So why is it telling me I have the “trial version?”
They have several different versions. One is free, others have more features, and are not free. The pay versions have a trial period. You probably downloaded the wrong version. Here is a link to the free edition.
My free edition doesn’t say “trial” anywhere.
Are you sure you have the free version and not a trial version of one of their professional/commercial products?
IIRC awhile back Grisoft either stopped distributing the Free Edition on their website or they just hid it very well. In any case, the best place to get AVG Free Edition is Download.com or a similar website.
The Free Edition is still fully supported (in that they release new versions and new virus definitions), they just don’t distribute it from their website (or if they do it is hidden well.)
I’ve been an AVG free antivirus softoware devotee for several years. (Together with common sense, Windows XP, it’s built in firewall, I’ve been virus, bug and spyware free since XP was installed the day it was available - no, nobody’s paying me for saying this.) AVG Free is not hard to find; google, for instance “download free avg antivirus” and you’re right on your money.
Or, just go to free.grisoft.com.
When they change major version numbers, you can’t just update automatically anymore, you have to go and install the new version. The link that pops up to take you there takes you to the trial for the paid version, even though the free version is still available (if you look hard enough). It’s a subtle marketing ploy.
Okay, thanks for the link-I got it now!