I think you can get a trial version of the full blown AVG security
suite. You can also read up on what's included in their security suite.
I downloaded the trial back in the AVG 7 days and concluded that it
wasn't for me. It contained too many things I didn't need, such as a
firewall and an antispam utility, and it was too much of a performance
hit. I probably could have spent more time tuning it and including only
what I wanted, but I figured that would just end up being an antivirus
tool, which I can get for free.
Your own security needs will depend on your set up. As Ray mentions, if
you are already behind a hardware firewall then you may not need a
software firewall. Your ISP may have spam blocking so you may not need
an antispam utility running on your PC.
Remember too that no security suite is going to protect you against
everything. You still need to update your OS and key applications which
may have security vulnerabilities, such as your browser, media player,
office suite and so on. You also need to set log in passwords on your
system and lock down your router. Finally, nothing beats common sense.
Be careful where you serf and what you download and you'll avoid most
problems.
Ray Campbell wrote:
> Hi Lisa:
>
> The free version of AVG, latest version 8.5, will provide anti-virus and
> anti-spyware protection. It won't provide protection against people
> hacking into your computer to steal information. For that, you need a
> firewall. If you have Windows Firewall, plus a firewall in your router
> or DSL/cable modem, my understanding is that is plenty of security.
>
> Ray Campbell, Help Desk Technician
> Adaptive Technology Center
> Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
> 1850 W. Roosevelt Road
> Chicago, IL 60608
> 312-997-3651 (Voice/Relay) or
> 888-825-0080 (voice/Relay)
> [log in to unmask]
> AIM Screen Name: tclhelp
> www.thechicagolighthouse.org
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Lisa McManus
> Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 4:28 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: [VICUG-L] clarification needed about avg
>
> Hi all,
>
> I really appreciated everyone's responses to me about my avg question.
> Please excuse my ignorance, but I feel a little confused. So if you
> guys can respond to this I would appreciate it.
>
> I thought that the free version of avg that I am using was only an
> antivirus program to keep away viruses, worms, etc. I was under the
> assumption that that is all that it does and that to prevent anyone from
> hacking into my computer and getting passwords, credit card information,
> etc that I needed to buy the internet security. I am sorry to be
> redundant, but I wasn't sure if you guys understood exactly what I meant
> so that is why I am asking again just to be sure we are on the same
> page. Just please calarify if the free avg antivirus program will also
> provide the internet security. All responses will be welcome. Thanks
> so much and sorry again.
>
> Lisa
>
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--
Christopher
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