Avast WEBforum
Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: bob3160 on July 03, 2017, 06:42:19 PM
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Keeping Avast Free - FREE
(http://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1499099543868-53801.png) (https://youtu.be/qMSY2FQ4gQ0)
https://youtu.be/qMSY2FQ4gQ0
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This was so painful to watch...
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This was so painful to watch...
Why ???
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This was informative video I feel, for new users and long time users I feel, as I've been using Avast Free Myself since 2006, briefly tried another product back then, got infected badly by a rootkit, and bios infecting virus back on XP in those days, ended up having to get a new system built. Very happy with Free version, protects all my systems and Android phone/tablets very well
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Eh, as far as I know there never was a virus that infected a bios.
There can't have been even since a virus attach itself to files and can't even do anything with a bios.
A new system build just because of a infection ?
Why not removed the infection ?
Or (sometimes faster/easier) install the OS from scratch.
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Eh, as far as I know there never was a virus that infected a bios.
There can't have been even since a virus attach itself to files and can't even do anything with a bios.
A new system build just because of a infection ?
Why not removed the infection ?
Or (sometimes faster/easier) install the OS from scratch.
It's called water under the bridge and not related to the topic of this thread. :)
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Hi Bob, very informative/helpful video. Good job..!! :)
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Hi Bob, very informative/helpful video. Good job..!! :)
Thanks Asyn, greatly appreciate that compliment. :)
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Bob, very easy to follow and understand video.
Absolutely crazy how many hoops one has to navigate and jump through to install the Free version.
Persistence is a virtue here in this case, stick to your guns, and you'll get what you need.
I've run AIS for four years now, and have not had to run this maze for some time. For me the ability to do without the ads is what iit is for me.
It does seem to be getting more and more complicated to install the Free version.
Four years ago it wasn't too complicated to go Free, and proof is in the pudding: It took seven (7) minutes to cover all possible sidetracks for today's version whereas it likely would've taken two at the most 4 years ago. Untick Google Chrome and you were pretty much done.
Thank you and good work!
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Nice one Bob. Or should I say Tom Waits ? 8)
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@ mchain,
Thanks. :) Yes 5 years ago it was a bit simpler: https://youtu.be/_LhyaLIHmHw?list=PL68E25CB16ECF9FFA
@ Tangy
Thanks, :) Tom Waits ? I think I'm better looking. Granted, he's younger and has more hair. :)
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Regardless of what others might have said, I know a few people that will find this video a great help.
There are a few people that call me for help with this, so I will just point them the way of this video.
Good work. 8)
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Regardless of what others might have said, I know a few people that will find this video a great help.
There are a few people that call me for help with this, so I will just point them the way of this video.
Good work. 8)
Thanks. :)
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Here is a new popup that if you decide to get the extra protection,
You'll be changing to a paid version of Avast.
(http://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1502356897886-32739.png)
If you feel that the extra protection offered makes it worth upgrading,
then by all means, do so.
This information is posted simply so that you know what the result are of selecting these popups.
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Here is a new popup that if you decide to get the extra protection,
You'll be changing to a paid version of Avast.
(http://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1502356897886-32739.png)
If you feel that the extra protection offered makes it worth upgrading,
then by all means, do so.
This information is posted simply so that you know what the result are of selecting these popups.
There are other popups with the Activate button, your firewall being just one, even when you have a perfect fine Firewall that is running. Activate is a really poor choice, users may think my firewall isn't running and click Activate only to find out it is click bait.
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I added this latest popup since it wasn't used when I produced the video.
The firewall popup and many of the other things Avast uses to try to entice you
to purchase a paid product are covered in the video itself. :) https://youtu.be/qMSY2FQ4gQ0
As I run across new 'upgrade enticements', I'll add them to this thread.
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This was so painful to watch...
Why ???
Because it's mind boggling how much click bait is there now. Doubly so for someone like me, who still remembers the good old days [I started using avast when it still had the blue beacon (yep, beacon, not a ball) as its tray icon] where the free version was really free.
