My Anti-Virus Guard (AVG) Concerns

by Ian
(London, UK)

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I haven't used AVG for the past couple of years because of constant problems I was having on my Windows 7 computer.

It constantly used a lot of my computers resources. For example, when I looked at the Windows Task Manager, there were numerous AVG processes running, and they were eating up a lot of my computer CPU (Central Processing Unit) and RAM (Random Access Memory).

This was making my computer run slow when I tried to do other tasks, such as update the Family accounts.

It would take 15 to 20 seconds for Microsoft Excel to load, then another 20 seconds or so for the spread sheet to load.

I also found my computer crashing more often than before I installed AVG. Coincidence?

Therefore, to answer your questions, I am not currently using the AVG Free virus Software. I am actually using Microsoft Security Essentials.

MSE is much better. It doesn't use as much computing resource (In my experience) and appears to be doing an excellent job of detecting and removing malware.

I think it is safe to say that I won't be switching to AVG after reading your tutorial.

However, to be fair to AVG, the last time I used their free product was in 2010. I noticed on your page the 2012 Edition is released.

This version may include improvements that would reduce or eliminate the problems I had...

One other thing worth mentioning is when I removed AVG from my computer, it wouldn't remove properly. I had to download the AVG Remover utility before I could install MSE.

I have found Microsoft Excel and the Family spread sheet load much quicker now.

In my opinion and experiences, AVG is not the best product for detecting and removing viruses.

When I installed MSE it picked up several viruses which AVG did not. This is my biggest concern with AVG Free Edition.

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by: Steve

Hello Ian. Thanks for creating your Web page on what is an excellent review of AVG.

From what I have read in the AVG Forums and other technical Support Forums, there were issues with AVG 2010 Free Edition.

Processing power and memory were consumed by AVG processes, and I can understand how this would impact the running of your computer.

Loading applications, particularly larger programs such as Adobe Photoshop for example, and loading larger files such as Microsoft Access databases, for example, would take an inordinate amount of time.

However, I think these particular issues have been resolved in AVG 2012 Free Edition. I have conducted testing on Windows XP and Windows 7 Service Pack 1, and cannot replicate the problems you were having, Ian.

I wonder whether a complete removal using the AVG Remover utility, then a reboot, then a clean install of AVG 2010 Free Edition would have resolved your problems.

I agree that Microsoft Security Essentials is an excellent security program. It is a low maintenance virus protection program, and it has been well received across the Computing Industry.

If you would like to read more about Microsoft Security Essentials, please take a look at the Microsoft Virus Protection page.

This page goes into detail about how I set up Microsoft Security Essentials for optimal security and performance. There may be a couple of things you can pick up here?

It is a little surprising to me that Microsoft Security Essentials detected and removed viruses that AVG did not detect.

I have seen similar reports from others on the Forums. However, in my experience, I always thought AVG was a good at virus detection and removal.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal choice. You can read all the reviews and decipher the conflicting opinions in Forums and Newsgroups.

Ultimately, you make the choice that you think is right for you.

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