Grisoft AVG v8

[MacBoero]

Grisoft have updated AVG to version 8. It now includes a spyware scanner and anti-phishing, weblink scanner. A worthwhile update!
:ok:

[Tarq57]

Grisoft have updated AVG to version 8. It now includes a spyware scanner and anti-phishing, weblink scanner. A worthwhile update!
Caution. Becoming bloated. Some now compare it to Symantec products.

[MacBoero]

Caution. Becoming bloated. Some now compare it to Symantec products.

Quite possible, but I'd rather have one piece of software doing these things than separate virus scanner, spyware snanner and phishing filter, and its still no where near like Norton in its bloatiness!
:p

[Tarq57]

Sure. Each to their own.
(Happy Avast user.) :)

[Keef]

I think the secret with AVG 8 is to use the "manual" install, and NOT to install the browser toolbar. That seems to be what slows it down.

I've been running AVG for years, automatic updates and automatic scans every night.

Last night, I updated to AVG 8. This morning, AVG 8 found 87 viruses, trojans, spyware, etc on my machine. None were "installed" - most were in e-mail attachments that I hadn't opened but had kept as "evidence" if I ever needed them. But AVG 7.5 hadn't seen them. So updating seems like a good idea.

There were also dozens (literally) of spyware entries in the ActiveX setup on Internet Explorer on this machine. Since I don't use IE, that didn't make much difference. But I thought it scary all the same. Firefox was, apparently, clean.

[dj Mcrae]

AVG is just not anywhere near as good as a memory scanning AV ... Your risking your systems big time using it! Sure it will detect generic's but it dosent have the ability to catch a modification or executing APP which is pretty much what causes the dangerous infections..... beware the free in this case!

if you dont want virus's dont use IE or Outlook! :cool:

[Tarq57]

AVG is just not anywhere near as good as a memory scanning AV ... Your risking your systems big time using it!
Um, Excuse me, but we are talking about a resident application here, not a demand scanner.
And typically it scores about as well as any good AV at independent testing, eg www.av-comparatives.org (So do the other members of the "big 3" free AV's.)
Sure it will detect generic's but it dosent have the ability to catch a modification or executing APP which is pretty much what causes the dangerous infections..... beware the free in this case!
It will catch anything for which it has a signature in the database, plus the heuristics and integrated AS module will catch a bit more besides, which includes a reasonable crack at polymorphics/zero day threats.
As for "catching a modification or executing APP", every time you open any program/execute any file, you are executing an APP. To monitor that for safety, you'd need a program appropriate to the task, which AVG doesn't claim to be.
if you dont want virus's dont use IE or Outlook IE7 can be configured to operate at least as safely as some of the alternatives, including Firefox. Can't speak for Outlook, don't use it. (Do use Outlook Express.)
So perhaps you better explain more completely what you mean.

[BOAC]

I have followed Keef's advice (as usual:)) and at the moment 8 is chuntering its way through a similarly alarming number of finds. It does seem to be a quantum leap forward from 7.5.

[dj Mcrae]

lol At Targ. You said it your self it can detect only what it has in its signature base which is usually way behind others and not behavioral application execution.

I don't have to explain anything in here. Its not an IT student forum and Im not trying to sound like i have White hat techno babble capability's. If you had any idea about how a virus or backdoor is written that breaks through firewalls and AV (process cloaking,explorer vulnerabilities) you would probably eat your rather naive comments and choke! I can tell you don't know much by the way you tried to promote IE configuring advice for safety when its clearly understood by anyone with any port scanning ability that vulnerabilities are written daily for ie outlook (MICROSOFT) in majority by script kiddies and aspiring network black hat admins for practice being the largest used demographic to experiment on.

My intentions were to give a warning that in this case free Av is not the best if you want ultimate protection ... not show my I.T. iq .... :ugh:

I wont be goated again by targ or anybody else so use the free avg at your own risk...
pfft!!!

[dj Mcrae]

Hmm just having a look at some of your other posts an IT advice targ and it would seem also that you don't recommend AVG for trojans etc etc ...So which is it ... it's good to use or it's no good to use and you need a better one...


Targs words from another post > I have in the distant past found AVG AV a bit lacking when it comes to trojans, or at least the one that got my computer.
Trojans generally require something with a better detection/clean engine, that knows based on the detection where the important nooks and crannies are that the beast is likely to hide to re-spawn its nasty self.ROFLMAO

[henry crun]

Keef, for the benefit of someone who is no as computer literate as yourself, can you explain the steps in a manual install ?

