I've used AVG free version for years, and installed it on several other machines without problems. Never heard it being described as such, are you sure?
Have you tried to uninstall it through the Control Panel->Add/Remove programs route?
I do agree that this years 'new' free version seems a tad slower than the last one (test takes forever) but boot up isn't much different for me.
Best free AV software around as far as I'm concerned...
bug