Expert: Lorry - 6/16/2010

Question
Hi Lorry,

I asked you about the free download of AVG and if it is safe. And is it? Now, my question is what is the difference between buying AVG and downloading the free AVG?
I’ve heard of the free version, but what is the difference between the pay version and the free version? And with the free version is there an expiration date and all you have to do is redownload the free version? And if for any reason if some thing happens to your computer and you have to reinstall all your softwares in your computer can you just redownload the free version of AVG. Oh, the difference between the buy version of AVG and the free version of AVG is that the pay version has more to the software then the free, but the free version still does it’s stuff, am I right about this or what is the difference? And can you download the free version of AVG on their site or just from download.com you sent me the link and thank you for it. But you can send it to me again just as a copy of it. Thanks Lorry.

Sincerely yours,

Martin C. Meyer

Answer
Hi Martin,

The following site shows the differences between free and paid:

http://free.avg.com/ww-en/download-avg-anti-virus-free

There is no expiration date with the free version, if you have to reformat, just download and install free AVG again - no problem. The free version of AVG may be downloaded from a number of various sites:

http://free.avg.com/ww-en/download-avg-anti-virus-free

http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Antivirus/AVG-Free-Edition.shtml

As long as you keep AVG up to date and run a scan once a week, you should be safe. Yes, the paid version has more bells and whistles, as it should since you are paying for the protection but the free version is just as good if you do the above.

Hope this helps!
Lorry