[parabellum]

I subscribe to an information bulletin about computers and they have just recommended an AV programme that you can find here:

http://www.free-av.com/

[Tarq57]

To dj Mcrae.
Obviously a little clarification needed.
No antivirus is 100% bulletproof. Nor any other kind of security protocol, although there are some (not single products, by the way, but layered applications and user- procedures) that can come very close to it. A combination of imaging software, sandboxing, and behaviour blockers, combined with a good two way firewall is pretty bulletproof.
I say "pretty bulletproof" because there are constantly new types of threats under development. (As an example, researchers have been able to create malware which cloaks itself in the hardware of a PC, so far undetectable.)

These "pretty bulletproof" applications are not mainstream, nor for the average user. Not yet, anyway. The "average user" is usually quite happy, for a while, with whatever the vendor pre-installed on the computer when purchased. Millions of other users choose a different, sometimes freeware solution, which typically involves an antivirus, a demand antispyware scanner or two, and maybe a two way firewall, for better outbound protection than the one built into the OS.

The "big three" free AV's I refer to are Avast, Avira, and AVG. A fourth contender is PCTools AV, a bit of a new kid.
And I believe you are doing users a fairly large disservice by making claims against one of these tools which appear to have no validity. They all score well in independent testing, some score better than some big-name paid AV/security solutions.

The "average user" on these forums might well be a little more technically inclined than average, because the nature of our employment lends itself to that. And it only takes a quick look through this forum to see that some are extremely knowledgeable about PCs. I don't include myself in that group, and have never pretended to. I do know a little about security applications, and what is likely to keep the "average user" safe, or not. And, although I personally don't use AVG I believe it, especially as part of a security strategy, is at least close to being as good as a lot of the other AV's available.

I have no idea how good the current version of AVG is at trojan removal, I use different software for that if it's ever needed. (So far, for over a year, it has not been needed.) But the apparent contradictory comment-concerning AVG AV7.5- is valid. If an AV can prevent a trojan installing, which most do, via detection, its payload can't install nor "phone home". If you are unfortunate enough to have one install anyway (eg a new variant Vundo or Smitfraud), more specialist tools are required. It is quite possible that AVG 8 may be better at this, due to the included AS. I don't know.
Nor, I strongly suspect, do you.
I was originally going to finish my earlier post with the comment "put up or shut up", but changed it to "perhaps you better explain what you mean", because it sounded less provocative.
Really, if you are going to make unfounded allegations of a scaremongering nature, your credibility suffers without an explanation. No "goating" was intended.
So. Put up or shut up.

[stagger]

lol At Targ. You said it your self it can detect only what it has in its signature base which is usually way behind others and not behavioral application execution.

If you re-read the post you'll see that Tarq correctly stated that AVG has heuristic-based scanning that will catch stuff that's not in the virus definitions database. According to AVG this is achieved via emulation of any instructions in a virtual computer (i.e. "sandbox").

Now I have no idea how effective it is. But what is clear is that you haven't bothered to read the documentation for AVG or any of the independent reports on the effectiveness of various AV programs.

[dj Mcrae]

I put it to you about reading documentation and marketing claims or a practically used world and what it can actually do.

There seems to be no need to try and explain an AV's engine and claims. Its irrelevant when in fact a lot of the time they are just claims. Readers only believe the hype, claims, ratings used to get these products to the front which is dangerous .

I was merely trying to warn with a practical background that this software isn't as good as its claims.

A prime example below... He actually believes that because someone wrote it. When i happen to know for a fact it can be got around by not altering instructional content in the signature. With avg 8 even the simple addition of a few null bytes will achieve it which heuristic-based scanning should be able to detect. < not very good but because it said it does its argument worth...Give me a break!!!

stagger: If you re-read the post you'll see that Tarq correctly stated that AVG has heuristic-based scanning that will catch stuff that's not in the virus definitions database. According to AVG this is achieved via emulation of any instructions in a virtual computer (i.e. "sandbox").Cloaking in processing and to hardware running script is not only carried out by researchers recently! Its mainstream code that can be downloaded open source at various code websites to be compiled with an assembler like Delphi, C++, ASM etc, quite easily and attached to any number of vulnerabilities. Its when a virus/trojan/infecting worm uses another allowed process to run. Process infection is even more common in websites like Warez and Filth that use it not as maliciously to upload spyware . AVG Free is not good at detecting this within windows regardless of what you think you understand from its documentation, biased ratings and jerks who are better at media reports than actual practical function...

