it works ok if you put a exception in and install and run as admin

To be honest i wouldnt run any av or program  whilst using mach4 for production incase it halts the computer for user input.

DazTheGas

Thanks everyone for their input. There's obviously a conflict between Mach4 and AVG and thanks to Bob, at least I now know it's safe to download and run.

Nick.

yer it cost money for mach to get company's to put in exceptions.

Mach4 is a software that has a unique feature over most others you may install. It creates the ability to automatically control the movement of external devices. That said, once Mach4 is installed the PC is no longer a PC. ANY software other than basic programs should NOT be installed.

If there is an internal Windows CPU lock in the middle of motion due to another program running you could not only crash the machine, but kill you. I have personally pulled way to many peoples body parts from machines that took this for granted.

I HIGHLY recommend a stripped install with only the essentials to run Windows and Mach. Internet should be manually connected and NEVER auto connected. Auto updates turned off.

Bottom line, with Mach 4 the PC is no longer a PC. It is a machine tool controller that just happens to use Windows as an operating system. You do not need Anti-Virus gents.

Good day. And Good luck.

Don
FuelCNC Engineering

To re-enforce what Don has said – with Win10 you can only defer updates, they cannot be turned off and from recent experience they will cause problems. IMO it is always best that the PC running Mach is never connected to the Net, even momentarily (I was surprised at how quickly my PC could download updates when my back was turned).

Tweakie.

The PC is always going to be a PC and the Software that runs on it needs to keep that in mind. Everyone else's Controller software don't seem to have that problem.

Just a thought, (;-)TP

Most industrial systems that run on Windows based PCs are supplied as
complete systems that include the host computer, and a known version
of Windows. The computer is configured so that updates do not happen
without the vendor initiating them and if the user updates software
without permission, the warranty is void. This is because it is impossible
to assure correct operation of components and software that you have
no knowledge of or control over.

Mach4 is not, except for a few vendors like MachMotion, usually sold
with a computer and operating system as part of the system. This
means that it is up to the user to avoid unwanted updates or other
changes that may disrupt operation.

Windows 10 Pro is supposed to allow you to set it so that updates do
not happen automatically. I have been recommending this to people
who want to run Windows 10, but must admit that I have not personally
confirmed that it prevents updates.

Also, I strongly recommend that once a machine is configured and running
correctly, a complete backup of the software be created and kept in a
safe place.

Steve Stallings
www.PMDX.com

Hey Steve,

I have 5 protos on Win10 Pro. The Auto updates do not happen if configured correctly.

Win10 Pro has so far given a better overall performance with Peripheral Attached Hardware.

You are correct that OEM's like me do not allow for Windows updates not for install of any programs not proven reliable with the CNC.

Baring all this, according to internationally accepted safety standards the control may run Windows but must be deemed a control and specific protocols must be included to keep operators safe during operation. This drives IT guys nuts but as I keep iterating, the PC used for CNC operations is a control. Offline PC's or a parallel PC integration is the surest way to keep safety and integrity of the system intact.

Don

Yes Mach4 does not ship with an OS but IF you advertise that it can run on ANY Windows platform XP - W10 then it has to programed to except ANY of teh normal quircks found in ALL of those  versions.

OR simply pick a version you plan to support and STICK WITH IT. AND only recommend a version that you have FULLY tested/verified  to work properly.

(;-) TP