Expert: Lorry - 6/23/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi Lorry,

I just installed my AVG Anti-Virus free and I got my license it is active. Now, I have a few questions to ask you #1. when I open up AVG the Identity Protection wants me to activate, I went to the web page after clicking to activate and it took me to this page http://www.avg.com/us-en/special-get-identity-protection-appf9  and I want to know if I need to install the Spy-Ware, Mal-Ware the sites you sent me when I asked about the Anti-Spy-Ware or if I can instead downloading the address above?

And #2. If I should have any problems with the free version of AVG the free edition who do I get support from can I come to you for support, help?

And #3. After installing AVG I was asked to send my e-mail address to them for info on products etc. I think it said something about updates, now, I do not remember. Which I did, I do not think it was anything wrong with sending my e-mail address to them, but the thing I did not do is register with them, you think I should? https://secure.avg.com/us-en/avg-free-forum-register And my e-mail address I sent them you think I should of done that?  I mean AVG is free or you can buy it I guess for more then the free edition version has and they know that right, I mean that it is a free version edition? So even if I did send them my e-mail address to them, but I did not register with them and if I got my license from the download then I should be o.k. then, not like this is illegal to do and not get the protection I need or why would you an expert tell me about AVG when I asked you about it. Thanks, Lorry.

Sincerely yours,

Martin C. Meyer  

P.S. The info you sent me on Microsoft’s Security Essentials, I can install that too with AVG? Will it also give me Spy and Ad-Ware protection just like the Mal-Ware? Duh! I just saw the title of the page Virus, Spyware & Malware Protection. That answers my question, but I can still download the other Spyware, Adware and Malware sites that you sent me? I just hope I can still locate it.

ANSWER: Hi Martin,

At any given time, there should only be one anti-virus program running. A number of free applications, AVG included, still try to sell something even after we choose the free version. That's what the link does. Just ignore the sales pitch.

The free AVG does anti-virus as well as malware protection but it may make sense to use another tool from time to time just to be safe. To play it safe you might want to use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware once in awhile. Before running that, check for updates first. In case you don't have the site to download it from, here it is again:

http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html

If you need help with AVG, they have a forum at:

http://forums.avg.com/us-en/avg-free-forum

Hope this helps!
Lorry

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Lorry,

Thanks for the heads up on AVG and a question that I am going to ask here is why as you said “The free AVG does anti-virus as well as malware protection but it may make sense to use another tool from time to time just to be safe. To play it safe you might want to use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware once in awhile”. Does that mean I have to like maybe every 6 months or so I do not know how often to change programs if that is what you are saying, if that is what you are saying or what do you mean? I think now, you maybe saying for me to run Malwarebytes and Anti-Malware or if they are the same thing. Run AVG and run Malware and bytes, well run Malwarebytes and Anti-Malware once in a while, right I was thinking why not also install Malware in my computer along with AVG having two Programs, such as Anti-Virus from AVG and Anti-Malware as Spyware and Ad-Ware protection?

And another question I do have is not need to register with AVG https://secure.avg.com/us-en/avg-free-forum-register or any of these other programs when they ask me too do I?

And here is another question I believe you did not answer when I asked when I open up AVG the Identity Protection wants me to activate, I went to the web page after clicking to activate and it took me to this page http://www.avg.com/us-en/special-get-identity-protection-appf9.

And the thing that I told you about sending them my e-mail address I think it was about also promotion stuff like that but even if I did do this and I get what you said a sales pitch because it is free they are selling me something, right and that AVG themselves are having free anti-virus on their site and they are going to try to sell me something. But this is o.k. I am still protected even if I do not buy their sales pitch as you said. Right?

And, thanks Lorry for the AVG help support if I need it.

Sincerely yours,

Martin C. Meyer

Answer
Hi Martin,

I would suggest registering even though the program is free. By registering, depending on the program, will let you know when there are updates available.

By activating the Identity Protection, you would end up paying for it. Read everything carefully before checking anything.

If using your email address to register, that is one thing, many times companies will ask you for it just so they may send you misc. info..

Hope this helps!
Lorry