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Avast Free is still free and still does an excellent job of keeping your system safe.
It was free when I started using it in 2003 and is still free now. Just don't be click happy. :)
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Here is another popup to bypass and stay with the FREE version:
(http://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1502401986311-55736.png)
If you feel that the added protection against Ransomware is worth the price,
then click on Activate to start the update process to the paid version that offers
this added protection.
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This toaster popup tries to entice you to purchase the Avast Clean Up (https://www.avast.com/en-us/cleanup#pc) product.
(http://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1502454691628-5726.png)
Avast Clean Up (https://www.avast.com/en-us/cleanup#pc) isn't free. If you want it, then select this reminder and purchase
the product. If you don't want to spend any money, simply close the popup or,
wait a few seconds and watch it fade away. :)
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This was so painful to watch...
Why ???
Because it's mind boggling how much click bait is there now. Doubly so for someone like me, who still remembers the good old days [I started using avast when it still had the blue beacon (yep, beacon, not a ball) as its tray icon] where the free version was really free.
Yes, I did prefer Avast when it was simple and did its job of keeping nasties of your computer.
Now it is trying to be a jack of all trades. I just wish it would stick to doing this and not try to do all the other things.
Jeeze! I am now starting to sound like Kennedy! :P
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Bump
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at the beginning I didn't understand this whole thread. Now when I've read the whole thing it seems to me that installing Avast is a complicated kind of adventure game.
And it's not a tool to advise to friends ... :(
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at the beginning I didn't understand this whole thread. Now when I've read the whole thing it seems to me that installing Avast is a complicated kind of adventure game.
And it's not a tool to advise to friends ... :(
Strange way to look at it. I've been happy since 2003 to have it's protection and still thank Avast today for making this
complicated world safer and watching my back while cruising the internet.
All I've done in this video is make it a bit easier to avoid those things that will turn the free protection offered
into a paid version. Avast is still the program I advise my friends to install. I just tell them to read
before clicking on things if they want to stay with the free version. :)
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Ok Bob, delivering a video as work-around is nice from you. But I find it very strange from a company when they multiple try to lead people from the free version to some extras which have to be paid.
They may add a note for extras but should not push people this way.
Yes, they make money with the extras, but they also have benefist from the much larger free users which deliver most of the malware reports ...
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Since Avast is not a nonprofit Co, and those that work for Avast, would like to see a paycheck, trying to get people to pay for the program. is probably a good idea
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(http://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1503742760484-52138.png)
When you select the Activate button, you'll be redirected
and requested to purchase a paid version of Avast.
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Bump
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This morning after the computer booted up (XP PRO SP3) Avast put a huge box on the screen trying to get users to
buy the premium products. Those of us who are on the Free version, it is because this is what we want or do not see
a need for Premium features. We do not need this type of Intrusive ad taking up the computer screen.
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Bump.
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On my opinion, I don't think its necessary to buy extra shields because Avast always has your back. It detects odd behaviors from your programs you run with the behavior shield, and the file shield detects suspicious files. Then the web shield comes to play, the web shield blocks malicious websites that you may visit. :) Unless these shields don't stop ransomware from encrypting your files then I would probably add the ransomware shield.
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On my opinion, I don't think its necessary to buy extra shields because Avast always has your back. It detects odd behaviors from your programs you run with the behavior shield, and the file shield detects suspicious files. Then the web shield comes to play, the web shield blocks malicious websites that you may visit. :) Unless these shields don't stop ransomware from encrypting your files then I would probably add the ransomware shield.
Sorry but the Ransomware shield isn't part of the free version and this topic is about keeping Avast Free - Free.
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(http://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1509713671576-68972.png)
Unless you're ready to purchase or try out Avast Cleanup (https://www.avast.com/cleanup) , don't select RESOLVE.
