AVG vs. Avast

GHoosdum

I've tried both AVG and Avast over the years. I've found both to be fairly comprehensive solutions to the free antivirus question. However, I've been using Avast for the last several years, because when I tried AVG years ago it was severely crippled in its options and the interface was too gaudy for my liking. Recently, I saw the latest version in action and it seems that these issues have been ironed out.

I'm about to go through a reformat/reinstall cycle here, and I'm wondering if I should stick with Avast or switch to AVG? Which has more features? Which has a smaller footprint?

Also, I have the option to get Symantec Antivirus 10.0 Corporate for free from work (for my personal PC only) should I go with this or stick with one of the free ones? I'd like a recommendation between the two free ones regardless for all the installations I perform when helping others...

Thanks!

QCH

I have the option to grab Symantec and I avoided it like the plague. The performance hit was too much for me. I use AVG on all my systems. I have NOT used Avast.

CB

I tell my students to all go download Avast!. Sometimes someone tells me that they already paid for Mcaffe or Symantec. I tell them that they've wasted their money, and that they should uninstall it, and download Avast! I've never used AVG.

Mt_Goat

I had been using AVG for some time then I had a problem with the current version and Outlook in January of this year. I then tried Avast and haven't looked back since. This was all on a fresh install of Windows. I really do like the compact and simple interface of Avast!

GnomeWizardd

ive used both several times in the last 2 years, Ive been torn between the two. I am going back to avast since AVG couldnt get rid of a virus on a Clients pc and Avast did

muddocktor

I use both of them myself and still haven't decided as to which one I like better. Both are good, free solutions. I did install AVG on a Vista basic system a month or so ago that had come with one of those 30 day editions of frigging Mcaffee which suck so badly. I haven't checked to see if Avast is Vista certified yet. But AVG will definitely work with Vista if you need some free AV software for a new prebuilt from an OEM.

Trogan

Ghoos, it's not between your selected two, but I personally use and recommend Avira AntiVir.

And here is a link to Vista Compatible Antivirus Software:
http://vistabookmarks.blogspot.com/2007/02/vista-compatible-antivirus-software.html

Thelemech

I have had AVG find a virus or two that Avast missed more than once - and the only way to use Norton is to give your entire computer to symantec - and it is a pain to get rid of.

troll

Corp SAV works like a charm as well... does not have the bloat that the retail one does, and is very easy to uninstall if you wish.

I think you need version 10.2 at least for Vista.

GrayFox

troll wrote:

Corp SAV works like a charm as well... does not have the bloat that the retail one does, and is very easy to uninstall if you wish.

I think you need version 10.2 at least for Vista.

Another vote for sav 10 its definition file is MASSIVE and its a top notch anti-virus but licenses for it are way too expensive.

the_technocrat

installing norton retail is basically infecting your machine. I haven't seen any other software come close to doing that much damage to so many machines (usually related to messy uninstalls)

corp symantic antivirus has always worked perfectly for me, but is pricey.

AVG has always worked perfectly for me, and is free.

I choose AVG.

Thrax

Avast, Avira, AVG.. They're all free, and they all catch things here and there that the others don't.

Thelemech

Thrax wrote:

Avast, Avira, AVG.. They're all free, and they all catch things here and there that the others don't.

Very true, and like multiple anti-spyware app. the real drawback becomes the necessity of having so many security programs. Gunks the system up themselves from resource demand.