If AVG is so good why is it free?

[RichD]

I have heard some good reviews of AVG but I don't understand why it is a free piece of software if it is that good. Does it do everything that products such as Norton do? If not what do the "subscription" based packages do that AVG doesn't? Any advice would be appreciated as I am always skeptical about anything that is free.

[RADA]

Your answer is twofold:

1. Most of these companies offer a version for home use for free, so you get used to using their software, and go to your job and tell your friendly neighborhood Network Administrator about "this Great AntiVirus Program" you're using.... Marketing at it's finest!!

2. A lot of these companies hate idiotic virus/spyware writers as much as we do.. Offering their product for free is a small way to get back at the virus writers. Think of it in a Jedi / Sith sort of way! LOL! Both have the same skills, they just use them for different purposes!

[Mt_Goat]

I have used AVG for a long time and recently I bout the full AVG Anti-Vitus Plus Firewall. It is an excellent product! Another thing is that is is far less bloated than Norton.

[RWB]

I've probably had like 2 viruses on my computers in my life as far as I know. Both were when I was not using AVG. I had Norton for one, it was nasty had to reformat. Since using AVG FREE it's been amazing. Plus it's got a small footprint. I'll probably buy it when I have money and think of it.

[RichD]

OK, but what is the difference between AVG Free and Full then?

[profdlp]

OK, but what is the difference between AVG Free and Full then?
The biggest difference I've seen is that with the Full version you can customize the way the full test runs. You also get tech support.

[Byron172]

Speaking of tech support, the free version has a forum which you get access to when you register your free version. However, don't expect the warm, friendly environment at that forum that you get here. (The tech I dealt with was a bit "tense").

Also, with the "free for home - cost for business" thing, they realise that businesses are making money with the use of their PC's and therefore should be happy to fork out the dough.

AVG gotta make a buck somehow so that they can provide a free service to people who just wanna enjoy their home PC's without bastard Virus/Spyware writers wrecking it all.

PS - Out of all my friends and colleagues 80% use AVG and only one has had a virus (touch wood) - which came through being lax about his Microsoft updates. The 20% that use commercial AV have all had a virus at some stage whilst using their chosen AV software!!

[RichD]

Next point then; what stops companies using the free version? Is it written into the licence agreement, that it is for home use only, or is it simply the lack of technical support?

[primesuspect]

The license is "free for home and personal use only" - you are not allowed to use the free version for any business computer.

[Buddha16]

Like prof was getting at, with the free version any scheduled tasks don't get performed when not logged into the computer, but with the full version all scheduled tasks are performed no matter if you’re in or not. I thought that was a big plus so I bought it. It’s great, really like avg.

[Byron172]

As far as "stopping" companies using the free version, there is nothing that will physically prevent this from happening. It is a question of ethics, as yes, it is written into the licence agreement that you will only use the free version for home use. I believe most people understand the importance of not taking advantage of these free services.
Just a side note, anti spyware software is probably a wise "investment" when looking at the pros & cons of "to pay or not to pay". Many people believe that it is a good idea to have both a free anti-spy (AdawreSE/Spybot etc.) and a commercial product (one usually finds what the other won't). Food for thought?

[Leonardo]

Food for thought?

I really see no advantage to the commercial AV programs. Norton AV is very good, especially with quick updates, but it is a bloated monster with lots of stuff running in the background. McAfee is, well....it works....stay away.

I have phased out of all the commercial stuff over the last three years and now use AVG exclusively on my private computers. No viruses since doing this.

From my experience, perhaps the only advantage to commercial AV, at least with Norton, is that virus definition updates are available at a higher frequency than with AVG. Oh yes, Symantec and McAfee employ many people, so supporting them helps keep jobs intact.

[Byron172]

I would never recommend a commercial Anti-virus nor running two in tandem as this will cause more grief than glory. What I'm referring to is anti Spyware products. Hope I didn't cause any confusion....sorry.:thumbsup:

[RWB]

One of the top most problems I deal with at work is related to Norton blocking all internet activity. When everything on their computer and modem shows things to be normal, I ask if they have Norton. 9 times outta 10 they'll say yes or I dunno and will find out that they do have it. Rarely do I get a call about any other products blocking internet, and the times I can think of were with something called Panda. Although I am referring to Firewalls and not AV software :P

[Byron172]

On the subject of Firewalls, I heard the other day that AVG apparently have a free one. Has anyone tried/tested? I'd be interested to hear what it's like.

[RichD]

On the subject of Firewalls, I heard the other day that AVG apparently have a free one. Has anyone tried/tested? I'd be interested to hear what it's like.

I am currently using PC-Cillen but I am going to switch to AVG as it is free. I assume AVG doesn't a Firewall built in so if anyone knows of a free one that would be cool.

[Byron172]

OK RichD, I think you've made a wise choice. Heres the official word from AVG about the limitations of the free version (disregard th last one cos you can always get support via the forum:

AVG Free LimitationsAVG Free Edition has the following limitations:

AVG Free Edition cannot be installed on server operating systems (such as Windows Server 2003), nor can it be used for the scanning of network drives.

Scheduling options in the AVG Free Edition are very limited (only one scheduled update per day, one scheduled scan per day etc.).

AVG Free Edition receives updates via a lower priority service. Priority updating via ultra reliable Akamai servers is only available for purchased products.

AVG Free Edition does not offer advanced testing options, such as automatic healing, password-protected archives reporting, adjustment of scan process priority and many others.

AVG Free Edition has no technical support!

So there you go. I also looked into the free firewall and found a list at the following link http://www.freebyte.com/antivirus/#freefirewalls. You'll need to make up your own mind though cos I haven't researched any of them.
Also, visit the AVG site
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5
and see if they do have a free firewall, I'm sure I heard recently that they had one, then again I could be trippin'.
Hope this helps,
:cheers:

[RichD]

Nice one. Thanks for all you input.

[RADA]

Since swtching from Norton Systems Works 03 to Avast Pro (Yes I paid for it, figured it's worth it for such a great product), My home machine has been more stable and solid than it was the day I built it.

JV16 Power Tools is another great program. Lets you clean a lot of garbage off your machine..

JV16 Power Tools (http://www.jv16.org/)

After I build a system ( OS & Apps too), the last 2 things I do is defrag, and use JV16. Machines run very well

[profdlp]

...JV16 Power Tools is another great program. Lets you clean a lot of garbage off your machine...
Excellent program - one of my all-time favorites. :thumbsup:

[Nightwolf]

You also get tech support.
Who needs tech support when we have the greatest thing on gods givin earth...Short-Media!

[Byron172]

Well if it's good for Prof thats enough for me, I'm gonna check it out.........