avast and avg

I have tried both of the programs lately and have overall been very happy with them.... currently using avg. Prior to these I had been using norton for about 2 years and decided to try something new based on what I read on these boards. But I am curious... how is it that these companies are able to provide such great products with regular updates at no charge? It has to cost them something to produce and support them.

 

The free versions use the same virus definitions as the paid version, but are just previous releases of past paid versions( ie AVG 6 Free to AVG 7 paid). Since they share the same virus definition, it actually cost them nothing (in theory).

 

Basically the free versions of any program serve to make users aware of the benefits to them contained in the "professional" (i.e. not free) versions of that program. In other words they're hoping that you will get so pumped by the free version that you will consider buying the commercial version. Also the free versions frequently serve as a beta test for features the company is thinking of moving up to the "pro" versions. Plus you might have noticed that the programmers of the free versions are not going to object if you like the app so much you send in a donation to help the developers defray some of the cost of the application. I usually use an app long enough to see if it fits my needs, then, if it does, I send an appropriate sum to the developers. Fairs fair, if it's good enough to use then it's good enough to pay for.

 

Sounds like a winning deal for all involved... similar I suppose to the free version of zone alarm available for download vs the full paid version. Why then does mcafee and norton not offer a similar deal, and on top of that (from what I have read here time and time again) why do they put out products that are more resourse intensive and less effective than what can be had for free?

 

AVg claimed it distibuted a free version in the theory that more people using anti-virus software means less viruses spreading around, therefore it is easier for them to do their job. Makes sense, sort of? Getting free Norton's is like getting a free kick in the 'nads. Doesn't cost anything, but is it worth the pain?

 

It's all about the money

Well - I guess THEY don't care that their products are more resource intensive and less effective. They've been able to MARKET their product and therefore, people think, it must be worth the money because it's backed by *computer company* or "I saw it advertised". Money talks.

Is someone going to download FREE AVG or AVAST OR use their 3 month trial of Norton or McAfee that came with their system and then just pay and subscribe to it (easier and "must be good or it wouldn't be pre-installed").