The Best Free Anti-Virus Programme

For Windows 9.xx to Windows XP/Vista Tip # 0012

I have received a number of questions in the past few months about which anti-virus programmes are the best and most effective. Many people are familiar with Norton and McAfee which come pre-installed on many new computers, along with AOL and other less-than-useful programmes.
These anti-virus programmes usually come with a ‘free’ 30 or 45-day trial period before you must pay annual fees for their cumbersome security suites. For a variety of reasons, these anti-virus programmes that you must pay for are in many cases actually not as effective as some excellent and free anti-virus programmes.
So, here is my recommendation for the best free anti-virus programme. It is free for individuals and non-profit use. Like many other anti-virus programmes there are usually more than one offering, with at least one that is free. I use Grisoft’s AVG anti-virus programme.
You can find the free version at this link: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/. When you are on this download page, choose the version on the far right; ‘AVG Anti-Virus Free’. Click on the download on the bottom right. You will be re-directed to CNET’s download page for this programme. Click on the download option. Depending on your connection speed your download will be between 5minutes and 45minutes (for dial-up).
You will be asked whether you wish to ‘run’ or ‘save’ the programme. Chose ‘save’ and save it to your MyDownLoad file, I save it to MyDownloadFiles/AVG.
Once downloaded open the file and run and install the programme. It will then be installed on your machine. A four coloured icon will show up on the bottom right hand corner of your window. Right click on the icon and choose the bottom option ‘Check for Updates’. A pop-up will appear chose ‘Internet’. This will update your anti-virus protection to the latest version. You should check this at least once a week (more frequently is always best).
Now your machine will be protected and even your eMails will be scanned for malicious and uninvited programmes and malware. And dear Bulldog readers it comes at my favourite price, free.
The added benefit is your machine will not be overcome with intrusive and complicated programmes. Many people do not realise that when they buy a new machine with ‘included’ anti-virus programmes that they are good only for a short period of time and then must be switched to the ‘paid for’ versions. I see on a regular basis machines infected with a variety of viruses. People think (correctly so in my opinion) that since the machine came with an anti-virus programme their machines are indefinitely protected. Sadly this is not the case.
Another question I have heard raised recently concerns the related ‘spy-ware’ programmes. Many of my regular readers will recall my recommendation of “Spybot Search and Destroy” – tip number 006 – some months back. There is confusion about whether or not an anti-virus programme will protect you from spy-ware. The answer is no.
What I recommend is that you have both an anti-virus programme and a spy-ware detector like Spybot Search and Destroy. The anti-virus is by far the most important to keep regularly up-dated and up-to-date. Depending on how often you use your machine you should run the spy-ware programme about every two weeks or so. What I recommend is you chose a day – I do a thorough system check every Sunday night – to run a full anti-virus check. Then every two-weeks or so, run a thorough spy-ware check. This should protect you from all but the most malicious and devious virus and spyware. And your computing should be relatively problem free.
A special note. For Windows users, select and allow the automatic windows update programme. Microsoft generally releases new updates and security fixes on the first Tuesday of every month. For those of you running Windows XP and more importantly VISTA you will want these up-dates as they not only improve security but insure your machine will run well.
As always dear Bulldog readers let me know if you have any specific questions relating to this column or any of your computer questions. I can be reached at: guygriscom@gmail.com.
You can read older Tips and Tricks at: http://bulldogtipstricks.blogspot.com/.