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Avg UK Introduces Free Virus Protection For Linux

Posted by tadelste on · 6 comments
The IT Shield (press release)		Mail this story
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Newark, UK, January 9th, 2006
AVG UK, the official business partner of Grisoft, makers of the award-winning AVG Anti-Virus software, has introduced a new free version of its software specifically for the Linux desktop.

AVG Free for Linux is the first commercial-grade antivirus product developed for free home use, providing maximum virus protection for single Linux computers. Michael Foreman, Partner AVG UK, commented, “With its growing popularity, it is only a matter of time before the Linux operating system becomes more widely targeted by virus and malware writers.” He continued, “AVG is at the forefront of supporting the Linux OS, providing all Linux users with every possible precaution to reduce the risk of viruses.”

AVG Free for Linux is a natural progression of AVG’s commitment to security and a natural evolution of its product line. According to Foreman, “It brings together AVG Free, our popular free download for home users and AVG for Linux, our commercial product for protecting Linux servers in an enterprise environment.”

Although Linux systems are among the most resistant to virus attacks, experts agree that all computer users should take precautionary measures by installing an antivirus program to address potential threats.

AVG Free for Linux can be used on a single computer and is intended for private, non-commercial use only. However, it offers many of the same advantages of the commercial AVG Anti-Virus products. For example, AVG Free for Linux features an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) that makes the software easy to install and use. Other AVG Free for Linux benefits include:



- Rapid virus database updates for the lifetime of the product

- Small update files that do not drain system resources

- Automatic update functionality

- AVG On-Demand Scanner, which allows users to perform scheduled and manual tests

- AVG’s advanced virus detection methods (heuristic analysis, generic detection, scanning) designed to provide maximum virus protection

AVG Free for Linux is available for download at http://free.grisoft.com,



Grisoft also announces its membership of the Common Malware Enumeration (CME) initiative. CME provides single, common identifiers for new virus threats to reduce public confusion during malware outbreaks. More information about CME can be found at http://cme.mitre.org/.

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Comments (6)

herzeleid ·
Perhaps if "AVG Free" were licensed in such a way that it could be run on linux servers, it would make a bit more sense, since it could then be used to protect vulnerable windoze peecees.

On a linux desktop I just don't see any benefit in return for the CPU cycles it would use.
jimf ·
In addition, proprietary anti-virus providers have been so linked with the MS insecurities that, I for one, really don't want to see them get a foothold in Linux.
mdl ·
I see this as a positive,,, it is a sign of Linux's success that Windows applications are starting to provide Linux versions to "cover the bases". Who knows when the next domino will fall? Tax preparation software, Photoshop, accounting programs?

It is a good sign that these guys are trying to catch the Linux train before it leaves the station!

Or, I may just be delusional....
salparadise ·
It is a good sign that these guys are trying to catch the Linux train before it leaves the station!

Yup, you are right I think. It shows something of a staggering non-understanding of Linux so it's a bit of a cynical bandwagon jump, but it reflects a greater truth.

We are getting noticed and more to the point,this company feels it can no longer ignore the Linux market.

As an aside, word at work is we're going to be one of the resellers for this so as soon as we get a copy I'll install it, have a play and get back to you's all.

My understanding is it's a bundled package - firewall, antivirus and antispam all in one.
jimf ·
Oh, I'm not against proprietary apps in Linux. In fact I'm currently trying to convince a Win developer to do a Linux version of his program. It's just this vendor and this segment of the Windows market that I'm suspicious of.
jdixon ·
> It's just this vendor and this segment of the Windows market that I'm suspicious of.

I can't say I blame you. While AVG does seem to be one of the better AV vendors out there, after the Sony fiasco I'm not sure I trust any of the major vendors. In any case, F-Prot has made their linux scanner free for home use for years now, and they're (IMO) the best of the bunch. I see no reason to choose AVG over them.

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