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(http://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1509713671576-68972.png)
Unless you're ready to purchase or try out Avast Cleanup (https://www.avast.com/cleanup) , don't select RESOLVE.
I thought you would like this one ;)
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(http://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1510431837841-55115.png)
After you install the program, this is marked as new.
Once you click on the icon, you find out that it's a Paid item and,
at that point the new changes to the lock icon.
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can i join the disscoution? a malware avast dosent find here s link http://ld.mediaget.com/index4.php?l=ru&u=http%3A%2F%2Fsmall-games.info%2Ftorrents%2Ftmp%2Fgetting_over_it_with_bennett_f_1.torrent&r=elektra.small-games.info&bbls_client_id=670845489&bbl=1&bbl_clk_id=674765-1510431283 its an adware,and my avast dosent start correctly only part of it sorry i dosent know how to contact avast so im here
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You can start your own topic.
You can report missed websites Here:
Report a URL
https://www.avast.com/report-a-url.php
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(http://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1510438780964-28400.png)
I shouldn't have to click on them to find out they are a paid item. Thanks
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Just have to add that I don't understand the whining about having to see ads in order to get a quality AV product for free that keeps you safe.
You expect people to work for free? Would you go to work if you didn't receive a paycheck?
Get free product, see a few ads. They are not that intrusive. No big deal! Fair transaction...
Don't like ads, pay for an upgrade. Simple! Keeps the company in business...
Great video, by the way! ;)
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Just have to add that I don't understand the whining about having to see ads in order to get a quality AV product for free that keeps you safe.
You expect people to work for free? Would you go to work if you didn't receive a paycheck?
Get free product, see a few ads. They are not that intrusive. No big deal! Fair transaction...
Don't like ads, pay for an upgrade. Simple! Keeps the company in business...
Great video, by the way! ;)
The video isn't about whining or complaining. It's simply meant to inform.
I also agree with you that if you don't like these ads, simply purchase the product.
What I don't like are those notices that border on misinformation.
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Well if can't afford to purchase the product for all the machines, what then huh? Irriating when I get this on bootup on the machines--Got half a mind to switch to Defender Permently on every single PC, and Mobile phones and Tablet stop using Avast over this
I choose Avast back in 2006 for the quality protection, once installed, and i select my version and it's already activated, then leave me alone, and don't bother with this boot time popup that shows Select your version, Then offer a free trial for Internet Security, hit no thanks again, and goes away for a while, then on next boot shows again. Some family members are less than tech savvy, i'll end up spending half my day removing Internet Security i'm sure at some point. I know developers need money to develop things, if i had the money to afford to purchase it, maybe i would, but on a fixed income, i gotta stick with Free or use Defender.
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(http://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1513344920960-41978.png)
Clicking install now, will install a paid product.
If this is a Component that interests you, by all means, install it.
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Bump
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is it possible to enable controlled folders in windows while avast free is your main antivirus?
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Why not? Learning by doing!
=Snake=
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(https://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1520614535683-82142.png)
Taking the test will lead to a sales pitch for Webcam shield.
If you think you need it, buy it.
My cam is covered until I actually need it.
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(https://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1521746479409-31249.png) (https://youtu.be/m4MmMzHE9_0)
https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=93544.msg1454491#msg1454491
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Not what I would consider Important notifications
(https://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1525204277274-87532.png)
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Certainly not every day for 4 days, you would think that having not taken them up on it for 2 days, they would give it a rest for a few weeks, a month or so.
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Certainly not every day for 4 days, you would think that having not taken them up on it for 2 days, they would give it a rest for a few weeks, a month or so.
I've been clearing this out every few days. The notice has been going on for a while. I expect a new one tomorrow. :(
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I like how Avast Free can turn on my camera.Good stuff! Now were is my tape.
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Certainly not every day for 4 days, you would think that having not taken them up on it for 2 days, they would give it a rest for a few weeks, a month or so.
