In today’s spotlight on software, we have decided to take a look at AVG 9.0. Already, it is the most downloaded software by a long shot. It has been a favorite of ours for years (in its previous versions) for virus removal and anti-spyware real time protection. AVG really burst onto the scene a few years back when it’s free antivirus program hit the web. It was highly regarded as one of the most effective antivirus softwares on the web, and provided a free alternative to millions of people paying $50 a year for bloated software like Norton Antivirus.

To give you an idea, AVG is easily the most downloaded software of its kind.

Most Popular Downloads On Download.Com

The Transition:
For most of us, the day where the software would no longer be free was as predictable as the sun rise. We all still hoped and waited with baited breath that it would remain free and 100% functional. Well the day has come where we now see a clear difference between the paid and free versions of the software. It seems important to address that.

AVG has had a paid version for several years, but to us and our thousands of clients, it never really seemed all that different. Especially not worth coughing up the $50 for it. Well now things have changed. They have removed some functionality, and we don’t blame them, we understand you have to make money. In fact, we use their paid version at home. There are several things different about the new version that we wanted to share with you.

The Install:
We were a little taken back by how long it took to install. We worried that it might be loading up our system with loads of tool bars and extra bloat we didn’t need. Well the fact of the matter is, it tried! However in AVG’s defense, it at least gave us a few options about it. As a general rule of thumb, we never install tool bars or unnecessarily share our personal information with anyone. That way there are a few things you will want to look at before you just click next all the way through. That said, Kudos to them for disclosing it, and giving us the option to not install it.

There are some important steps you should take note of below. Here are some screen shots.

You Get An Option To Use Free Or Paid

Note Using AVG's FireWall Disables Windows Firewall

You can’t just hit next all the way through the install. You may end up choosing a setting you do not want so read each page.

Be Careful On This One Skip Tool Bars

The Features:
Features are nothing short of amazing on this new version of AVG. It offers real time protection against almost anything, and providing you are running the paid version, its one of the most comprehensive computer protection software’s we’ve ever used. It gives you every feature anyone would want, makes them really easy to understand, and use with their dashboard. Plus it doesn’t paralyze your PC like Norton does. (sorry Norton)

The Final Say:
After finally upgrading to AVG version 9 and getting over the mental hump of paying for an anti virus, we give it 4.5 stars out of 5 The only way it would of been a 5 is if it were free!  If you want to read more about it or install the software, here is the link.

Also, we got a hold of a great deal for our readers. AVG Anti-Virus 9.0 - 2 years for the price of 1!

Fun Facts On Install:

AVG also provides you with some interesting facts on install. We thought we should share with you to show that you do indeed need a real time protection program.

Phishing Is One Of The Fastest Growing Types Of Scams

30,000 New Virus's Are Created Daily!