AVG Free 8.0

[LightPhoenix]

I definitely think that he should have asked before installing something, or deleted it after he was done with it (if he needed it) and recommended it. I think it was probably good intentioned, and perhaps what HeavenShallBurn quoted below was also true.

Used to use AVG was using 7.x or thereabout and it seemed okay. I've switched to ClamWin now and it seems to be a better Anti-Virus picks up thing AVG missed.

Far as him installing it, if your problem was virus related and the old Anti-Vir was out of date and no longer supported it might not have been so "bad" a thing. Installing up-to-date Freeware may have been the only way to take care of the issue in the long term.

In my experience, there's no such thing as a "better" anti-virus. Usually, to catch the most stuff you need to run three or four different anti-virus programs, because they're all better at specific points, but on par overall. Also, there are definitely viruses out there that will hide from specific programs, and running a single AV might not catch it.

 

[HeavenShallBurn]

In my experience, there's no such thing as a "better" anti-virus. Usually, to catch the most stuff you need to run three or four different anti-virus programs, because they're all better at specific points, but on par overall. Also, there are definitely viruses out there that will hide from specific programs, and running a single AV might not catch it.

Problem is most anti-viruses I've used interfere with each other if running multiple programs. Though it may be more pronounced with the big names like McAffee and Norton where I'm sure they intentionally make their product interfere with other anti-virus programs.

 

[Bullgrit]

For the record, the tech didn't mention a virus being the problem. I don't have time to get into what it all was, but it took him a while to figure out. (I had already gone through all the obvious checks before turning it over to a professional -- I'm no novice on a computer, and I have friends who are techs that give/gave me pointers.) And I kind of doubt that was the real problem, because what he said was wrong hadn't been changed at the time the problem appeared. But the computer works properly now, so he did fix it, and for that I'm grateful.

I had virus protection on the computer, but I hadn't updated it in several months. It was still functioning, it just possibly wasn't able to catch really new stuff.

Now that I've learned more about AVG being a legitimate (and decent) program, I'm not as upset as I was -- I wasn't raving mad. But it is still very poor form to install new software on someone's computer without asking permission before hand.

He could have said:
"Your virus protection is getting old and should be updated. I can do that for you if you want."

"We can install some good virus protection software as part of our standard service."

Or something of that nature, rather than installing it without permission.

I mean, a doctor wouldn't give you an inoculation without asking you first. "I added the flu vaccine to the antibiotic treatment we just gave you."

I just don't like the idea of someone taking liberties with my personal computer.

Bullgrit
Total Bullgrit

 

[ssampier]

...



In my experience, there's no such thing as a "better" anti-virus. Usually, to catch the most stuff you need to run three or four different anti-virus programs, because they're all better at specific points, but on par overall. Also, there are definitely viruses out there that will hide from specific programs, and running a single AV might not catch it.

Yes and no. Running a single antivirus is moderate protection. The best protection is a layered approach using different antivirus and restricting most file downloads. However, antivirus programs are not made equally. I use av-comparatives.org to see the catch rate of the popular brands of anti virus programs.

On a desktop machine, it is difficult to install multiple antivirus brands without conflicting with each other. On a company network I make sure my email server virus scanner is different from my file server virus scanner which is different from my desktop virus scanner.

 

[LightPhoenix]

On a desktop machine, it is difficult to install multiple antivirus brands without conflicting with each other. On a company network I make sure my email server virus scanner is different from my file server virus scanner which is different from my desktop virus scanner.

Running real-time yes, and certainly McAfee and *shudder* Norton AV play dirty. I meant it more as in a scheduled one-time scan.

I mean, a doctor wouldn't give you an inoculation without asking you first. "I added the flu vaccine to the antibiotic treatment we just gave you."

I certainly hope not - for people like me who are allergic to flu shots (via eggs) that's a life-threatening example. Then again, comparing a doctor's treatment versus a computer program is a little specious. One results in minor inconvenience, the other results in seriously messing with someone's health.

 

[Cergorach]

Seriously, if you don't know what AVG virus is and need to ask it on ENworld, I would put you in the computer unsavvy category. Acting this way about a subject you don't know much about is... Not smart...

One of the first things you do when analyzing a problem with a computer these days is check for virii. If the installed software can't be updated anymore (due to license expiring) or the software is hopelessly outdated or technically inferior, you'll need to install a virus scanner. That usually means that you have to deinstall the old one before installing the new one. AVG is free, so there are no license issues, and no added cost for you. Giving a client his laptop back without a virus scanner is just unprofessional, running a computer with no virus scanner on it is suicidal.

There are virii that affect your network connections, I've encountered them in the past (but haven't seen them in a couple of years). Heck we've had virii that rebooted your computer after x amount of time (bloody annoying, because it made finding the bloody thing very difficult).

A virus scanner is not comparable with a car or a flu shot, it's necessary software that every computer should have installed and should be current, and it's completely reverse able with a few clicks and a reboot (if you want to install a different virus scanner). The guy probably saved you another trip to his shop, because if he didn't install it, chances are that you might be infected with something (not updating your virus scanner in months isn't smart!).

The first thought that came trough my head "Sir, if you knew what your talking about, you wouldn't be here in the first place.", you wouldn't say that to a customer you would want back. You could also nicely ask the computer tech why he installed the AVG software, most folks are happy to explain/educate you. Going like "Um, no." (and it dripped with venom like it did here) would seriously piss me off, there are many more customers in the world who do appreciate the work you do. The customer isn't always right...