You said it your self targ your not in IT/Network Admin security so why would you boldly promote something you don't completely understand.

Use it at your own risk! But don't complain when a 16 year old SC hooks you up as a drone and you have no idea why your pc is slowing down because AVG cant detect a cloaked process or variation and is letting it do as it pleases. Even worse rendering the user unaware and oblivious that its even going on.

System security is a personal choice . I wasn't trying to bash AVG, I was trying to warn others that maybe think before you assume this to be as safe as your needs ...

Take it how you want
dj

Edit Extra... think about it for a second. AVG and others offering free applications do so why ? One reason is its function is not in the same arena as their paid for upgrade which you may need to upgrade to if you get a problem ... You honestly think they spend hours and hours writing a free software to give away? .... NO its a marketing ploy much the same as when you install these apps they find virii and extra stuff thats sometimes not even a virus to make you think wow look at that its working, its found something...

All the best with it all.

[BOAC]

Henry - while the 'gladiators' battle it out, I followed Keef's advice by starting the install and selecting 'custom' at the appropriate screen, deselecting the toolbar and continuing. So far so good.

Keef will be back. I'm sure, to mark me out of 10.:)

[henry crun]

If he doesn't return and I follow your advice, you can expect a drastic reduction in that mark if it all goes wrong. :)

[MacBoero]

Sorry chaps and chapesses, I wish I hadn't said anything now.

If my opinion is worth anything, I work in a computer related industry myself. I don't claim to be an expert in computer viruses, spyware or trojans and the the like, in fact I'm not.

I am of the opinion, however, that for the average consumer any virus scanner is better than none, and AVG reviews as well as most other products out there.

I don't think most people would be under any illusion that a free version is going to be as complete as the paid for version, but for most people they will be good enough.

I have been installing AVG on PCs coming through my hands for about 5 years, and none of those machines have had any problems with viruses. Luck? Maybe, but given the internet activities of some of those people, especially those that'll click on anything and everything, I think not. Spyware was of course not covered by AVG, but was either by using Spybot or Adaware and later Microsofts own Defender, and the inclusion of spyware scanning and link filtering just reinforces my choice.

That being said, I personally use Apple computers at home, and have never installed a virus scanner on any of them, and I hope I never need to.

[P.Pilcher]

Perhaps the experts on this thread could suggest to those of us who don't understand these things in great detail what virus/malware/adaware system they recommend whether paid for or free that we can install and then forget about this particular problem about which we are all so paranoid. I run searches by various free programmes on my machines every day. A few years ago, a computer expert recommended Panda. "Buy it, install it andforget your problems." I was told. I decided, like many others to stick with the Freebies, but if there is now a good, comprehensive, reliable answer to these problems which does not slow down the machine too much, I would like to know what it is.

P.P.

[dj Mcrae]

Kaspersky also know as KAV ... leagues above anything on offer as far as sig recognition and behavior. And no i don't work for them! As of yet i have not or seen anyone be able to beat it unless they have disassembly skills. :ok:

And its cheap! or torrentable

http://www.pcauthority.com.au/Review/94125,kaspersky-antivirus-7.aspx

dj

[Tarq57]

