AVG AntiVirus FREE 2013.0.3345

Malware protection at a price that can't be beaten.

In essence AVG Anti-Virus Free is the same as the paid version, but without a few inessential features, which makes it a pretty good product for the princely sum of $0. 

Bear in mind that AVG Anti-Virus is not an all-in one computer protection package. Rather, it is only for anti-virus use, so without a firewall or antispam feature you will need to seek out other programs for full protection. This is a bit of an inconvenience, however it does mean that the software does not make heavy use of your computer's resources. 

AVG Anti-Virus does offer excellent protection from the threats that it does cover. Also, if you use Internet Explorer or FireFox, the LinkScanner tool will give you advance warning of suspicious sites that may come up in search engine results.

The interface is nicely unobtrusive, without constant exhortations to upgrade. It will place a toolbar in your browser and ask to change your homepage, but both of these options are easy to disable.

Pros: Very close to paid version, very sparing on computer resources.

Cons: Only updates once daily, no support offered in the free version, anti-virus capabilities only.

Conclusion: While AVG Anti-Virus does its job well and LinkScanner is a welcome tool, it does not offer full protection for your computer. If all you are looking for is a free anti-virus tool then it is a must-have, but if you are looking for an all-in-one malware solution AVG Free is not for you.

Version reviewed: 12.0