<p>I had a crash, so I am re installing everything in Windows 7. One of the first thing I installed was AVG and I thought it was free. Then I see messages counting down the days. from AVG, it look like they want me to pay for it. Do you think it is worth $30 a year? And how do I get back that free AVG?</p>
<p>If I recall correctly, when I installed AVG there were several options including free, a try-expanded-services-for-free-for-X-days, and a paid option. You may have got yourself a try-for-X-days feature. Just go into the AVG control panel, and see if you can turn that item off. If not, see if you can figure out if it will shut off on its own after the time runs out.</p>
<p>I’ve only ever had the free version - for years:
<a href=“Free Antivirus Download for PC | AVG Virus Protection Software”>Free Antivirus Download for PC | AVG Virus Protection Software;
<p>Yes, I think it is worth it. I have used AVG for free since the 90s, and it has served me well. A couple of years ago when I had more money I actually paid for it, mostly because I felt guilty. 
</p>
<p>That’s a bit high of a price even for 2 years. I’d stick with free unless you’re using it in a corporate setting or to do profit-making work in which case you’ll need to get the paid version under their licensing policy. </p>
<p>Personally, I used to use AVG, but found it became too bloated on older machines for clients and found Avast better in that department and free so that’s what I use now. </p>
<p>I would not pay either. I use the Microsoft free offering now, but free AVG would be my second choice.</p>
<p>I have the free AVG - they do try to get you to install the one they charge for - I have never had any problems with the free one (have used it for years - when I got tired of paying for annual nortan upgrades)</p>
<p>I just signed with the paid version of AVG a couple of months ago. 30 bucks is not unreasonable but you can get a better price for it if you look for 3rd party re-sellers online. It is annoying that nearly all the Anti-virus companies have adopted the 12-month paid subscription business model, when customers used to expect that the service last a couple of years or more. Does the 30 bucks include the complete AVG Utilities suite, or just the Internet Security Package? The free version may be all that you need, however.</p>
<p>I used AVG free for many years, but after being infected with several viruses in the past year I just switched to Avast free. It’s only been two weeks but so far I like it.</p>
<p>Curious (but don’t want to redirect this thread): Will either Avast or AVG work with Windows XP even though it is no longer supported by Microsoft? I quit using my old desktop PC w/ XP for any internet surfing – but actually prefer it over my small laptop.If Avast or AVG still protect XP, I’ll go back to my tried and true machine.</p>
<p>I am still using avg for one of my xp. I have to keep that xp alive because there are few replaceable programs on it. </p>
<p>
</p>
<p>For the time being, yes. However, it won’t be too long before anti-virus and other software makers stop writing software for XP, especially considering it has been around since 2001 and Microsoft has 3 successors in the marketplace…Windows Vista, 7, and 8/8.1. </p>
<p>Especially since word now is that Win 9’s release has been pushed up to the summer of 2015 due to Win 8/8.1’s lack of support from institutional and other users. </p>
<p>I only use the free version, like the McAcfee guy said on TV new virus is too quick and the software is getting too lengthy already, just not fast enough to catch them.</p>
<p>BTW, I checked my invoice, and the renewal rate for AVG is $49 per 12 months. So the rate you have been offered is a comparative bargain.</p>
<p>Well, the “introductory” rate is $59 for two years, but once they got you, they will charge you to the hilt.</p>
<p>Microsoft Windows Explorer. Works great and add in Mal-Ware Bytes and you’re all set.</p>
<p>“Well, the “introductory” rate is $59 for two years, but once they got you, they will charge you to the hilt.”</p>
<p>True perhaps, but the great thing about the software industry is consumer choice. When my antivirus software publisher increases the price for a subscription renewal, I just search for another product. In the last 10 years I’ve used products from Norton, Computer Associates, Avanquest, Bitdifender and now AVG. They all worked fine. When a subscription software product hits my limit in price, then I switch.</p>
<p>Just download microsoft security essentials. It’s free and works great.</p>
<p>The Geek Squad at Best Buy charges around $55 an hour to clean a virus off of your computer. Anti-virus is the most basic of security tools and a good one will save you money and heartache. </p>
<p>“Just download microsoft security essentials. It’s free and works great.”</p>
<p>Not sure about that
Just reformat a drive infested with virus with MSE on it </p>