The option in question checks whether you have the latest version of Avast software" I think", it might check for other programs as well but if software updater is not installed then it can only check avast files.
If it will work this way then good.
But Avast have become kind of intrusive & bloat. Although I read Vlk statement but thats their justification & they have every right to do anything with their product.
I as a user think & not happy the development going the way so trying & testing couple AVs to replace Avast. On my laptop its Avast as I can take care of the things but all my frds, family, relatives, etc, all click happy dumbs, are not happy when they find chrome, toolbar, other features on their system & ask me where it all came. Few dumbs upgraded to Internet Security not thinking any thing & few dumbs upgraded using their scientist mind thinking Avast is giving them free upgrade. You know how todays teens are...downloading porn they will with full honesty, concentration, broad eyes, etc read if its amateur, fantasy, teen, old, etc but when its come to security they dont care, just know clicking next-next or hitting close. Currently testing Bitdefender free AV on their system & yet no prob & they too are happy. Hope it doesn't add additional softwares in the future & keep it simple.