Grisoft lets you download a free version of its AVG antivirus software, a fully functional, if limited, package. While it's quick to point out how much better the paid-for version is, this still offers good protection.

The latest free version is based on AVG Professional 7 and provides the basics to protect your PC from infection. It has an improved scanning engine with faster detection techniques, and can check that your hard drive, emails and removable media are virus free. The AVG Personal Email Scanner supports SMTP and Pop3 email clients, and can be set up automatically during installation.

The program includes updates via the internet to ensure that virus definitions are up to date, and classifies updates by their level of importance. A Virus Vault quarantines bugs it can't fix, and the software supports scanning within Windows Explorer, so you can check individual files by right-clicking them. It also includes On Access scanning, examining documents and files when you open them.

Given that AVG is free, it stands to reason there has to be something missing. The most glaring omission is technical support. The only support for the free edition is via a discussion forum, which you gain access to after registering the product.

Customisation options are limited, as you can't create your own schedules for scans. You don't get access to the fastest download servers for updates, and the program lacks the multiple language support found in the Professional edition.

NB Windows 95 or NT users will need Internet Explorer 5.01 or higher.

Contact:
Grisoft 01636 700 496
www.avguk.com