Getting Started with AVG Anti-Virus

AVG Anti-Virus (for Windows) is a very popular competitor to Norton Anti-Virus, especially cause it's 100% free for personal use.

1. UNINSTALL OR DISABLE EXISTING ANTI-VIRUS/ANTI-SPYWARE

First of all, do you already have any anti-virus software installed (e.g. Norton)? If so, you may want to disable it or remove it for the following solution, as this program may conflict with existing anti-virus or anti-spyware software.

2. DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL AVG ANTI-VIRUS FREE EDITION

Once you believe your computer is ready to try a new anti-virus/anti-spyware program, go to AVG's Free Edition download page. Use the button that says "Download AVG Free 8.0", then it will direct you to the CNET website where there is one final button labeled "Download Now". It's a 48.34MB file, so if you have a slow connection it may take a while to download. Download it and save the file somewhere you'll remember, such as the Desktop or My Documents. When it's done, find the file and open it, and install AVG Anti-Virus.

3. AVG ANTI-VIRUS CONTAINS ANTI-SPYWARE

The AVG Anti-Virus program contains an anti-spyware feature, so give it a whirl to see if it deals with any of your computer woes. You may need to verify that the anti-spyware feature is active, so open the program's control panel window to see what it tells you about anti-spyware.

4. KEEP YOUR AVG ANTI-VIRUS/ANTI-SPYWARE UP-TO-DATE

This program is only good to you if it is updated periodically (daily, weekly, monthly, whatever). I'm always connected to the internet, so the AVG program updates itself whenever it feels like it. If you use dial-up or otherwise aren't always connected, then be sure to tell AVG to "Update Now" once you are connected. This is done by right-clicking the little yellow-blue-green-red square icon, or from the control panel window by opening the program or double-clicking the same colored square icon.

5. IF YOU'RE NOT SURE, JUST ASK ME

If you're unsure about any aspect of this process or you have any questions of any kind, just contact me. I'll be more than happy to try to help.