AVG: no longer free. Best remaining FREE anti-virus?

[Felonious Monk/Fignozzle]

On my home machines, I made a switch to AVG about a year ago, due to the simplicity of the GUI, hands off updates and "set it and forget it" beauty.  I had access to free Norton A/V at the time through work, but actually preferred AVG.

As of today, they are no longer free.
I've tried Avast! about a year ago, but was underwhelmed.

What are you guys using  (other than the Symantec/McAfee for-pay options)?
How effective is it?

TIA,
Fig

[Telperion]

I've been using Avira (http://www.free-av.com).  It's pretty low maintenance and seems to work well.

[roo_ster]

Another person looking for such a beast.

[client32]

Correct me if I am wrong, but it still looks free to me.  They just want you to upgrade to the new version.

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

I also thought Microsoft had something in beta, but I couldn't find it just now.

[Sindawe]

Client32 is correct.  AVG wants you to update to the 7.5 Free version as they are dropping support for the 7.1 Free version.  Simple operation really, I've done so on my mother's PC and on my HTPC.

And seriously, their payware is not that pricey. A two year subscription for AVG Pro is less than $40, while the two year plan for file/email server is $77/$133 respectively and is not nearly as burdensome as Norton.   I run them on my critcal machines at home (Firewall & DC/Ex2k3 boxes).

[Zed]

On my home machines, I made a switch to AVG about a year ago, due to the simplicity of the GUI, hands off updates and "set it and forget it" beauty.  I had access to free Norton A/V at the time through work, but actually preferred AVG.

As of today, they are no longer free.

BS, Go here. http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

[Felonious Monk/Fignozzle]

Thanks guys.

Indeed, I should have looked closer and done more "due diligence" before panicking.

I've been telling my kids ever since we saw Hitchhiker's Guide a couple of months ago: The first rule is: Don't Panic!

I violated it myself, and apologies are thus offered.

RTFM!
Read the Furnished Materials!