How To Change Antivirus

 

Dear Computer Lady,

I have learned a lot from your newsletter over several years.

Since you have recommended several times the AVG virus control program, (& I’ve heard good things about it elsewhere also), would you consider including in your newsletter detailed easy steps as to how to make the change from McAfee (for instance) to AVG. 

I know where & how to download AVG but am not sure when & how to uninstall McAfee – won’t I be unprotected for a period of time? I know you usually refer questions to freepctech.com but they don’t always give elementary type easy steps, and since you have mentioned AVG several times I think this would be a good thing to include in the newsletter.

Thanks, Karen

Dear Karen,

The folks at freepctech.com are a great resource, especially when people are having a problem that requires troubleshooting.

I would be happy to give you step by step directions for switching to AVG Antivirus.

The first thing you want to do, is download AVG. That way, it will be ready to install as soon as you remove your old antivirus.

Head on over to the AVG Website to download either the free version, or the 30 day trial of the professional version.

When you click on the file you want to download, a window will appear asking you if you want to run or save the file. Click on the “Save” button and select a place to save your file. The Desktop is a good place to save it, then it will be right there when you are ready to install AVG.

Once the file has finished downloading to your desktop, you can start to remove your old antivirus. Open the Control Panel by clicking on “Start” and going to “Settings” and click on “Control Panel”, or in Windows XP, just click on “Start” and then “Control Panel”.

In The Control Panel, click on “Add Remove Programs”. This window will take a little while to load, just wait patiently.

When you have the “Add Remove Programs” window loaded, scroll through the list of programs until you find the antivirus program you want to remove. Click on the program, and then click the “Remove” button for that program. 

This will start up the un-install program for your antivirus. Since each one runs a little differently, you might have to click on “next” or “yes” a few times. 

When the program has been removed, you will probably be prompted to re-boot your computer. Even if you are not prompted, you want to restart the computer to clear out the old program.

Now, go to your desktop and find the file for AVG that you downloaded. Double click on the AVG file to begin the install routine. It will ask you a few questions along the way, but in almost all cases, it is best to leave the settings the way they are and just click “Next” until the program is all installed.

Elizabeth 

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