I've been clearing this out every few days. The notice has been going on for a while. I expect a new one tomorrow. :(
I can't recall having seen this one in my Notifications Area (that has probably but the jinx on it). I have had the occasional toaster popup, that if I recall was on my win10 laptop. I just wonder if some of the features in the Premier version don't work on XP systems.
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I like how Avast Free can turn on my camera.Good stuff! Now were is my tape.
They would have a hard time on this desktop system as my monitor doesn't have a camera :) My laptop and netbook have cameras but has long been taped up. I wonder if you need to think about taping up your microphones ;)
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I need both my Cam and mike to do the remote presentations. :)
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Not what I would consider Important notifications
(https://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1525204277274-87532.png)
Update, it's a confirmed bug - the devs are working on a fix.
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Not what I would consider Important notifications
(https://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1525204277274-87532.png)
Update, it's a confirmed bug - the devs are working on a fix.
I guess since we both reported this, Avast finally responded. :)
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Well got another toaster popup this morning, about threats and suggesting a Smart Scan (not a chance).
I thought the Real Time Shields were/are meant to protect us against malware. Now that even Avast Free has a RansomWare element, that should be zapping these in real-time ?
On-Demand Scans are reactive not proactive, so I stopped doing them some time ago and the Smart Scan is no exception. I also see nothing about RansomWare scanning in the SmartScan, possibly because I have a minimal installation.
I don't believe running a Smart Scan would have the effect that the Ad is suggesting, perhaps we would get some suggestion to get a paid version of Avast with full ransomware protection, or am I not being very trusting ;)
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I got the same pop up on my Dell with XP PRO SP3 this morning. Note the "X" on the Pop Up does not close it. What I did was do a Ctrl+Alt+Del then just selected Cancel from the 6 options. When it went back to desktop the Pop Up was gone.
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I got the same pop up on my Dell with XP PRO SP3 this morning. Note the "X" on the Pop Up does not close it. What I did was do a Ctrl+Alt+Del then just selected Cancel from the 6 options. When it went back to desktop the Pop Up was gone.
Interesting, I'm sure it worked for me (or it closed after a time) after taking the screen shot.
If I get things that don't close as they should, I use Alt+F4 and that generally closes the active window.
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Even tho AIS is on this system, I got the same exact pop-up.
Really doubtful scanning as they ask would provide any additional protection.
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Even tho AIS is on this system, I got the same exact pop-up.
Really doubtful scanning as they ask would provide any additional protection.
Did you disable the following items ???
(https://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1531835793415-57696.png)
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Even tho AIS is on this system, I got the same exact pop-up.
Really doubtful scanning as they ask would provide any additional protection.
Well I don't believe it is offering a different product as such, but suggesting you run a Smart Scan. You would have to wait to see if the subsequent Smart Scan finds something and suggests the more in depth RansomWare protection.
Whilst Bob's suggestion to disable offers for other avast products, etc. in the paid version options is valid. I doubt that even if you had that disabled, it isn't directly promoting another Avast Product. So you may well see these indirect suggestions, which may or may not lead to promotion of another avast product.
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Ditto.
I've got three items checked off but this pop-up was unaffected by these settings, for those reasons, as DavidR says.
Which is why I posted about it here even tho I have the paid version, not free.
If the horse has already left the barn, scanning isn't going to bring it back or save it, in this case.
It's just a play on user's fears, which they don't have to do.
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Ditto.
I've got three items checked off but this pop-up was unaffected by these settings, for those reasons, as DavidR says.
Which is why I posted about it here even tho I have the paid version, not free.
If the horse has already left the barn, scanning isn't going to bring it back or save it, in this case.
It's just a play on user's fears, which they don't have to do.
Do you have the Avast Cleanup component installed ???
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No, don't have Avast Cleanup installed.
Hope that helps.
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No, don't have Avast Cleanup installed.
Hope that helps.
I wouldn't think that this is clean-up related, given the type of malware warning, it looks more RansomWare.
