AVG Antivirus - Does it suck?

[DonNagual]

One of the more popular antivirus software packages on the web is AVG antivirus. It is free and it doesn't use too much of the system's resources.

I see over and over again most of the senior users on this site recommending it to other users (I also have been recommending it). I currently have it installed on all 3 of my computers.

However, according to PCWorld's latest rundown on all the antivirus packages, AVG performed quite poorly on their tests:

In our performance tests, AVG Free Edition ranked second to last. (Alwil Software's free Avast Home Edition ranked last.) While AVG Free Edition caught nearly 100 percent of bots and zombies in our collection of zoo malware, it caught a disappointing 65 percent of Trojan horses. It ranked second-to-last in our heuristics tests--detecting just 11 percent of worms and 8 percent of backdoor programs using one-month-old virus data.

Of 10 antivirus packages, AVG ranked last. Source: http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,124475-page,1/article.html

As antivirus software is something crucial to a smooth running system, the purpose of this thread is a discussion on what is good, and what is not. Should we really be suggesting AVG? Is PCWorld's testing faulty/misleading?

 

[howard_hopkinso]

The fact that the info is from PC World makes me suspicious. Take a look at this review of antivirus programmes and compare.

Look what`s in the top five on PC world. McAfee and Norton, two of the worst antivirus programmes around.

I`ve used AVG for years without any problems whatsoever. The Avast programme is also very good so I`ve heard.

Regards Howard

 

[DonNagual]

I too have had AVG installed for some time now, and never had a virus to date which does say a lot. Then again, I am also carefull when opening attachments I don't know.

Howard, am I reading your link correctly? It doesn't look like AVG did very well on that test either, ranking 24th (even worse than PCworld rated it) and again loosing out to McAfee and Norton.

It did VERY well when only heuristics where used. Granted that is significant.

 

[howard_hopkinso]

The reason I gave you the link, was so you could compare the results from PC world etc. McAfee and Norton aren`t in the top ten in that link I gave, nevermind the top five and look where Avast is.

All I know is I see a lot more problems from members who have Symantec/Norton or McAfee installed.

I know AVG isn`t that good with Trojans, but I don`t think any antivirus programme is really. I prefer to use specialised tools for trojan removal.

Like you said, you`re careful in your browsing habits, as am I.

No antivirus/firewall will protect anyone who clicks on everything in sight.

Regards Howard

 

[DonNagual]

Well, you ARE the spyware virus guru on this site, without question!

(off topic comment: I am always amazed at how much you help out Howard. You do not get enough credit for all the assistance you provide).

My reason for starting this thread really, is simply I want to have the BEST antivirus software. The absolute, unquestionable best, even if I have to pay.

It looks like Kapersky and Bitdefender both did very well on both of the reports you and I have quoted. Any thoughts Howard?

 

[howard_hopkinso]

Without a doubt Kapersky is consistantly the best antivirus programme out there. If I was ever going to pay for an antivirus programme, that`d be the one I`d choose.

(off topic comment: I am always amazed at how much you help out Howard. You do not get enough credit for all the assistance you provide).

I think I`ve had plenty, maybe too much credit to be honest. Hell, I even have my very own tribute thread in the meeting spot lol.

I have plenty of time to help out and it`s something I really enjoy.

Regards Howard

 

[DonNagual]

Alright, I'll look into Kapersky a little deeper then.

Anyways, with my flashy thread title "AVG Antivirus - does it suck?", I may as well open the debate. Is AVG antivirus adequate enough to warrant how often we here at Techspot have been recommending it?

Based on the fact that I have never had a virus while using it, I'd have to say yes. Just the data on both sites listed above has shaken my confidence in suggesting it.

 

[howard_hopkinso]

I currently recommend both AVG and Avast, along with the free Zonealarm or Kerio firewall programmes.

Untill such time as I come across a problem with doing so, I`ll carry on recommending them.

I haven`t actually tried Avast, but have heard and read some very good things about it.

I guess I`m so used to having AVG on my system without any problems, I see no reason to change.

Regards Howard

 

[wolfram]

Thanks to Howard, I now have AVG and ZoneAlarm free firewall. My system is completely clean, fast, and smooth.
I don't know why PC World says that the crap called Norton is better than AVG.

I had Norton some time ago, and I quickly catched a virus when I was updating it.

But AVG is working excelent. Highly recommended program.

Another off topic comment: WOW Howard, more than 12,300 quality posts mate
Congratulations Howard, and thanks for all the valuable help you offer here in this great Techspot!

 

[N3051M]

here's the catchphrase: Nothings perfect

Even if one would have the best AV + suite there is, once they've clicked on a dodgy link/file and it gets into the system well, its there..

For being a free little program, i think it does pretty well especialy with features of being lightweight on the system (meaning you can still use the PC while scanning, unlike others...) although only doing a light scan (registry check, major files check, quick once-over other files..) as far as i could tell.. and doesn't bugger-all your system when you (god forbid ) uninstall it hehe..

Come to think of it, i think i still have the paid version of AVG from 12 years ago on a cd somewhere in the house.....

 

[nbthor]

I had the free AVG for a short while. My P-cillin was somehow buggering up my system. I switched away from Norton, cause it was always eating itself, causing me to have to reinstall the entire thing every few months. The last glitch ate AVG and I couldn't uninstall or reinstall, so I went back to P-cillin. I also like the network monitors that came with it. I have seen a review that put P-cillin very high on their list, but also seen AVG really well rated. I don't know who to believe. I do know that virus software is a huge necessity and it would be nice to know which one was truly worth spending money on.

 

[howard_hopkinso]

Another off topic comment: WOW Howard, more than 1300 quality posts mate
Congratulations Howard, and thanks for all the valuable help you offer here in this great Techspot!

Thanks mate.

I`m not sure what you mean by 1300?

Regards Howard

 

[MrNoname]

It's ok, but recommand Bit diffender 10.0

I have used AVG for almost a year.
To be fair, I never had a virus, it's free and doesn't use that much CPU ressoruces.

But, there's a Pro version. GUESS WHY. Because the FREE one is not a complete solution and doesn't take care of everything.

From now on, I use Bit Diffender. (NOT FREE)
- Update every hour. (without taking CPU ressoruces)
- Scanning c:\ takes alot less time than AVG.
- Firewall, Antispam, Antispyware included
- USER FRIENDLY

......This is my opinion, but I have read alot about AV software, and I my decision came to Bit Diffender.

 

[nickslick74]

I switched from Norton to AVG Free about a month ago. What difference! My computer is old and slow, but with the switch to AVG my comp seems to be 're-born'! I didn't have any viri with Norton and haven't had any with AVG. Like many others here, I am careful where I surf. So I give a big :grinthumb to AVG free. Its great for what it is.

If I wanted to spend money I would go for Kapersky.

 

[wolfram]

Thanks mate.

I`m not sure what you mean by 1300?

Regards Howard

Sorry, my mistake. Corrected now I meant more than 12,300 quality posts