AVG firewall not yet Vista ready

Firm works on Vista updates as other security software makers claim compatibility

Andrea-Marie Vassou, Computeractive 30 Jan 2007

Users of AVG's popular Firewall and Anti-spyware programs are being warned that they are not yet Vista compatible, as security software makers ensure their products work with the new operating system.

While other elements of AVG's security software are Vista compliant, such as its anti-virus and anti-spam, the firewall and anti-spyware still need work.

Larry Bridwell, Grisoft’s global security strategist and AVG representative, said: "At this time all products except the firewall and anti-spyware are Vista compatible and they will be soon. We are working with Microsoft diligently to have it ready for the primary release."

However, in the meantime, he advises the public to use a "Windows firewall built into Vista".

Many other security software makers have revealed that their products are Vista-ready, as Microsoft's latest operating system hits the streets. And those with existing licences will not be charged for a Vista compatible upgrade.

Bridwell said: "Of course [people] won't have to pay, since the products they are now using already are Vista compatible."

However, he said this was not Vista specific as "licensed users never pay for an update or upgrade to a product while under valid licence".

Lavasoft, makers of the Ad-aware anti-spyware program, said free updates are available to “those with valid licences".

Spybot said that while its products are Vista compatible, those wanting to run its Search and Destroy anti-spyware program on the operating system will need “administrative rights to install and run” it. This will change when the company brings out its Certified for Vista version in later this year.

Certified for Vista is Microsoft's scheme to ensure that products are fully compatible with its operating system, giving them a stamp of approval. But not having the certificate does not mean a product will not work properly with Vista.

Spybot said that altough upgrades will be available from today, home users will have to wait up to three months for the Certified for Vista version of Search and Destroy.

A beta version of Lavasoft's Vista compliant Ad-aware 2007 will be available for download on 8th March 2007. A Lavasoft spokeswoman explained: “Companies need to provide a range of documents on their products and send them across to Microsoft before they can become certified.”

Spybot aims to release its certified "Works with Vista" products later in 2007.