AVG Free edition for Vista gets anti-spyware; updated to version 8.0

This has been a long time in coming.  While other more popular and paid anti-virus solutions had refined interfaces for a while now, AVG was growing long in the tooth with AVG versions 7.0 through 7.5 the interface was functional but not too terribly attractive, well, version 8.0 is here with major interface changes, all for the better.  The updated version is not exclusive to Vista and is compatible with Windows XP and Windows 2000 as well.

The changes are not exclusive to Vista but it does work on Vista 64-bit if that counts for anything.  Changes over the older 7.x series also include anti-spyware protection as well, even in the free versions.

Sometimes you have to make comprises when it comes to freeware security suites and let’s face it, AVG 7.x wasn’t the prettiest face but it got the job done.  Thankfully, Grisoft has come to their senses and gotten rid of the "ugly" and updated the free version of AVG to 8.0 and now it glistens with a shiny new sidebar that has a tabbed interface and access to all the program’s features.

Let’s look at the ugliness that was, AVG 7.x

Well, it’s certainly functional but like I said, it’s ugly, GIMP ugly.  No, the GIMP interface is not good.  But, that’s another post.  Now, let’s look at the polish and shine version 8.0 brings to the party.

Look at that, is that even the same program?  Yes, yes it is but it’s not at the same time.  That’s the main overview screen in AVG 8.0 showing you the status of the program, if anything isn’t right, it would be highlight in red.  Updates are also handled slightly differently so let’s look at that.

There are no more floating program update windows.  In AVG 7.x the update windows would have opened separately from the main program, updated and returned you to the main program when finished; in version 8.0 everything is integrated.

There’s no reason not to go update that old dusty, rusting AVG 7.x installation to a shiny new sparkling installation of version 8.0 right this second, do it now; I’ll wait.  The AVG 8.0 installer will automatically uninstall AVG 7.x before installing itself.

The interface change would be worth it alone but Grisoft saw fit to include spyware protection as well which makes the update a "must have" for current AVG users.  If you’re not a current AVG Free user, I forgive you, there’s no time like the present to give it a try.

Disclaimer from Grisoft,

"AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition is only available for single computer use for home and non commercial use."

On a side note, consider this problem (related to no decent spyware protection) solved.

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