Avast WEBforum

Other => General Topics => Topic started by: Xeolyte on December 13, 2010, 03:07:57 PM

Title: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: Xeolyte on December 13, 2010, 03:07:57 PM
I just updated my Avast program. I’ve been using the free Avast anti-virus program for years and years. I have personally recommended your software to family, friends and clients. I really think it is despicable and unethical for you and other software companies to add little boxes to software installation where the default is already checked to install secondary programs like Google, Norton, Yahoo tool bars etc. and the user has to uncheck them to keep them from installing. I thought you were above such dishonest behavior and am sad to see such a fine product pimping for Google and resorting to such underhanded practices. I repair computers. A large portion of my clients are seniors and computer illiterates that don't always read the fine print when installing software. So I end up having to clean up the messes created by the types of programs "in the fine print" which usually poop all over the computer and require multiple passes of a registry cleaner to get rid of them. I am presently looking at some alternatives to Avast and if I find one that is as good as your software has been I’ll drop you like a rock and make sure all my family, friends and clients drop you as well for such underhanded practices.

PS. I've been using computers since CP/M and Tymnet and watched many software companies over the decades fall by the wayside because they failed to stay true to their original purpose. Looks like Avast may be next.
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: Hermite15 on December 13, 2010, 04:09:54 PM
@ the OP: nobody likes bundled software, and I don't either but hey, wait a minute: how do you expect free software to be available without compensating the financial loss with the help of sponsors, hey how ??? you got something to suggest?... not to mention that there's no other free AV suite as complete as Avast "free" in the field of security software. Your post is completely over the top. Or do you have keyboard/mouse issues? is unchecking unwanted bundled stuff at setup time beyond your skills? And I mean seriously, Google Chrome is not the yahoo or the ask toolbar, and guess what, I'm posting from it ;D (didn't wait for Avast to get Chrome though ;D ).

ps: one last thing, you'll be happy to learn that without Google, Mozilla Firefox wouldn't exist either, as 80% of Mozilla's income originates from ... Google. Yeah Google search engine is bundled to... Firefox :D, and no check box to uncheck at setup time there...some extreme geeks managed to tweak that from FF options I heard 8)
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: Pondus on December 13, 2010, 04:38:38 PM
Quote
is unchecking unwanted bundled stuff at setup time beyond your skills?


I think he refer to these people that may have not have the skills.....

Quote
A large portion of my clients are seniors and computer illiterates that don't always read the fine print when installing software



But yes, Chrome is not a toolbar but a very good browser......they might like it if they try it  ;)



Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: bong2x on December 13, 2010, 05:08:27 PM
just because of the name Google  ;D they think that it is bad plug-in, tool bar, or something that can spy them  ;D

it is a very good Browser fast web-surfing. is there something to afraid of???

try it and compare the performance with other browser(s), after a week if you don't like it then can be remove without giving you any problem ;)

Regards!!!!
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: Aethec on December 13, 2010, 05:36:40 PM
Last time I downloaded avast!, there was no default choice at the Chrome prompt  ???
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: superhacker on December 13, 2010, 06:27:05 PM
I usually dont believe CEO "sorry for that" but what the CEO of avast said about avast and chrome is truth,a good av if it come with browser it should come with a good one and i cant find any better browser than Chrome,that is so good for novice users since they relay on IE 6 or IE7 OR IE8"not safest,most exploited".
So google+avast=good for users.
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: m00nbl00d on December 13, 2010, 06:35:40 PM
My question is: Why should major security software vendors have the need to bundle other non-related security software to their installers?

Someone mentioned that for them to provide a free version, they need to compensate the losses. Well, I believe that these security vendors providing a free version is already compensated with these free versions sending information on possible infections to their labs, hence increasing the detection of malware. If detection of malware increases, then for sure the paid products are worth the money security vendors are asking for them.

Bottom line is that, users of free versions help increase malware detection. So, why bundle other software? Not only this, but it comes pre-selected. As Xeolyte mentioned, not every person is like most who are here at this forum and alike forums. It is disrespectful towards them, IMO.

-edit-

Just as a title of example of what I meant with
Quote
Why should major security software vendors have the need to bundle other non-related security software to their installers?

I ask this:

Why doesn't AVAST partner with Sandboxie developer, so that avast! free edition bundles the free version of Sandboxie? I guess it wouldn't be that great for AVAST, because their user base wouldn't see a need to upgrade to avast! Internet Security, right?

