Is free AVG good?

[Jeffsta]

I've been using free AVG on my old rig for a few reasons.

1. It is free
2. Norton always bogged down my system real bad.
3. McAfee always let viruses through (System scans would find them).
4. Never tried Microsoft Security Essentials (Always hesitant to change from something I've never had problems with, and like).

My new rig that I will be building tomorrow should be able to run any virus software (without bogging down new system). So is free AVG good? Should I go a different route now?

I will be installing a new copy of windows 8.1 on my new system.

I like free (but legal) software. I'm willing to pay for AVG's paid upgrade if you think it's worth it, or pay for other virus software if it's far superior. I just want to make sure my new rig uses only good software from the get go.

 

[Jeffsta]

Edited to remove buggy link inside quoted message I was replying to. Did not want anyone clicking on it like I did.

 

[reedo_43]

That link threw up my avast antivirus! Stay away from that page...AVG is fine.

 

[M0j0jojo]

really? it works fine on my chrome

 

[madmatt30]

Avast free is far superior to avg IMO.
Best free antivirus by miles.

 

[M0j0jojo]

Are you guys using chrome, with adblock plus? if you guys aren't then thats the problem.

 

[reedo_43]

I do agree! But do a custom install and uncheck most of the tools as well as google chrome unless you want it. Browser protection and browser cleanup is all I use. Mojo, what are you using for AV? I use avast free and it popped right up and blocked the website.

 

[M0j0jojo]

im using AVG 2015 and malware bytes

 

[reedo_43]

I do believe avast is better that avg. I also use malware bytes premium. also firefox with addblock.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Bitdefender Free.

 

[Jeffsta]

Are you guys using chrome, with adblock plus? if you guys aren't then thats the problem.

I'm using chrome, without adblock plus I'd assume (Since I never heard of it).

 

[Jeffsta]

Avast free is far superior to avg IMO.
Best free antivirus by miles.

Thanks madmatt30. I will get the final pieces tomorrow for the build you helped me out with a few weeks ago.

I'm thinking Avast since you say it's much better. Plus AVG did not catch anything on above buggy link like Avast did with the other people here. AVG scan shows no virus, but makes me question it now.

Thanks again.

 

[M0j0jojo]

Are you guys using chrome, with adblock plus? if you guys aren't then thats the problem.

I'm using chrome, without adblock plus I'd assume (Since I never heard of it).

You should really get Adblock plus, its probably one of the best extensions you will find to block pesky ads that clutter up your page https/chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/adblock-plus/cfhdojbkjhnklbpkdaibdccddilifddb

 

[Jeffsta]

Are you guys using chrome, with adblock plus? if you guys aren't then thats the problem.

I'm using chrome, without adblock plus I'd assume (Since I never heard of it).

You should really get Adblock plus, its probably one of the best extensions you will find to block pesky ads that clutter up your page https/chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/adblock-plus/cfhdojbkjhnklbpkdaibdccddilifddb

I think I'll get that. You and another poster have both mentioned it, and while I rarely go to a site that has popups, it's probably wise I install it just in case.

Thanks

 

[madmatt30]

^ you will be surprised how many sites do have popups - most of thethe non- annoying ad banners on pages are embedded popups

Always use ad blocker or adblock plus whether you use chrome or Firefox.

 

[Jeffsta]

^ you will be surprised how many sites do have popups - most of thethe non- annoying ad banners on pages are embedded popups

Always use ad blocker or adblock plus whether you use chrome or Firefox.

I never realized that (embedded popups), glad you mentioned it.

Thanks again!

 

[pr1sluys]

you said it yourself, `you haven't had any problems with it'. avg used to be the best. a while back it slipped a bit (which they all do from time to time). their new versions are very solid and performing very well in the labs. the new avg (2015) seems to be running lighter than its competitors right now. yes, you can find one with higher detections, but it will bog your system down more. avg detections are on par with the top group of avs in the field (bitdefender and kaspersky are usually on top). microsoft's defender doesn't even compete with avg in keeping your system safe. it (under guise of mse) is consistently failing all the tests. it does run light, but the cost is too high. stay with avg.

avg frequently has free giveaways on the net. i snagged a free 1 year subscription. keep you eyes open. the paid does give you a decent firewall with outbound protection. otherwise, run the free version with privatefirewall (also free).

 

[Pherule]

I have found Avira to be your best bet when relying on a free antivirus. I used to use Avast, but it turned into a pile of dung, so I switched to Avira and it was much better (scores higher in heuristics, more lightweight than Avast, substantially less advertising) Avast also has too much adware rolled in with the package.

http/www.tomsguide.com/us/best-antivirus,review-2588-5.html

Also why are you guys still recommending Adblock Plus? uBlock surpasses it in virtually every way: https/github.com/gorhill/uBlock#ublock-origin
It's available on the Chrome store as well as Firefox addons page, and has been available on github for a long time; it's a rather frequently discussed topic on various popular up-to-date software forums, I find it hard to believe you guys have not heard or read about it yet.

Another chart to look at: http/chart.av-comparatives.org/chart1.php
From this it is clear that Avira free and Bitdefender free are ahead of the pack.