As I mentioned in my article Removing (uninstalling) an Anti-Virus Application, I was looking for an alternative to McAfee, and I believe I found it in AVG Anti-Virus from Grisoft. I have been running AVG version 7 since about mid-2004, and it hasn't even hiccupped.

    There are two versions of AVG- a free version as well as the "pro" version. This review will concentrate on the Pro version which adds a high level of control features to enhance the user's ability to get the program working exactly as they desire. Not to worry. Overall, both the pro and the free versions supply the same level or protection including:

• AVG Resident Protection
• AVG e-mail Scanner
• AVG On-Demand Scanner
• Basic Scheduled Tests
• Free Virus Database Updates
• Automatic Update feature
• Easy-To-Use Interface
• Automatic Healing of infected files
• AVG Virus Vault for safe handling of infected files

    Both versions are available for:

• Windows 95
• Windows 98
• Windows Me
• Windows NT
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Linux i386

   During the installation (or updating) process, AVG looks for previous versions of itself and stops them if necessary. It also will self-install to work with your E-Mail applications (Outlook and/or Eudora). When the first set-up is done you will ned to reboot your computer. When it restarts, AVG will automatically pop up the "first-run update" window which guides you though the initial setup. The rest of the install process goes like this:

    STEP 1 Create a Rescue disk. This saves critical operating files, definition files, and disk info to help restore your computer in case of an infection. It should be recreated after each AVG update. The entire rescue system can reside on

    STEP 2 – Scan your computer for any existing infections. After that, you are pretty much good-to-go.

    The AVG control center is amazing. All the various areas of the program are easily identified, explained, and accessed right here. Double-click one of the boxes and the controls and various settings are available right there. For example, double click on the "Update manager" and....

    The Update-manager controls appear allowing you to decide when and how the application checks for updates. There are more settings available for many functions than shown here- these are often available in the bottom pane on eh right side of the Control Center. For example, if you click on the "Scheduler" pane, then click the "Scheduled Tasks" button a the bottom, the list of all scheduled tasks appears:

    Selecting a task from that list and selecting "Edit Schedule" brings up the details for that specific task:

    For the most part, all the various tasks are explained in plain English and should be fairly easy to understand and adjust.

    Just like the "Big Two," AVG looks for updates to the virus definition files as well as program updates and can download and install them automatically.

    When the download and installation of the update is complete, the program pops up a notification (that thankfully disappears in just a few seconds). If there is something missing here, I don't think you will notice. I haven't.

    As seen here, one of the nicest features in AVG is the flexibility of the user interface. With much relief, particularly if you were a user of McAfee, this application gives you the CHOICE of having the application automatically look for updates on the Internet, as well as closing the connection when done, but only if it established said connection! If you choose, it even will ask before establishing a connection if one does not exist, and you can choose which connection to use as the default (are you reading this, McAfee?).

    Grisoft is committed to more than just selling (or giving away) anti-virus software. They also maintain a page of specific removal tools and reference pages for various infection types.

    The current price for version 7 is $33.30 for a two year license for a single computer, and includes a 60 day money back satisfaction guarantee. Registered users can receive e-mail support 24/7. Registration also allows you to register for the free Grisoft "AVG-UPDATE" e-mail newsletter. This provides information concerning the availability of new updates, current virus outbreaks, and other important news concerning AVG Anti-Virus.

    Not sure it it is worth that much? You can download and try a fully-functional (including tech support) trial version of the Version 7 AVG program.

    And if $16.65 per year for virus protection seems too expensive, try the free AVG version, or better yet, call your local guru and ask what it would cost for your computer tech to come by and remove Norton or McAfee from your computer!