The Smart Scan has been a pain in the backside for some time, running some scan components that aren't even installed. For me the Smart Scan is only doing a Vulnerable Software and Virus Scan check and nothing else appears to have been run (but this XP system is still on 18.4.2338) and nothing was found.
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hi Bob nice info but there is still a simple matter. Disable avastui.exe in firewall and main window at the bottom will not be displayed adverts and of course no pop up windows will be displayed. If you decide to buy something or u need renew avast free registration once a year u can enable avastui in firewall
(https://s33.postimg.cc/y8jkw6tpr/avastx.jpg)
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@Duch,
Not anything the average Avast user is ever likely to do. :)
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maybe youre right so then it can serve as an example for programmers to advertise their products in a more different and better protected way :)
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maybe youre right so then it can serve as an example for programmers to advertise their products in a more different and better protected way :)
Sorry but I highly doubt that Avast wants you to bypass the ads unless you buy the product.
I simply keep them down to a minimum. After all, I am using their free product. :)
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Looks like every 7 days: See attached (AIS)
What I don't get, is the feature Smart Scan is poorly implemented, and is finished scanning in less than 30 seconds, even tho it covers four separate areas, one of which is sensitive data. What's the point?
The only part that seems to be scanned is the virus section, and that takes all of 20 seconds to complete.
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A new popup spotted this morning:
(https://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1533645683905-74175.png)
Clicking on Learn More brings up the following:
(https://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1533645864716-17792.png)
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A new popup spotted this morning:
(https://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1533645683905-74175.png)
<snip>
I got that this morning also, but my screen capture had a lot of the elements of my screen capture program in the saved image.
I didn't click the Learn More as I knew exactly where it was going and the intention.
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Avast has gone from one of the best respected AV to one of the least respected. I feel sorry for all the people who are running Avast that fall for this crap.
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(https://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1534856437065-58078.png)
When you click on resolve, the message advises you that
Avast Secureline can help hide your IP, etc.
(Avast Secureline is already on my system)
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This is precious. :)
(https://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1535117355732-2046.png)
This is meant to get me to purchase the Avast SecureLine product.
I already own it and it's because I'm using SecureLine that it shows that I'm in Arizona.
I'm actually in New Mexico.
It's nice of Avast to confirm that it's SecureLine is doing it's job.
Please Avast make these sales popups as good as your AV product.
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<snip>
This is meant to get me to purchase the Avast SecureLine product.
I already own it and it's because I'm using SecureLine that it shows that I'm in Arizona.
I'm actually in New Mexico.
It's nice of Avast to confirm that it's SecureLine is doing it's job.
Please Avast make these sales popups as good as your AV product.
There are lots of dumb ads/promotions, essentially no bloody checking.
I got one such dumb ad a couple of days ago.
I have only been using avast free for over 14 years, yet I got this one 'Loyalty Reward' 5 Months together. This calls for a celebration.
More an insult than a celebration, whilst they shouldn't retain data to say how long you have actually used avast to use in advertising. But this is such a blunt means of checking your last registration date as to annoy rather than incentivise.
Wanna take a look ?
No I know what it will be.
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I don't want it to get out to the marketers, but I see very few of these adds on my Avast Free system. ???
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If the marketers aren't annoying users, they aren't doing their jobs.
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Another that I haven't seen (or for a long while) "We found a spy cookie on your PC."
Considering the precautions I take having in Firefox, Cookie Monster add-on and in the Firefox settings I have the Do Not Trach setting enabled, I also don't accept 3rd party cookies and those that I do allow are cleared after the browser is shut down.
So I don't feel they present a risk to me, so this popup is scareware, so I followed the Resolve button (image1) to see what it showed and went (knowing full well what was going to happen.
It told me what these trackers do (I know that already) but it didn't show this supposed Spy Cookie on my PC that it found. I clicked the Continue button (image2)>
Here I got exactly what I expected the sales pitch (image3), no way would I pay for this so called protection (that I feel I have covered), not to mention I would never purchase anything promoted in this way scareware.