Free AVG

[willowman]

Just had a popup telling me my free AVG anti-virus expires in January. I never realised there was a time limit on the free software.
Is this a crafty way of getting me to buy the product, or will I be able to re-download it after Jan.
I've been very happy with AVG, should I buy their software, or is there another way to protect my PC?
If I choose to buy it should I get just the anti-virus software or buy the full protection package? I also use Ad-Aware, Skybot Search and CWShredder (all recommended on AB).

[ugly_bob]

It's just that version that is being discontinued.
Version 7.5(?) is now available and supercedes the version you currently have.

[vehelpfulguy]

You do not list a firewall in your list of programs.

This is just as important as anti-virus, maybe more so if you are on broadband.

Most people use the free version of Zone Alarm.

[Buenchico]

UB has provided the essential part of your answer. It's only version 7.1 of AVG Free which will cease to be supported in January. Version 7.5 of the program is already available and you can download it now. (It's still free and not time-restricted):
http://free.grisoft.com/

There is absolutely no reason for you to consider paying for any security software. VHG has correctly identified the most popular firewall, with AB members, as Zone Alarm Free:
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/ products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry= US&lang=en

Those two programs are perfectly capable of dealing with any real security risks to your PC. Ad-Aware will deal with spyware (which, despite its name, isn't an actual security risk - it just slows your PC down). CWShredder will help prevent anyone who has physical access to your PC (rather than via the internet) from accessing deleted information.

The free editions of programs such as AVG and Zone Alarm do distinct jobs and there is no risk of conflicts. Upgrading to one or more paid versions would not only be a waste of money, it could lead to possible system conflicts because the functions of these 'advanced' versions often overlap with each other.

So, if you simply download AVG Free 7.5 (and Zone Alarm Free if you've not already got a decent firewall), there is nothing else you need to do.

Chris

[willowman]

Thanks all. Have downloaded AVG7.5. Craftily they tell you that 7.1 is being discontinued and direct you to the site that sells the software. However all now OK.
Regarding firewall, I have Sygate personal firewall, which seems tbe doing a good job.
Again, thanks.