Avg

Had some problems with the new computer. They didn't install everything I had wanted. I took it back, got it right this time, but they also downloaded AVG to it.
I would rather use Avast. More comfortable with it.
Do I need to uninstall AVG first, before even downloading Avast? Or can I download it, but just not execute it until after I uninstall? Also, besides using the add/remove to get rid of it, and then CCleaner, anything else I need to use to get it all?

Hope this makes sense.....

 

Download Your Uninstaller! 2006 to remove programs completely
http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2439
Uninstall AVG with this program
Then run CCleaner
Then you can install Avast

 

Thanks Blades.
Just to make it clear, I can download Avast, just not install it till AVG is gone? I am asking cause I am on dial up, so would like to have Avast waiting, so I am not too long without something.

 

>> Just to make it clear, I can download Avast, just not install it till AVG is gone? I am asking cause I am on dial up, so would like to have Avast waiting, so I am not too long without something. <<

Oh sure, you can "keep AVG installed" while you're "downloading" the Avast installation file from the internet.

It's a very good idea to install Avast AFTER you have uninstalled AVG first, but there is no harm in leaving AVG on your PC while you are just "downloading" Avast.

Here's the steps to install Avast:

(1) Download Avast to your desktop.
(2) After the download completes; turn off AVG via the icon on the system taskbar (where the clock is).
(3) Go to Add/Remove and uninstall AVG.
(4) After AVG is totally uninstalled; double click on the AVAST Installation file of your desktop.
(5) Follow the instructions given to install Avast.

Good Luck

 

Thanks for clarifying Compuable. Right now, I am still downloading the Uninstaller, then will download Avast, uninstall AVG, run Ccleaner, and install Avast.

 

Or one can always use the avast uninstaller:

http://files.avast.com/files/eng/aswclear.exe

If the add/remove program doesn't work quite right. I use this more often than the add/remove program.

 

She wants to uninstall AVG and install Avast, not the other way around

 

>> Thanks for clarifying Compuable. Right now, I am still downloading the Uninstaller, then will download Avast, uninstall AVG, run Ccleaner, and install Avast. gal1998 <<

Oh anytime. My pleasure, really!

CCleaner is a great little program. I use it every night just before I close down the PC. It can also be configured by choosing the options that you want and can back up previous cleanings (recommended). Using the both the "Issues and Cleaner" sections of CCleaner thoroughly cleans out many of the 'leftovers' of recently uninstalled programs very well.

AVG and Avast both do a nice job as antivirus protection programs. However you are smart to run only ONE anti-virus program. Having two of this type of program on board can cause problems; even when one is "disabled" and the other is running all the time.

Using one resident program as well as periodically using a free online scan service (as a backup) is a good idea as well; just in case the resident scanner misses something. This is also much safer IMO than having two scanners installed. I like my resident antivirus program a lot; but still check w/ BitDefender Online Scan once a week, usually Sunday night just before I shut the computer down.

This free online scan not only cleans out viruses for free; it also automatically scans and disinfects malware that AV programs can sometimes miss. This 'double protection' is not available with many other "free scanners" available on the web and I have often found things that both my anti-spyware and AV programs apparently missed while I was using the BitDefender Online Scan

To find and use this free scanner; just Google the term: BitDefender Free Online Virus Scan

Good Luck!

 

i prefer avg better, with less proceses running in the background than avast. avast just take too much of resources, too much heavy for my specs.

 

>> i prefer avg better, with less proceses running in the background than avast. avast just take too much of resources, too much heavy for my specs. <<

Very true. Antivirus programs take up a whopping amount of resources - even when they appear to be idle. Firewall "suites' that also have anti-virus protection can also take an unbelievable amount of memory, even if you are not accessing the internet; and sometimes even after you uninstall it! For example; I tested the ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite a while back.

It has Antivirus, Anti-Spyware protection, and a firewall. When I was done testing it I uninstalled it. Then afterwards I checked the Task Manager and the process Vsmon.exe (a ZA related process) was still running and taking up a HUGE amount of the system resources. Even though I "properly" uninstalled ZoneAlarm Pro; (according to the HELP file instructions), Vsmon.exe still remained there on the PC gobbling up resources!

I’ve always thought that the FREE version of Zone Alarm is definitely one of the most overrated firewalls available on the web. It does provide some limited internet filtering protection (I mean having it is certainly better than running no firewall, at all) but that's about it. Sygate is still a favorite among many current users - in the "free" firewall category. Although it is not updated anymore; it runs circles around ZoneAlarm FREE any day of the week, in my opinion.

I currently use a shareware firewall that can monitor internet filtering as well as software filtering because I test new programs as well as updates of older ones as a sort of hobby. Also, I very often need to have numerous unrelated programs simultaneously. Therefore, I currently have 2 Gigs of RAM on all of my computers to handle the resources. With 2 Gigs installed I rarely have resource problems.

I remember the first 'tower' type of computer that I had ran Win 98 and had something like 56 RAM, hilariously miniscule for these days, but I was the envy of the neighborhood at that time. During that period RAM was incredibly expensive and pretty much out of reach for the average Joe user.

Nowadays RAM is downright cheap (on auction sites like ebay.com) especially 128 RAM sticks or less. This situation works out well with more current computers which are compatible w/higher RAM and numerous slots.

Good Luck!

 

i agree with compuable, same with panda titanium suite when i tested a free version from a pc mag installer. it has a great interface and programming was nice, but 6 mos free updates only, so i uninstall it and same way happen as what compuable said. 2 gigs of ram how i wish i could do that, but i got only 2 memory slot and each has only a limit of 256 mb, yeah my mobo is an old one. most mobo i see today have only got 2 mem slots, but older ones has more. well gotta try sygate next, just for curiosity. by the way, avg is the best, it's processes are straightforward and not hidden, u can end its processes with no problem not like other av's that u dont feel ur in control.