the peace of mind.

If you insist on freeware, I recommend finding one that provides "real time protection".

What one provides real time protection?

I think Windows Defender is ok, I used it for a long time.

 

[Joe]

You might want to read this article by Bob Rankin on antivirus tests.

Is Your AntiVirus Getting a Bad RAP?

He suggests consulting the following listing:

Virus Bulletin : VB100 comparative review on Windows 7

 

[beancounter]

What one provides real time protection?

I think Windows Defender is ok, I used it for a long time.

Typically, real time protection is disabled on freeware AV programs. But that may have changed. All the major paid programs have real time protection.

 

[Spang]

I decided to install anti-virus software, ClamXav (free), on my MacBook Pro for the first time, and run a scan. I've had my MacBook Pro since December 27, 2010.

The results:

Spoiler

 

[Joe]

AVG AntiVirus FREE 2014 is our current Editors' Choice for free antivirus. It shares the top score in my hands-on malware blocking test with four others, among them Avira Free AntiVirus (2014) and FortiClient 5.0 (also free). If you can't even get antivirus installed, give Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 2.0 a try. It's our Editors' Choice for free, cleanup-only antivirus.

Whatever your antivirus needs, one of the more than forty tools listed here should do the job.

The Best Antivirus for 2014 | PCMag.com

 

[Freesia]

Typically, real time protection is disabled on freeware AV programs. But that may have changed. All the major paid programs have real time protection.

I need to research it more. It was an IT guy who told me that the Microsoft AVs (microsoft security essentials (7) and Windows Defender (8) ) were good to use.

I got a paid AV with my other computer but the disc installation crashed it all so I gave up on it. So I just use Windows Defender now. I did return that computer to the shop so I could try it on the new computer.

 

[Freesia]

I have had Nod32 on work computers but it can be temperamental with updates. It seemed to do its job well apart from that.

 

[Freesia]

I am also seeing talk about Malwarebytes. Though I dont really know what it does.

 

[beancounter]

I am also seeing talk about Malwarebytes. Though I dont really know what it does.

Malwarebytes is a very good program. They have a free version available (But without real time protection)

Maybe someone could explain this better, but MWB focuses soley on maleware and PUPs, where as programs like Norton internet security and Kasperskey also deterct viruses. However NIS doesn't bother looking for PUPs. So it's good to have both. If you buy the full version of MWB, in addition to NIS, Kasperskey (or a similar program), disable MWB real time protection as it will conflict with the other programs RTP.

I personally have NIS as my main AV program, and use MWB as a secondary scanner

What is a PUP:
PUP Definition from PC Magazine Encyclopedia

What is real time protection:
Antivirus software - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Real-time protectionReal-time protection, on-access scanning, background guard, resident shield, autoprotect, and other synonyms refer to the automatic protection provided by most antivirus, anti-spyware, and other anti-malware programs. This monitors computer systems for suspicious activity such as computer viruses, spyware, adware, and other malicious objects in 'real-time', in other words while data loaded into the computer's active memory: when inserting a CD, opening an email, or browsing the web, or when a file already on the computer is opened or executed."

Difference between malware and a virus:
Understanding tech language: The difference between malware and a virus | PCWorld