Grisoft AVG v8
 

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

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

[quote author=Tarq57]Caution. Becoming bloated. Some now compare it to Symantec products.[/quote]

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

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

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.

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:

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.)
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.
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.

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.

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!!!

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 > ROFLMAO

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

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/

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.

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.

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!!!

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.

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.:)

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

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.

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.

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...tivirus-7.aspx

dj

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. (Bottom right of the page for the free version.)
The latest version of Boclean, 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 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. 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.

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 and this - among the first few results for "antivirus review comparison".

SD

And there is some comparative data here...

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

The latest comparative data is here...

http://www.av-comparatives.org/seite...se_2008_02.php

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:

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.

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.

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/

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

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

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-...s-free-edition

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

I'm referring to 8.

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.

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

Anyone else experienced a 'slowdown' after install?

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

or

free.grisoft.com

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 :)

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

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?

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

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.