bad bad experience on AVG anti-virus

sw-nw

Very bad experience after installed AVG anti-virus free 30 days version.
1. It set my default search tool to its own one without notice, took me some time to change it back.
2. after 30 days expired, i lost my internet access (ping works in cmd mode, but browser didn't). To be honest, I was not sure if AVG should be blamed. But after uninstalling it, I could give them feedback on the Internet while I couldn't get access to other website such as google, bbc.
3. my friend installed it's free version 3 years ago, pop up windows kept coming up like virus.
4. it looks like virus to me.

NeverInDebt

Prefer Kaspersky myself and have just updated to pure 2 for £12. Yes it costs but what price you pay for peace of mind I been using it for 2 years now. I also hate programs that insist on messing around put toolbars on etc

indiestar

Avast is great - it's free for personal use - and completely reliable. I've had experience with Norton etc and would prefer to buy this one if I had too.

KxMx

I didn't like AVG so switched to Avast. Their last-but-one program update screwed up both my netbook and PC which I wasn't happy about, but it was rectified within days.

smeeth

I agree with indiestar about Avast, but the freebies board isn't the best place for this.

jenniewb

I've had AGV, I also got fed up with it for other reasons but just to note- with regards to the browser take-over issue, if you look carefully rather then just clicking next/yes/I agree... (eg actually reading the page fully) you will see a tick box already ticked saying that you want the programmes own toolbar or even browser. If you untick the box you still get the virus protection but without the browser take-over.

If you go one step further you can get them to stop announcing every time they think they find a virus- its on the settings part of the application if you open it up fully.

Sadly it doesn't mean your computer will work any faster- which was the main issue for me and the reason I uninstalled. Luckily I didn't lose my connection or I'd have been going spare! I don't have a TV or mobile so my internet connection is basicly all I have and is pretty essential.

I have tried all the free virus protections over the years though admittedly not all the various types as they update quite frequently and have to say all slowed down my computer to a snails pace.

If its any help, I now use the one which comes with Windows itself (Microsoft Security Essentials) and though it does slow things down it doesn't have so much to think about in terms of fiddling around with the settings and so on. I think the best and most easy to use type which was slightly better then this though was when I got to trial the paid for version of Norton. But £30 odd a year is beyond me right now so I'm using what else works for me.

dragonqueen_2

Looks like the original poster installed a free trial version of the paid programme - get the proper free version instead! I have it installed on Windows 7 64 bit and it is fine. The toolbar and search are actually good security features unlike with other software add ons. Millions use AVG free and for a good reason - it works! It is NOT a virus. :money:

KG91

dragonqueen wrote: »

Looks like the original poster installed a free trial version of the paid programme - get the proper free version instead! I have it installed on Windows 7 64 bit and it is fine. The toolbar and search are actually good security features unlike with other software add ons. Millions use AVG free and for a good reason - it works! It is NOT a virus. :money:

I agree, used it for years in the past!
Use avast now, not because I disliked AVG, I just fancied a change
Its definitely not a virus.

purple.sarah

AVG is not a virus and the freebies board is not the right place for a rant.

Eydon

Agree with others - used AVG Free for years without issue and it's never taken over my search engine because I told it not to during the install.

vuvuzela

Eydon wrote: »

Agree with others - used AVG Free for years without issue and it's never taken over my search engine because I told it not to during the install.

But it can't be the OP's fault, someone else needs to be blamed for this

I use Microsoft Security Essentials and the occasional scan with malwarebytes (both free) on my home PC and laptop and don't have any problems.