Be Aware - AVG Free Offers Limited Protection

As I read internet reviews and talk to various folks, I hear a lot of feedback about how great AVG Free is for virus and spyware protection. I used to use AVG Free myself but I decided to go with another software package (BitDefender, Internet Security Suite 2009).

Before upgrading from AVG Free, I noticed that my computer's performance was starting to get a lot slower. After I installed BitDefender, I ran the BitDefender's virus and spyware scan, and it turned out that my computer was infected with various trojans which were undetected by AVG Free. Based on my experience with BitDefender, I wouldn't necessary recommend the software because it's kind of buggy and has various issues but that's not really the purpose of this post.

What I would like to discuss here though is some areas that you are not protected with AVG Free just to make sure that everyone in the know if they happen to be using the AVG as their virus and spyware protection strategy.

So, here are some of the areas which you are not currently protected from with AVG Free (version 8.5).

• Download Protection
  
• IM Chat Infections
• Rootkit Protection
• Identity Theft
• Hacker Protection (via Firewall Pentration)
• Spam

In my opinion, you really should have protection from the above items and I really wouldn't recommend using AVG Free with that in mind. AVG does offer protection from the above threats although that requires that you purchase the AVG Internet Security version instead of the Free version which is going to set you back about $55. I have never really used the AVG Internet Security software so I am really not able to give feedback on it.

I just wanted to let everyone know that your protection is limited with the AVG Free version. If you want to leave feedback on your favorite virus and spyware protection software, I would love to hear your comments...