AVG 8.0 is now out.
There is a free version at http://free.grisoft.com
This is the procedure I generally follow:
1. Download Version 8 from here.
2. Uninstall the current version (typically 7.5).
3. Restart the PC.
4. Install the new version by running the downloaded file.
I choose NOT to install the “Security Toolbar” when asked.
The new version seems to be a useful improvement — it runs quicker than 7.5 on my PC and also searches for spyware (and tracking cookies) which 7.5 didn’t.
AVG adds some anti-spyware features from Ewido (AVG has bought Ewido) which 7.5 didn’t have; for that reason earlier versions of Ewido need to uninstalled before AVG 8.0 can be installed. The AVG 8.0 installation process checks for their presence and will warn you if it finds them.