Is AVG 8 (Free) Slowing You Down?

Most Good Booters know in my quest to provide free, quality software programs I’ve recommended AVG’s free anti virus program as an alternative to the often bloated and costly brand name anti virus programs. Recently however I’ve received complaints from Good Booters that after installing AVG version (8) their Internet Explorer and Foxfire surfing and for some their whole system seems to have slowed down.

Until I read a column by Steve Bass in the October issue of PCWorld , I had no idea what could be causing the problem if in fact AVG was the culprit. Steve did however offer a plausible cause and a possible solution.

One of AVG 8's new feature LinkScanner provides enhanced protection against malware and malicious sites. It disguises itself as an Internet Explorer component to evade detection by malware. When active LinkScanner apparently has the potential of slowing down surfing as it checks Google, MSN and Yahoo sites for malware.

If you believe LinkScanner has slowed down your surfing to an unacceptable level, Steve suggests you deactivate it by:
1. Downloading and reinstall AVG Free (8) over your current installed AVG (8).
2. Clicking Add/Remove Components when the installation starts.
3. Clicking Next for a list of components.
4. Unchecking LinkScanner
5. Completing the installation.
6. Rebooting.
7. Manually updating AVG’s virus definitions.

If after deactivating LinkScanner you receive a warning LinkScanner isn't working, click on AVG’s Icon then Tools, Advanced Settings, Ignore Faulty Conditions. Check the Link- Scanner check box and click OK.

A heads up.
Picasa 3 (beta) is available and it’s loaded with some significant new and enhanced features.
* Collage: Has six different collage types and many new settings for more hands-on collage creation screen.
* Sharing: It now takes only two steps to upload an album to Picasa Web Albums and email invitations to friends and family to view your album.
* Improved Auto red-eye correction.
* Cropping: The Crop tool offers three crop suggestions based on the composition of your photo with 10 different dimensions to choose from when cropping.
* Screensaver. Pulls in pictures from additional photo sources, such as your Web Albums and photo feeds.
* Multiple word tags.
* Importing: To help you import images from a particular day or event Picasa now segments your images according to the time frame when they were taken.
* Slideshow: Significant new features to enhance your slide shows.

Picasa 3 is a must have for all digital photography enthusiast.

Here’s wishing you a Good Boot