Pest Control: Free Virus Scanner AVG 8.5
AVG Technologies has released a new version of its virus scanner for Linux as AVG 8.5. Biggest features are its malware protection, improved virus filter and on-access scanner based on the RedirFS filesystem.
The Redirect filesystem, RedirFS for short, is another layer between the virtual filesystem (VFS) and actual filesystem drivers. When Linux takes a file, the RedirFS registers it and notifies the new afvlt antivirus filter in the out-of-kernel module, which tests the file for viruses (on-access). The mechanism is said to boost scanning performance. The RedirFS developed by AVG Technologies replaces the DazukoFS that was long used for on-access scanning.
Further enhancements in AVG 8.5 for Linux include an improved heuristic for detecting new and still unknown malware. From this point on the virus scanner also handles system resources better and uses less processing. Thanks to support for 64-bit and multicore CPUs, AVG scales considerably better. The fully modular architecture should also reduce the number of necessary restarts.
AVG 8.5 for Linux runs on all popular distros and is available on the free.avg.com website.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.