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AVG 8.0 Ready for Prime time??
We Don't Think So!
****** Important Update ******
It appears that Grisoft has EXTENDED the date of AVG 7.5 to the end of the year, 12/31/2008. We are still awaiting OFFICIAL conformation of this extension, but if it is true, the pressure to upgrade is off.
At present, this is based on two things:
- 1. A statement from a Moderator on the AVG forums, link is Here
- 2. The popup notice that it was expiring on May 31st has been removed from all AVG windows. Well, maybe.
Our best and most current information still states that updates for AVG 7.5 will continue through December 31, 2008.
For those of you that are still getting pop-ups implying that May 31st is the end (of the world?), disregard them! It is only a marketing ploy to get you to buy AVG 8.0.
New Update: It is now June 2nd (old deadline +2) and I have successfully updated ELEVEN computers
running AVG 7.5 IT WORKS!
Another New Update: June 4, 2008. While one of my systems was auto-updating there was a pop-up message that updates for AVG 7.5 would EXPIRE on June 25, 2008. It seems that the people at Grisoft are sending out mixed singles. Do they communicate among themselves?? Quite honestly folks, I am just as confused as you.
Just one more reason NOT to recommend AVG 8.0
****** End of Updates ******
This page is primarily for the listeners of WGN Radio's Steve & Johnnie Show, Website Wednesday Night,
and anyone that needs information or help with the new AVG 8.0 AntiVirus software.
At this time we are STRONGLY recommending that you NOT install AVG 8.0 and wait until Mike and I have finished our testing and evaluation. Also, since Grisoft has extended updates and support for AVG 7.5, this document is NOT meant to get into the PROS and CONS of AVG 8.0; we will do that when Grisoft has revised the product and the new extended deadline nears.
However, if you feel that you must install it, these notes should provide some help.
Notes For Installing, Configuring And Running AVG 8.0
If you need help, Remote Assistance is available.
AVG 8.0 will run on Windows 2000 SP-4, Windows XP SP-2, and Windows Vista
DOWNLOAD AVG 8.0 from the place of your choice.
DISCONNECT from the Internet once it has been downloaded.
REMOVE AVG 7.5 Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs
Start > Control Panel > Program Features (for Vista users)
Will require a reboot. You will also get a Windows pop-up saying no Anti-Virus detected. As long as you disconnected from the Internet above, no worries.
AVG 8.0 will automatically detect and un-install AVG 7.5 and prompt for re-boot as part of the install process. However, I feel that it is better to manually remove it using the outlined process.
INSTALLING AVG 8.0
1. Double click on the install file that you downloaded. Usually named AVG_FREE_EN_8_100A1295.
2. Accept the Free License Agreement.
3. Accept again.
4. AVG Installer checks your system to verify that it meets the requirements.
5. Select STANDARD INSTALLATION then click NEXT >
6. Change or accept the user name. NEXT >
7. Uncheck Install AVG Security Toolbar. NEXT>
8. Review settings. Click FINISH
9. AVG 8.0 Installs itself.
10. Install window will close when it’s done.
11. INSTALL COMPLETE window opens. Click OK
You can now safely RECONNECT to the Internet
SETUP PHASE OF THE INSTALLATION
1. First Run Wizard opens. NEXT >
2. Schedule the run time you want. NEXT >
3. Next screen asks you if you want to Help Identify Potentially Dangerous Websites to AVG. Your choice. NEXT >
4. Updates. SKIP this for now.
5. Register AVG. Again, your choice. NEXT >
6. FINISH
UPDATING
1. Open AVG. It will indicate what needs updating.
2. Click on UPDATE NOW
3. Opens new Update window. Click on UPDATE.
4. All updates will download. You did re-connect your Internet connection, didn’t you?
CONFIGURING **** VERY IMPORTANT!! *** The Explanation follows later.
1. Click on TOOLS > ADVANCED OPTIONS
2. On the menu tree to the left, select VIRUS VAULT
3. Set the MAXIMUM NUMBER OF FILES to 30,000. Yes, that’s right, 30,000.
4. Click APPLY and then OK
RUNNING AVG 8.0
WHY 30,000 FILES IN THE VIRUS VAULT?
AVG 8.0, like most good Anti-virus programs, not only scans a computer’s files, but also the REGISTRY entries.
However, unlike most other programs, it allows you to delete the registry entries left behind from previously installed malware.
This can be hundreds and even THOUSANDS of registry entries. These are listed under the label WARNINGS.
If you chose to delete these WARNINGS, they can fill up the Virus Vault quickly!!
The default setting for the Virus Vault is 1000 files.
My first time running AVG 8.0 it found 17,000 + WARNINGS (registry entries), the next customer's computer had 24,000 + WARNINGS.
By using the default settings of 1000 files, once the Vault filled up with the first 1,000 entries no others will be deleted!
This may be one of the main reasons people are having problems with AVG 8.0.
NOTE: You only need these ridiculously high settings the FIRST time you run 8.0. I suggest that after the first time you set the Virus Vault to something like 500 files and around 2-5% of the hard drive.
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