MacBoero,
Sorry for the thread drift. Just could not let that pass.
The latest AVG 8 includes the antispyware application. In theory, this should improve detection and cleaning abilities. Personally, I'd feel OK with it, if there weren't others around that suit me better. Include a good two way firewall and any user should be reasonably well protected.
PPilcher, For a true "set and forget" application...sorry, there really isn't one. Stuff changes all the time, malware methods keep evolving, new vulnerabilities are uncovered in MS and third party software all too frequently. (This is why MS release security updates every month, sometimes more often.)
Norton360 is offered as a "set and forget" program, but I keep reading and hearing of folk who have problems with it. Too often it gets a bit overprotective, and quarantines something that's required.
Kaspersky (since it's been mentioned) does have a very good name. They make AV (The KAV mentioned above) and a suite called KIS. Some users report slowdowns, the majority appear to be very happy with it.
Other (free) alternatives include the one this thread is named for, Avast (rates very well, also includes AS, never given a problem here,) and Avira.
HIPS is considered a particularly good method of preventing malware loading. Instead of blacklist-based scanning (definitions) it simply alerts to unknown applications wantiing to run/access something that could lead to harm, if malicious. They do tend to require a lot more user interaction. One that doesn't pop too many alerts up, at default settings, is PCTools Threatfire (http://www.threatfire.com/download/). (Bottom right of the page for the free version.)
The latest version of Boclean (http://www.comodo.com/boclean/CBO_download.html), although based again on blacklists, is pretty much set and forget. If a known trojan attempts to load, it will pop an alert. It doesn't scan, only alerts to something attempting to run in memory. Include a demand scanner or two, like Superantispyware, update and run it once a week (or if "symptoms" occur), include a good two way firewall (see Here (http://www.matousec.com/projects/firewall-challenge/results.php) for some tests) and anyone should be fairly secure. For now, anyway. Also important, of course, to backup data regularly, should a reformat/reinstall ever become necessary. Encrypt any really sensitive data.
djMcrae, I was not boldly promoting AVG8, it's not actually my cup of tea. I was defending it (and, by association, some other freeware generally) from an unwarranted accusation. And I'll continue to do so.
Regarding your edit, believe it or not, there are organizations that monitor the behaviour of security (or any) software. Programs that fall into the category you describe are defined as rogue (http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm#criteria). Spyware warrior, run by Eric Howes, maintains a large online database of these. AVG most definitely is not included on that list. They'd be out of business in a shot. Do your homework.
Don't take this the wrong way, but you're talking rubbish. [edit] It also seems you are suggesting obtaining a cracked version of the software, by the "torrentable" comment. Anybody who does this is probably going to get exactly what is deserved.

[Saab Dastard]

OK Guys (Tarq57 and dj Mcrae),

That's enough squabbling. Life is too short to get all wound up over this.

For those interested in independent reviews of free and paid-for products, I suggest google - e.g. this (http://www.pcworld.com/article/124475-1/article.html) and this (http://anti-virus-software-review.toptenreviews.com/) - among the first few results for "antivirus review comparison".

SD

[stagger]

And there is some comparative data here...

http://www.av-comparatives.org/

The latest comparative data is here...

http://www.av-comparatives.org/seiten/ergebnisse_2008_02.php

[amanoffewwords]

I ditched AVG when I saw the "improvements" they made with ver. 8 and installed Comodo AV instead: like AVG used to be it is small and compact does just what it says on the tin. :ok:

[BOAC]

Latest from AVG is that 'support' for 7.5 (I presume virus updates) will cease soon.

It may be something else on my machine :eek:but I feel that internet, email and general programmes are running slower after installation of 8. Anyone else agree? I guess it is checking more than 7.5 did.

[henry crun]

I am using AVG 7.5 which is the free version, their website says version 8 costs US$55.

If they stop supporting 7.5 soon presumably that means the end of the free version, and I will have to look at getting something else.

[parabellum]

Henry, this is a free bee and is said to be very good, came out well in the tests etc.

http://www.free-av.com/ (http://www.free-av.com/)

[Bushfiva]

their website says version 8 costs US$55.

The free version is in the same place it ever was.

[henry crun]

Bushfiva: I realise that 7.5 is still in their website, but I was commenting on BOAC's post.
If they stop supporting it with virus updates it will rapidly become valueless.

Thanks parabellum, I will certainly look at that if 7.5 does become outdated

[Tarq57]

henry crun, it's more of a marketing technique. There is/will be a free version of 8.0, I guess Grisoft would prefer you to buy the full featured version, so make that option easier than locating the download for the free version. But I can assure you, it's still there. http://free.grisoft.com/ww.download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition

[henry crun]

Thank you Tarq57, that was what I was looking for, but I didn't get past the page which said $55. :)

[Bushfiva]

I realise that 7.5 is still in their website

I'm referring to 8.

[henry crun]

Apologies Bushfiva, I misunderstood you.

The page I was looking at only referred to the paid version, and gave no indication that 8 was available for free.

[BOAC]

They just (understandably) make it more difficult to find:)

Anyone else experienced a 'slowdown' after install?

[MacBoero]

It is admittedly not as obvious as it used to be, when they linked to the free version from the Grisoft homepage.

Once you know though, it's as easy as:

free.avg.com (http://free.avg.com)

or

free.grisoft.com (http://free.grisoft.com)

[rossym]

Anyone else experienced a 'slowdown' after install?

