Uninstalling/installing antivirus

I'm wanting to change my antivirus, but I don't like the idea of uninstalling while connected to the internet. But I am sure that I am going to need to be connected to the internet to install the new product; the program downloading other files before installation is complete, then offering the option to check and download updates.

What do you guys suggest for the lapse of protection given the scenario here?

 

Hi Steve. Logical, but what about conflicts of having two antivirs running at the same time? Given it would only be for a short while, I'm concerned with conflicts of the new install compromised by the already installed program causing it to be less than 100% effective.

I only say this because I am 0% knowledgeable of where files are installed in the registry and if any conflicts would or could arise.

 

Sounds good. Thanks.

 

Hi, Or you can download the new anti - virus on to a flash drive , and the install it when ready.
I keep a copy of AVG Anti Virus on my flashdrive and then I can install it on any new PC's that I am helping to set up.
Then you just go online and do the updates.
Cheers Des.

 

It kind of depends upon on how the software authors have implemented the install. Some, maybe even most today, have you download a smaller file that when run connects to the internet to download the main portion of the software. Often these implementations do not use a browser for the download.

Others still have you download the main software which you can install while offline. Some provide both but you may have to look hard for the offline install version.

I support a couple of XP PC's that are on quite slow dialup connections, one is my desktop. I also have a netbook that has wifi and I take to the library to download many updates. I always go to the forum of a product and look for links for offline installers. Some even have offline updates to the virus definitions too.

I'm, too, am not comfortable with removing an AV or a firewall while online. Although if I do have to do it with a firewall I'll activate the Windows Firewall temporarily until the new FW is ready to activate.

 

Thanks scout321x, I never thought about looking for an offline install version, except for java; their offline install is easy to see. I'll take a closer look and good info on mentioning the forums. Thanks.