July 2023 – AVG has been my security software of choice for over 20 years.
In that time, I have experienced many issues caused by the software (AVG) in the guise of protection, but in the end, each time it was either false/positives or ‘over-the-top’ detection.
I truly understand security is a multi-faceted, complex issue. The reality is its become so hard that software battles with the system for control of the device culminating in a bad user experience.
I can hear the geeks at AVG saying that its nessesary to protect users, but I ask “at what cost to the user”.
I run a small network of computers (2 x PC, 1 Laptop) that is a victim of over-zealous software. God forbid there is a power blackout or the internet goes down because AVG immediately puts up the shields making the network totally inaccessible. A further complication is Windows kicks in at the same time, detecting AVG changes then updates its security settings. That results in hours and hours of checking settings, adjusting and tweaking until access is enabled.
Some days, it seems nothing has happened but AVG has changed settings causing wasted time and resources ‘undoing’ the changes.
This morning, after one-too-many system changes that broke my network, out of frustration I unistalled AVG. After I rebooted, the network and permissions returned.
I now have to make a decision how to proceed. I want protection but not the issues that come with it.
I really don’t know what to do?
UPDATE – JULY 2024
After another AVG change to my system settings after a power outage earlier this month, that caused hours and hours of wasted time, I uninstalled AVG and have enjoyed 2 weeks of hassle free PC’s. It’s been in the back of my mind that I am working without protection.
Generally, I don’t feel I need so-called protection from day to day things I do. Having said that, I decided to give AVG one more go.
OMG!… the alerts started before I got the chance to enter my subscription code.
The first thing that appeared… something about I haven’t connected my account, so I click on a link and I have to login to AVG. 1. This shits me because I was logged in but I have to again. 2. OK, so lets login but where is my RoboForm login helper. It’s not there so I go to Chrome Extensions to see AVG has somehow managed to hide my extensions and is showing me – Pre-installed by AVG. Where are MY extensions? This is so typical of AVG. Mindless management of MY system. AVG thinks its doing the best for me, but without regard to my opinion. AVG MUST ASK BEFORE MAKING CHANGES! This is a MUST! If the user doesn’t k now or understand then find, accept the changes but DO NOT make changes without getting permission first.
Then it dawned on me.. its AVG’s fucking browser not my Chrome browser! Are they totally stupid at AVG? ASK FIRST YOU BUNCH OF TWATS!
To not ask first is plain wrong!
- I don’t want email protected – I use other bespoke email software
- I don’t want web cam protection – because I don’t have a web cam
- I don’t want password protection – I have RoboForm
One last chance AVG!