Yep, on two of the computers I installed it on. All computers in my house are back running 7.5 now, and are running at normal speed :)

[gizmocat]

Likewise on mine. 7.5 going back on tonight :bored:

[BOAC]

Remember support for 7.5 has not got long to run. Could it be that we will have to accept a slower machine for the extra security? Have you flagged this up with AVG?

[mcdhu]

My PC is definitely running slower after installing AVG 8.0 - particularly the start up time. I'm about to bin it and instal something else to see if there is an instant result.
mcdhu

[P.Pilcher]

Hmm: After what people are saying, I may well consider installing Avast on my other machines. It has run seamlessly on the machine I installed it on for the last three years.

P.P.

[BOAC]

I've just had a look at the AVG free forum and 8 is causing a lot of slowdowns. Also noted is that support for 7.5 is 'extended' until the end of the year.

[gizmocat]

Thanks for the info BOAC :ok: One of the main reasons that I have always used AVG was the lack of any "speed hit" to the OS. Maybe Grisoft will tweak v8. Certainly hope so.

[stevef]

I wish I'd known about the extended support for version 7.5 earlier! I deleted the crawling AVG 8 and downloaded the paid version of Kaspersky 7.0, which had glowing reviews. The first thing it did was tell me that my (also paid-for) version of Zone Alarm Anti-spyware was incompatible and had to be removed. This included the latest version of their firewall. I tried to load an earlier version of the firewall but it repeatedly failed because of a corrupted ZA file from their download section (as I found out from the experiences of others on a web search) Downloaded ZA version 6-something from Oldapps and now everything seems fine.
A shame about AVG 8 because I've been using Grisoft products for several years without cause for complaint. No point in griping too much because it's always been free.

[BOAC]

But I thought it scary all the same. Firefox was, apparently, clean. - AVG8 is in the middle now of picking up significant numbers of 'threats' in Mozilla/Firefox having done the same with IE.

Don't forget to disable the 'scheduled scan' if you are having speed issues as on a large system it will run for hours!

[gizmocat]

I can, happily, report that I have now uninstalled v8 and re-installed v7.5 with instant results to the good and benefit of my computing experience.

[BOAC]

This will also have an adverse impact on AVG's 'paid' product image. I have not found any way other than the forum to 'report' this experience. They need to know. Has anyone got access to 'The Register' and has that spotted this?

Re my comment about the 'scheduled scan' - I had not realised it was taking such a long time, and with it disabled, everything appears to be running better. Might be worth a check if you are 'suffering'?

[MacBoero]

I have stayed with AVG8, and I can't say that I've seen any noticeable performance hit from it. However, I wouldn't class myself as a power user. I don't use the PC for games (Not even MS Flight Sim!), just internet browsing and emailing. I use my PowerBook G4 mostly, and I'm considering etting rid of the PC soon anyhow, probably with a view to rationalising all my IT bit s of kit down to a MacBook Pro.

Until that happens, I'm happy for AVG8 to stay there. I did notice another thing the other day. When you use a search engine like Google, AVG8 puts a little spinning grey disc between each link on the results page. When AVG8 has filtered the link, all the "OK" ones get a little green tick next to them. This is a great plus for me, as I can say to the wife to use these little markers, rather that try and explain to how to spot safe and unsafe weblinks!:ugh:

[gizmocat]

Agreed MacB, it's a very good addition to the software. Unfortunately, it also canes my internet speed.

I am confident though that Grisoft will solve these teething troubles quickly.

I have always been impressed with the speed that the Grisoft boys come up with signature updates. I remember one particular case, the SQL Slammer that nearly shut down the "BIG" company for whom I was working at the time, (started with "C"... ended with "Q"... doesn't exist any more...), the corporate AV was N*****s who took nearly 28 hours to come up with a signature update. Grisoft, on my home network was updated in 6 !!

[The Flying Pram]

Interesting that the update support for v7.5 has now been extended - Grisoft have obviously been stung by all the negative comments regarding v8.0
I've changed to Avast! 4.8 on my laptop, it does take a bit longer to boot now, but would seem to offer better protection, and it's very configurable. I was intending to swap my parents desktop as well, but I will compare the two for a while longer now.

[Sallyann1234]

I upgraded (paid for) AVG 7.5 to 8.0 about three weeks ago. Have not noticed any performance hit at all and I'm very satisfied with it.

[makintw]

In Taipei yesterday at the Computex show and asked the AVG rep about this and was told no major issues regarding speed with most systems.

