Simple clear advice in plain English

Protect your PC with AVG Anti-Virus Free 2012

Protect your computer online from variety of threats with this free security software

avg-free-2012

Protect a computer at no cost with AVG Anti-Virus Free 2012

Using a computer online without some form of security software is a very bad idea. The good news is that software such as AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition offers protection at no costs.

Installation is simple and includes downloading the latest version of the software and updates. A restart is required.

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition offers several different forms of protection. The Anti-Virus tool stops viruses, spyware, worms and trojans from running on the computer. The Resident Shield scans files as they are copied, opened or saved. The default action is to ask before removing threats. Not only does this alert you that something is wrong but it is useful to know which file has caused the problem.

The Anti-Rootkit tool can detect these otherwise invisible threats that can give attackers access to your computer.

Another useful tool is the LinkScanner. Internet attacks sometimes happen when otherwise trustworthy websites are hacked. LinkScanner checks the results of online searches.

The email scanner can check both incoming and outgoing emails for both spam and viruses.

The Identity Protection watches for suspicious behaviour to block programs that might try to steal your identity.

AVG will make regular scans of the computer and prompt you when these are due.

AVG now comes with a gadget for Windows 7 and Vista to show your protection status.

As this is antivirus software, you will still need to use a separate firewall, though there is one built into Windows now.

Read more reviews

Reader Comments

AVG Free Edition

To those it may concern, I have installed avg, I carried out a whole scan of my computer & after 15 minutes it found 42 viruses & a countless number of warnings. To my delight avg either removed the viruses/spyware to the vault or healed them. Since last Augest I installed Microsoft's security essentials, on the understanding it was keeping my system clean. obviously not. I believe it isn't as advanced as avg, however, users running windows 7 may have to alter their sleep management in power options after install of avg to enable it again. Score ratings for avg 10/10 Fantastic!

Posted by Andrew Dix, 22 Jan 2011

AVG Free Edition

Trying to decide whether to extend trial Norton 360 or go Free AVG. This helps decision.

Posted by Terry Harvey, 22 Feb 2011

Stops Mailwasher Working

Used AVG for years, but I've found that the latest version of AVG prevents Mailwasher working. I can only solve by disabling AVG's email scanner.

Posted by David Trim, 22 Feb 2011

Mailwasher

David Trimm, I don't know where you have gone wrong with AVG, but I have just installed AVG, and it has not stopped my edition of Mailwasher from working. My Mailwasher is the free version.

Posted by Jim Wilberforce, 08 Mar 2011

AVG Upgrade

We have used AVG free for a long time very successfully. Recently my wife clicked on a link to upgrade thinking this was a new version only to find out later it was a time sensitive upgrade which will leave her without protection when it ends. She has tried to download the AVG free program again but it will not allow this. Any ideas.

Posted by Robert Orr, 15 Jun 2011

Free AVG

I too have found the same problem. I have tried several times but each time the same thing happens. Does anybody have an solutions?

Posted by Anita King, 15 Jul 2011

problem solve

hi you go on to their link and download the secondary green box option below the main link i am happy to cut and paste the link to you...http://free.avg.com/gb-en/download-free-antivirus go for the small print below the main green box...Jon

Posted by Jon Antony (Colchester), 14 Aug 2011

avg

hello ive had lots of problems with avg free,first the very next day after u download and install it,it wont let u do live up-date,it never has and ur left with it not working,its far better to have a paid for version ie norton,if u shop around about the end of october time ,u should be able to pick up the latest version of NIS for about £23,i do this every year,as the cost of an up-date at the end of the first year is £49 plus postage and all u get is the download,but if u do as i do,make sure u do this as well.when ur ready to install ur new version of norton,use the norton removal tool to get rid of the old version,first,then when u install the new version,it will want u to go on line just clcik cancel,install norton then go on line and do the up-dates works well everytime,wouldnt touch avg,but everyone has a different theroy

Posted by Edgar Mills, 30 Sep 2011

AVG anti virus software

I've been using AVG anti virus software for a number of years without any problems with updating or scanning. Try reloading from their site again. I can also recommend rapport for added protection when using Banking sites and others where sensitive details are involved. This too is a free programme

Posted by Gerry, 02 Oct 2011

avg free 2012

hi guys i had security essentials and avg now and at a full scan found a number of threats. I had trouble installing avg and after a few attempts i did a custom install which they ask you if you want and hey presto it worked.

Posted by tinytim, 09 Oct 2011

nothing

since downloading free a.v.g. 12 nothing works with my anti virus software not even avg11free i use win7 32bit and explorer8

Posted by brian walker, 13 Oct 2011

Uninstalling trial version

AVG is very cleaver. It makes it seem that you can't downgrade to the free version. All you have to do is uninstall it and it has an option to uninstall compleatly or change to the free version.

Posted by Gaius Ross, 15 Nov 2011

Free AVG

Thanks Gaius that worked a treat!

Posted by Gabrielle, 19 Nov 2011

avg

avg good! continuous countdown to end of free period not good!

Posted by norman garnett, 07 Apr 2012

gunner

Very good

Posted by peter webster, 16 Apr 2012

display:none  

Add your comment

All fields must be completed. Your email address will not be displayed or used to send marketing messages.

All messages will be checked by moderators before appearing on the site.

See our Privacy Policy for more information.

Related downloads

mcafee-stinger

Find and remove malicious software with Mcafee Stinger

Stinger is a useful virus scanner for fixing computers

bitdefender-total-security

Bitdefender Total Security 2012

Sponsored download: The latest range of security software from Bitdefender keeps you safe online without disturbing or distracting you

avg-free-2012

Protect your PC with AVG Anti-Virus Free 2012

Protect your computer online from variety of threats with this free security software

Our verdict

Download type

Free for personal use only

Suitable for

Android, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 64-bit, Windows 7, Windows Vista 64-bit

Download size

3.7MB

Best deals on the web

img

Apple iMac 21.5" (MC309)

£927.29- Buy it now

img

Dell Inspiron 620 ST Intel Core i3-2100 3.10GHz / 3GB / 500GB / DVDRW / Win 7 Home Premium

£329.00- Buy it now

img

ZooStorm 7877-1023

£386.38- Buy it now

Latest issue & subscription deals

Most popular articles

Keep kids safe online illustration

Keep your children safe online

With children using the family PC for more and more activities, it makes sense to protect them from unsuitable sites. We explain how to keep your youngsters safe

Poll

Are you concerned about viruses that target mobile phones?

Jargon Buster

Computing terms explained in plain English

CPU

Central Processing Unit. Another term for a computer processor.

Great shopping deals from Computeractive