Upgrade to AVG 9.0 (free anti-virus software)

If you've been using AVG for anti-virus protection, you're probably running version 8.5. At some point, you'll need to update that to version 9, so why not do that upgrade now? AVG will try to get you to purchase their "Internet Security" package, but if you're simply looking for the free version of AVG, I suggest you go straight to the download page on CNET.

Speaking of CNET, their editors give AVG 9.0 (free version) five out of five stars. You can't beat that type of review for a free product.

So what's new with version 9?

Version 9.0 runs and installs faster, delivers new anti-phishing detection techniques and introduces the AVG LinkScanner to proactively screen the Web pages you haven't even visited yet. For added peace of mind, you also get safety ratings for your Google, Yahoo! and Bing/MSN search results.

I use AVG free and it works just fine for me. I've tried other free anti-virus applications including Avira and Avast. I simply prefer AVG.