Picked up a demo CD so will give it a go :eek:

[The Flying Pram]

In Taipei yesterday at the Computex show and asked the AVG rep about this and was told no major issues regarding speed with most systems.

Rather at odds with the numerous posts from users on a whole range of forums....
And although they have said that support for v7.5 will now continue till the end of the year, I've started getting automatic reminders again, but saying the end of June!

[ILS32]

I updated my AVG 7.5 to AVG 8 on the 30th April.
I have not found any problems with the speed.
I like the new AVG Centre Layout.Everything simplified and easy to use.
I have AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5 ,but the only decision to make is whether to keep it running or uninstall it and just use AVG 8 which incorporates its own Anti-Spyware component.

ILS32

[mart52]

Moved from AVG Free 7.5 to 8.0 a couple of weeks ago.
Has worked OK for me: no obvious increase in memory usage or degradation of system performance - but the PC (AMD 64 dual core 4400) is only used for WWW/office, not games etc.
Regards
Martin

[P.Pilcher]

I have recently read that the reason that AVG8 can be slow in some cases is its latest system for protection against rogue websites that somehow manage to inject viruses on your computer. The idea is that AVG 8 pre scanns any web page you click on for nasties before allowing your browser to display it and this takes time and bandwidth. There is one called "Active search shield" only available in the paid for version of AVG 8, and the rest of us get "Search Shield" which appears to do the same thing but slower and possibly requires more bandwidth. It is possible to turn "search shield" off as follows:

Open the AVG Anti-Virus control window.
Choose Tools -> Advanced Settings.
Click LinkScanner on the left.
Un-tick Enable AVG Search-Shield.Apparently this facility can also cause certain websites to accuse you of trying to infect them with a virus!

I would be interested to learn what our real experts have to say about this.

P.P.

[smuff2000]

Just installed Firefox 3 and the AVG8 search shield does not work with it!

Wonder if Mozilla will sort that out?

[pulse1]

When I originally upgraded to AVG 8 I had some problems opening large files (e.g. VFR scenery files for MS FS). Following advice on Pprune I went back to Version 7.5 with no problems.

I am now told that Grisoft will not support Version 7.5 after July 25.

Presumably I will still get the original problems if I upgrade to Version 8 again.

Should I look for another antivirus or can I use P Pilcher's idea to cure it (18th June)?


1. Open the AVG Anti-Virus control window.
2. Choose Tools -> Advanced Settings.
3. Click LinkScanner on the left.
4. Un-tick Enable AVG Search-Shield.

[Tarq57]

pulse1,
I don't think that's likely to work in your case, unless the scenery files are stored online, as it's most likely the resident (access) scanner to be interfering with the files. Wouldn't hurt to try it, though.
You may have to suspend the resident shield while playing.
Or you could try another AV. Avast and Avira both very good.

[oapilot]

Well, the 25th July deadline has come and gone and my v7.5 has just updated itself ok, and no more messages saying upgrade to v8....

Was it all just a ploy to get people off v7.5 I wonder?

[The Flying Pram]

The v7.5 installation on our desktop updated this morning. I've just tried doing a manual update and it's still saying that it's fully up to date. I used to find that there were 2 updates per day, so if it doesn't find a new definition file tomorrow then AVG gets removed, and Avast! goes in....

[The Flying Pram]

Well it's just updated for the second time today and having just looked at the AVG forum they've extended the deadline AGAIN! It's now the end of next month.....

More dithering than our wonderful government!

[Wodrick]

I have the free version, every update it asks for the computer to be restarted, is this others experience ? 7.5 didn't do this.

[green granite]

EErrrrrr no. mine updates as 7.5 did.

[henry crun]

Mine also updates normally.

[Mr Grumps]

I've just had the most unusual problem with AVG 8. 2 days ago Firefox 3 lost all its bookmarks (I run XP Pro) and wouldn't reload from file. I reloaded Firefox but no joy. Funnily enough Flock was OK (Flock is based on Firefox). I tried all sorts of virus checks and malware cleaners and the such like. Still nothing. Today Flock gave up the ghost. I went searching and found a rather tenuous link that gave problems with Firefox using AVG 8. I completely uninstalled the AVG, Firefox and Flock and rebooted. Reloaded Firefox and Flock and hey presto all is now good. I have other anti virus software so I think AVG 8 will stay off my laptop. This may help others if the same problem occurs.