From The Back Room

(Note: This article was written using Windows Live Writer, Windows XP Pro, Parallels, Skitch, Flickr, MacBook Pro 2.4 GHz)

For my home computer, I've long since abandoned the use of Norton anti-virus software, which is something you'd have to pay for.

Instead, my computer runs fine on a free copy of AVG's anti-virus / anti-spyware program.

Here are the steps to locate the web site for AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition for Windows XP and Vista.

Step 1: Search Google for: AVG free.

Step 2: Navigate to AVG Free website.

Step 3: Familiarize yourself with the features of this free edition (especially the point that it offers protection against viruses and spyware).

Read also the differences between the free edition and paid versions.

One important feature that the free edition doesn't provide is real-time protection from poisoned web pages (for instance, hacked websites which automatically download malware to your computer as soon as you visit one of its pages).

Scroll down the page until you see the download link for the free edition.

Step 4: Confirm your intention to download the software by clicking on Continue to AVG Free download button.

Step 5: Start the file download.

I prefer to download from the AVG server rather than CNET's Download.com.

Step 6: Wait for the 46.1 MB download to complete.

Step 7: Double-click the installation file, and follow through with the screen prompts.

I personally select Standard Installation and confirm the installation of the AVG Security Toolbar (see the screen capture of this toolbar at the end of the article) for safer web surfing.

Step 8: Configure preferences for the program.

I personally switch off Daily Scanning, and check for new updates.

Note that the free version of AVG will check for new threats on a daily basis and automatically update its virus definition database.

Conclusion: When everything's running smoothly, you'll see the AVG icon in the taskbar.

As part of its one-time welcome process, AVG will also automatically provide additional details about its browser-based AVG Security Toolbar the next time you open a new browser session.