See, it's all in the details. I'd understand for one other security software, non-trial version, free, to be bundled. But, not a browser, toolbar, etc.
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: DavidR on December 13, 2010, 06:43:41 PM
The software isn't actually bundled, if you leave the option to install Chrome, that has to be downloaded. It is easy enough to uncheck the option, but I guess you have to be reading what is put in front of you when installing any application.

I'm always on the look out for things like this because believe it or not the majority are at it in some form or other.
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: superhacker on December 13, 2010, 06:50:00 PM
Quote
Someone mentioned that for them to provide a free version, they need to compensate the losses. Well, I believe that these security vendors providing a free version is already compensated with these free versions sending information on possible infections to their labs, hence increasing the detection of malware. If detection of malware increases, then for sure the paid products are worth the money security vendors are asking for them.
Okay you can say that to a product like avira free it DOESNT COME WITH FULL SECURITY FUNCTION,so when they give you full feature you should "at least "to give them feed back
Second they get enough samples from VT and paid users and .................................a lot of sources"or how can small companies get samples too  ;)"
So including chrome is a good thing despite our emotional opinions towards google or avast
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: Hermite15 on December 13, 2010, 07:04:29 PM
look guys, Google Chrome as some of you might have noticed, is gaining more and more market share every month, that's one thing, and that's good to promote Avast, so obviously, and I have nothing against that. Now when Avast announced several months ago that a Chrome install would be bundled as an option with the free version setup file, we all thought that was great, and I still do...

ps: @moonblood, sure, bundling Avast free with sandboxie ;D when "Avast pro" includes a virtualization module, what were you thinking of ??? ::)
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: Xeolyte on December 13, 2010, 07:10:03 PM
The point is .. the default should be only the software you want. If you want the extras you should have to click to add on the extras.

As I said, most people when they download software don't bother to read .. they just hit next.

This sort of practice is dishonest and geared directly toward computer illiterate people who don't pay attention to details or understand what's going on. That's why I never, EVER install software on people's computers where they have to make informed choices, like Spybot.

Personally, I prefer "down and dirty" software with no bells or whistles. I miss netscape.

As to google, it was a terrific and unbeatable search engine before they started spying on you and keeping records .. I won't trust google in any way shape or form anymore. That's why I like Scroogle .. it's google without the information collecting.

And yes, call me paranoid, but it should be required this day and time. The internet is a very dangerous place for the unparanoid.

PS Just wanted to add, I'm a cranky little old lady who will be 60 years old in 3 weeks

Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: bob3160 on December 13, 2010, 07:48:37 PM
Quote
PS Just wanted to add, I'm a cranky little old lady who will be 60 years old in 3 weeks
A happy early birthday wish to you Xeolyte,
As a 70 year old senior, may I offer the following rebuttle:
Now if you only lived in Arizona and belonged to one of their computer clubs, I'd be visiting you in person this month.
To explain exactly why you should be using avast! Even if you need to uncheck that box so that Google's Chrome Browser
doesn't get added to you system. (It happens to be my default browser but that happened long before it came as a possible add on with avast!)
Short and sweet, In my opinion, avast!5 Free still gives you the best protection and especially if you consider all the money you have to spend for it.  ;D
Have a great Birthday.:)
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: CraigB on December 13, 2010, 07:55:56 PM
If most of these people just install thing's without reading what there installing then google chrome is the least of there worrie's.

The ask toolbar seems to be getting added to just about everything that is free nowday's and that is alot worse.
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: Xeolyte on December 13, 2010, 08:27:20 PM
Personally I love Avast .. it's the best and I still use it .. I glommed on to it when EZTrust went bad and turned into bloatware.

I'm using a very old version of FireFox that is essentially down and dirty. No tabs or other bells or whistles .. I was just grieved to see Avast fall by the wayside and start pimping other software like so many other companies. It makes me distrust their integrity when it seems they are trying to trick the uninformed into installing software you may not want.

Thanks for the BD wishes .. the sad thing is that my brain has never been better thanks to constant gaming, but the rest of me is slowing down no matter how much I exercise and try to stay fit. I was very sad to finally understand the meaning of "Youth is wasted on the young".
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: bob3160 on December 13, 2010, 08:36:17 PM
Quote
"Youth is wasted on the young"
Precisely why I decided to start a new career at age 70 (http://bob03160.livejournal.com/50565.html).
Have a great day. :)
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: YoKenny on December 13, 2010, 09:27:35 PM
I'm 65 and I look like the guy on the left.

I love having many tabs open and sometimes multiple IE sessions at the same time.

