The new version of AVG Free is available. Download it from here.
The new version has an improved interface, and integrates anti-spyware, as well as a Security Toolbar for IE and Firefox browsers, and a Link Scanner - all additional protection.
Installation notes:
Close other programs before installing.
Choose to let it automatically uninstall version 7.
Choose custom install.
Now, here are a couple of things you need to choose from:
1) if you find you end up with spyware and viruses on your computer occasionally or often, then you should install the Security Toolbar and leave the Link Scanner on.
2) if you are very careful and find you manage to not end up with spyware and or viruses on your computer, and you would prefer to continue to have your browser and internet speed perform as fast as possible, then do not install the Security Toolbar and turn off the Link Scanner.
Choose to install the Security Toolbar, or not.
Disable daily scanning (as this will slow things down every day - but remember to run a full system scan every once in a while).
Next, etc, ..... Finish
Allow Prevalance Reporter to access the internet (if your firewall asks).
Reboot
Update
Allow AVG updater to access the internet (if your firewall asks).
If you have decided you don't want Link Scanner running, you can turn if off now.
I am going to test having the Link Scanner enabled for a while to see if it slows things down much or not. I'll post my results in here in an update.
UPDATE
The Link Scanner does slow down the browser some, annoyingly slow at times. So, I've decided to remove it. To manually remove it and the security toolbar:
To install without the browser toolbar or the link scanner, or, to remove these if already installed:
Put installation file in root of C:
run:
c:\avg_free_stf_*.exe /REMOVE_FEATURE fea_AVG_SafeSurf /REMOVE_FEATURE fea_AVG_SafeSearch
Choose Repair if already installed and just removing the features.
Note: replace the * with the rest of the file name.
Another blog, Grand Stream Dreams has a great detailed review for advanced users.
UPDATE 2
I've found that after a while the Link Scanner does not slow things so much, so, you can leave it on.
To have the updates fully automatic, open AVG, click on Tools, Advanced settings, Schedules, Virus Database Update Schedule. Make sure the last 4 check boxes are checked off. Go to Program Update Schedule and make sure the last 4 check boxes are also checked off.
To configure the Email Scanner so it does not mark your messages, click on Email Scanner (in Tools, Advanced Settings) and make sure Check incoming and check outgoing are checked off, then UNcheck Certify email below each. Apply
To keep AVG from running an automatic scan every day, in Advanced, Tools, Schedules, Scheduled Scan, UNcheck Enable This Task.
UPDATE 3
I've found that you can install AVG Free 8 normally, and then if you don't want the Security Bar or the Link scanner features, you can disable them in the browser instead of repair installing and typing in all that stuff in Run.
To do this in IE - go to Tools, Manage Add-ons, and Enable or Disable Add-ons.
To do this in Firefox - go to Tools, and Add-ons.
The new version has an improved interface, and integrates anti-spyware, as well as a Security Toolbar for IE and Firefox browsers, and a Link Scanner - all additional protection.
Installation notes:
Close other programs before installing.
Choose to let it automatically uninstall version 7.
Choose custom install.
Now, here are a couple of things you need to choose from:
1) if you find you end up with spyware and viruses on your computer occasionally or often, then you should install the Security Toolbar and leave the Link Scanner on.
2) if you are very careful and find you manage to not end up with spyware and or viruses on your computer, and you would prefer to continue to have your browser and internet speed perform as fast as possible, then do not install the Security Toolbar and turn off the Link Scanner.
Choose to install the Security Toolbar, or not.
Disable daily scanning (as this will slow things down every day - but remember to run a full system scan every once in a while).
Next, etc, ..... Finish
Allow Prevalance Reporter to access the internet (if your firewall asks).
Reboot
Update
Allow AVG updater to access the internet (if your firewall asks).
If you have decided you don't want Link Scanner running, you can turn if off now.
I am going to test having the Link Scanner enabled for a while to see if it slows things down much or not. I'll post my results in here in an update.
UPDATE
The Link Scanner does slow down the browser some, annoyingly slow at times. So, I've decided to remove it. To manually remove it and the security toolbar:
To install without the browser toolbar or the link scanner, or, to remove these if already installed:
Put installation file in root of C:
run:
c:\avg_free_stf_*.exe /REMOVE_FEATURE fea_AVG_SafeSurf /REMOVE_FEATURE fea_AVG_SafeSearch
Choose Repair if already installed and just removing the features.
Note: replace the * with the rest of the file name.
Another blog, Grand Stream Dreams has a great detailed review for advanced users.
UPDATE 2
I've found that after a while the Link Scanner does not slow things so much, so, you can leave it on.
To have the updates fully automatic, open AVG, click on Tools, Advanced settings, Schedules, Virus Database Update Schedule. Make sure the last 4 check boxes are checked off. Go to Program Update Schedule and make sure the last 4 check boxes are also checked off.
To configure the Email Scanner so it does not mark your messages, click on Email Scanner (in Tools, Advanced Settings) and make sure Check incoming and check outgoing are checked off, then UNcheck Certify email below each. Apply
To keep AVG from running an automatic scan every day, in Advanced, Tools, Schedules, Scheduled Scan, UNcheck Enable This Task.
UPDATE 3
I've found that you can install AVG Free 8 normally, and then if you don't want the Security Bar or the Link scanner features, you can disable them in the browser instead of repair installing and typing in all that stuff in Run.
To do this in IE - go to Tools, Manage Add-ons, and Enable or Disable Add-ons.
To do this in Firefox - go to Tools, and Add-ons.
