Installing AVG Free 2011

By Xps.     4 Comments

On September 28th, AVG Technologies released the latest version of their anti-virus client AVG Anti-virus 2011 (a.k.a. AVG version 10 as it’s called on the program’s About window). It comes in three editions: Internet Security, Anti-virus, and Anti-virus Free. For those that use a different anti-virus client, you can still use the free LinkScanner tool for safer online web browsing. It is built into all three editions of AVG Anti-virus.

Now, let’s install AVG Free 2011! For those of you currently running AVG Free 9.0, the AVG F.A.Q. says you can carry program settings from the old to the new by installing version 2011 over version 9.0. During setup, version 9.0 will be removed for you, but you should expect to restart your computer during the process.

Using The Installer

Head on over to the AVG Anti-virus 2011 Free Download page for the 4MB Installer. The Installer allows you to pick the components you want and then will download the appropriate files. That way you won’t download a larger setup program than you need. The first step of the process is to agree to the License Agreement.

Then, we’re asked if we want to install a free trial of the whole AVG Internet Security package or just the Anti-virus Free edition. We’ll be using the Free edition.

Next, is where we’d enter in the License Number. Since this is the Free edition, the field is populated automatically.

Now, we’ve got an important step to take: Quick Install or Custom Install. I emphatically recommend choosing Custom Install on all program installations. So often, people skip through installation wizards and choose quick installation, then wonder where Program X came from. A lot of times, quick installations will come with tools and features that most people don’t want or need. So, save yourself some trouble later on and always go with Custom Install on every program installation. It gives you the chance to learn more about the program and choose exactly what you want installed. After saying all that, of course we choose Custom Install.

The Destination folder looks good. It will install the program inside the Program Files folder (as I suggest all programs be installed to), then in a sub-folder named after the organization, then in a sub-folder named after the program.

The default components need tweaking. By default, the option for Additional languages is checked even though no actual languages are being installed. Since I’ll stick exclusively to English, I don’t need an option to switch languages. The Personal E-mail Scanner, Search-Shield & Surf-Shield (apart of LinkScanner), and Identity Protection are all recommend components to install. They provide safer e-mail transfers, safer web browsing, and monitor programs that could lead to identity theft. So long as you scan Office documents you downloaded from a friend or colleague before you open them, you won’t need the Microsoft Office plugin.

After the whole program is downloaded including the components you selected, the setup will continue. However helpful the AVG Security Toolbar may be, LinkScanner is already being installed. I prefer a minimal number of toolbars. If you choose later on, you can install the toolbar in the Advanced Settings window of the program. Un-checking this will also disable changing your web browser’s default search engine to Yahoo.

At the end of installation, you’re asked to register your name and email if you want to get product news later on. You can also choose to participate in the Product Involvement Program. If you’re not interested in those, just leave them blank and “Finish” the installation wizard.

After installing, you should update all available malware definitions and run a full system scan. The initial scan may take a while, but subsequent scans should be shorter.

Skipping The Installer

I’m not a fan of Installers and prefer downloading the Setup files manually. That way, all my downloads are organized and I can also make use of them if I’m away from an Internet connection. Hey, it happens. You can download the Setup file directly by going to FileHippo.com and selecting the appropriate 32-bit/64-bit for your computer. The installation process is near identical to using the Installer, including selecting the components. The only difference is that the installation doesn’t need to download files during the process. Most people will be satisfied with the Installer, but it’s always nice to be aware of alternatives.

If you have questions or problems with AVG Free, you’re welcome to ask me or visit the AVG Support Center for access to the F.A.Q., discussion forums, specific virus removal tools, and product release notes.

Posted in: Malware Protection