I even like Google Chrome.  8)
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: Rompin Raider on December 14, 2010, 01:35:54 AM
Even if you are frustrated with some of the items, Avast still has the best forums and community! Merry Christmas to you all!
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: bob3160 on December 14, 2010, 03:46:12 AM
Even if you are frustrated with some of the items, Avast still has the best forums and community! Merry Christmas to you all!
Thanks so much and welcome to the forum. :)
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: CharleyO on December 14, 2010, 08:09:54 AM
***

Welcome to the forums, Rompin Raider   :)


As to the original subject, at 60 years old, I know I have heard all of my adult life to "read the fine print." That includes pay attention to what you are doing. Still, I forgot to do just that when I recently installed Avast on my new Toshiba laptop. And so, I got the Chrome install. While I do not want to use Chrome, what I do not understand is why all the fuss? It is a simple, easy, & painless matter to uninstall it. That is what I did and I in no way can blame Avast for my failure to read, pay attention, and take the appropriate action to negate the Chrome install.

The bottom line is that it is the person who is installing any software who is responsible for the actions they take or do not take.

*Edited to correct typos.*


***
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: Erebus on December 14, 2010, 08:29:05 AM
Last time I downloaded avast!, there was no default choice at the Chrome prompt  ???

If you already have Chrome installed the option doesn't show up any more.
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: SafeSurf on December 14, 2010, 11:22:02 AM
Regardless of your age, the user is responsible for what they are installing...and that means reading what you are clicking BEFORE you click it to install it.  This is plain old good practice.  This doesn't just pertain to Avast, but ALL software.  As mentioned earlier, many toolbars (Ask, eBay, AOL, etc.) are put into many installation packages and it is up to the user installing them to read what they are installing and opt-out (untick) anything they do not want and read the EULA.  This is safe practice.

Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: Lisandro on December 14, 2010, 11:25:44 AM
Read the EULA.
Are you joking, aren't you? ;D
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: SafeSurf on December 14, 2010, 11:29:03 AM
Are you joking, aren't you? ;D
No.
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: bob3160 on December 14, 2010, 12:07:09 PM
Are you joking, aren't you? ;D
No.

Then you my friend are one of very few that do. If I have to read every EULA before testing a program,
I'd never do any testing.
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: SafeSurf on December 14, 2010, 12:12:47 PM
What can I say...I'm unique, and after getting scr*wed once with the A$k toolbar when it first came out...since then I read all the fine print including EULA's. 
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: bob3160 on December 14, 2010, 12:14:21 PM
Hope your having fun.  ;D
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: SafeSurf on December 14, 2010, 12:16:41 PM
OT..actually no.  I have to go shovel more snow.  :P
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: Lisandro on December 14, 2010, 12:28:10 PM
Xeolyte, I agree with you when you want Google as a non-default setting and not like it is now.
No problems with Google Pack or agreements (with legit software), but just that nobody likes "packages".
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: YoKenny on December 14, 2010, 01:33:19 PM
What can I say...I'm unique, and after getting scr*wed once with the A$k toolbar when it first came out...since then I read all the fine print including EULA's.  
Try
Quote
EULAlyzer
Analyze license agreements for interesting words and phrases. Make sense of the nonsensical.
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/eulalyzer.html

Much less strenuous than shoveling snow.

I hope you are not near Sarnia Ont:
Storm near Sarnia, Ont., strands 300 people on highway
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/breakingnews/storm-near-sarnia-ont-strands-300-people-on-highway-402-111839534.html
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: Xeolyte on December 14, 2010, 02:41:33 PM
I'm kind of amazed that some people actually think this sort of practice is ethical! When I click on a button that says download Avast, that's what I want to do .. the buttons doesn't say anything about download Avast and Chrome Browser.

The bottom line is that the default should be exactly what you want and not an add on. You want a toolbar or another browser? Then check the little box offering it. Otherwise, don't make me jump through a hoop to get what I want.

I have no doubts whatsoever that software companies that do this are getting some kind of kick back for everyone that downloads the "extras" whether or not they wanted it. Otherwise they wouldn't be trying to trick you by making two totally unrelated software the default.

Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: bob3160 on December 14, 2010, 03:30:23 PM
You actually only get avast! when you select download avast!
The Chrome Browser part doesn't happen till after you've agreed to the terms
which, unless unchecked, include the downloading of Google Chrome.
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: Xeolyte on December 14, 2010, 04:04:29 PM
Even if you opt out by not agreeing, google leaves a footprint in your registry. I just checked mine and was surprised to see the toolbar key. I never got that or ever even got near a download for that. Now my question is .. where did the Chrome offer Registry key come from since I unchecked avast/chrome box and went for avast only?

http://www.nerii.org/google.jpg

Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: Aethec on December 14, 2010, 04:37:51 PM
The Chrome key is named "No Chrome Offer Until". It contains keys with vendor names, and values are dates. The toolbar key must be from another download...keys don't appear magically. What does it contain ?

