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Anyone who uses the 32-bit or 64-bit editions of Windows 7, Vista or Windows XP, can install the AVG Free download for 2011 at no cost. The install process is easy and requires no PC restart to start protecting your computer. The program automatically downloads a virus database, so be sure that you have an active Internet connection.
The AVG Free download can be found here, and provides two options to install the free antivirus:
- Install with the help of AVG Free Manager - The download manager of AVG automatically detects your operating system. This is helpful for end-users that are not sure if they have either the 32-bit or 64-bit edition of Windows. The download manager of AVG is only recommended if you intend to use the online installer of AVG Free.
- Full Offline AVG Free Download - In the above link, you will find two setup files for an offline installation of AVG Free 2011. The file sizes are 135MB and 154MB, for 32-bit and 64-bit editions, respectively. To check if you are running the 32-bit or 64-bit edition of Windows, visit this Microsoft KB827218 article.
Installing AVG is done using either the default or custom install. The default install is really no different than the custom install except the option to choose which components of AVG to install, including any third-party application or service:
- AVG 2011 Gadget - This is an optional install which is not required to enjoy the free antivirus program by AVG. The gadget provides easy access to update the program, scan the computer, and run PC analyzer. AVG gadget is linked to AVG Twitter and Facebook accounts for avid followers.
- AVG Antivirus and Anti-Spyware - Whether you run the default or custom install, this component is of course installed.
- AVG LinkScanner - A component in AVG that is optional to install when using the custom installation of AVG. AVG LinkScanner provides Safe Surf and Search Shield modules to check websites or web-searches for malware. The problem with the AVG LinkScanner is that it contains known bugs that may harm websites, and can affect the end-users' browsing experience, which has been reported by Softpedia. The good news is that users can temporary or permanently disable or remove LinkScanner, if one is experiencing a problem.
- AVG Email Scanner - If you want AVG to check the incoming and outgoing emails from your computer, the email scanner component is an optional feature. If you prefer not to use this protection, simply uncheck the box during the custom installation of AVG setup. The AVG email scanner supports Microsoft Outlook and other email programs for Windows 7 as well as other operating systems.
- AVG Identity Protection - This is a basic identity protection of AVG Free users that is also an optional component when using AVG Free.
- AVG Security Toolbar - An optional component by AVG which is custom toolbar for AVG by Yahoo.
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AVG Free 2011 setup will install AVG PC Analyzer that will check the system for registry errors, temporary but no longer needed files, disk fragmentation, and any broken desktop shortcuts. The program will not fix any found issues but you have the option to try a one-time fix with AVG's new product offering, the PC Tune-up. It seems, however, that the AVG PC Tune-up interface options are similar to Glary Utilities.
Please continue on to Page 2 for more on our 2011 AVG Free Antivirus review.