PS: By the way, those offers are not here to annoy users - they are here because Avast Software gets something from Google.
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: CharleyO on December 16, 2010, 04:52:57 AM
***

No one tricks you.

It is only you that tricks yourself.

Learn to read what is presented to you, pay attention to what you are doing, and you will not trick yourself.


***
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: crofty59 on December 16, 2010, 01:09:01 PM
Hi Xeolyte

I find it amusing that people use avast because they trust them, other wise you would use some other software.
But if you do not check what is ticked when you are installing, you are told you should always check as it is your responsibility which i agree up to a certain point.

Maybe i am naive, but i also got caught as the last time i installed you had to tick  the boxes if you wanted Google browser and when i installed it about a week ago i paid no attention and got what i didn't want.

So silly of me for placing my trust in Avast, that i would have to opt in for any 3rd party software not opt out, live and learn

Cheers   
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: Aethec on December 16, 2010, 05:26:18 PM
Out of curiosity, do you use the free version?  ::)
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: CraigB on December 16, 2010, 05:38:48 PM
Out of curiosity, do you use the free version?  ::)
It's in his signiture.
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: Aethec on December 16, 2010, 07:43:13 PM
Whoops, sorry, I don't show members signatures.
The point still stands...bundling Chrome is not a matter of trust, nearly all freeware do that to earn money. Or maybe that was a condition to integrate avast! in the Google pack... ::)
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: Xeolyte on December 17, 2010, 12:07:51 AM
I always double check anything I'm going to download - I've been doing this waaaay too long to get caught .. as I said in my first post, it's a problem for people who are NOT computer savvy who may not understand that you DON'T need Chrome to use Avast or even what a browser is. I had one client, an 86 year old guy who had 3 unasked for tool bars stuck to his browser.

The point is as I've said and others .. the default should be ONLY what you think you are downloading and you shouldn't have to uncheck a box and check something else to get what you want.

Avast has been one of the best freeware products I've come across. I was just really sorry to see them resort to such underhanded practices. If they hadn't coupled Avast and Chrome together forcing me to click something else it would not have been a problem. It has been my policy to write to companies that do this sort of thing and tell them why I'm leaving. If enough people do exactly that and complain or voice their concern about such practices it usually stops.

I'm still looking for an Avast alternative.
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: Gargamel360 on December 17, 2010, 12:15:31 AM
(sigh)....... ::)     Your point is taken.  Are you looking for some official response, or....?



btw, Your email is showing, you can hide it to avoid spam harvesting.



Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: bob3160 on December 17, 2010, 04:02:27 AM
Quote
I'm still looking for an Avast alternative.
There are others but most aren't easy to find they aren't listed on the main webpage as it is on avast.com (http://www.avast.com/index).
In my opinion, none of the other free antivirus programs are as good as avast! and offer  such a complete program for your protection.
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: crofty59 on December 17, 2010, 10:52:31 AM
Out of curiosity, do you use the free version?  ::)
Out of curiosity, what do you mean
Yep on 1 comp i use the free version on the other it is avast Pro.

Whoops, sorry, I don't show members signatures.
The point still stands...bundling Chrome is not a matter of trust, nearly all freeware do that to earn money. Or maybe that was a condition to integrate avast! in the Google pack... ::)

Sorry you are missing the point, it doesn't matter what 3rd party software that may be bundled with Avast. Sorry it must just be me but a high percentage of reply's are saying you should always check, so to me that is saying don't trust Avast check when installing to make sure you only install what you want. Your fault if a 3rd party software is installed.

Hmm just curious why they do not bundle Chrome in the Pro version.

cheers
Title: Re: Avast Just Lost My Respect
Post by: YoKenny on December 17, 2010, 01:45:05 PM
Whoops, sorry, I don't show members signatures.
You are missing a lot of information about each user.

Yep on 1 comp i use the free version on the other it is avast Pro.

Hmm just curious why they do not bundle Chrome in the Pro version.
That's the way it is.

Maybe due to this:
Free avast! 5 Chosen for Google Pack
http://blog.avast.com/2010/01/14/free-avast-5-chosen-for-google-pack

Plus you are only showing one system in your signature.