Software is outdated??

[REDACTED]

Today on my Windows 8 box, I downloaded 7zip to handle a few archival needs.  I got a popup telling me this software is old.  Asked if I wanted to download a newer version.  Funny - I never saw that before.  So I clicked ok Sure lets see what Avast does for me.  I got bounced to SOFTONIC.  Rather than the Sourceforge site. 
This is mentioned and is the exact same popup that *I* got on this site (they have pretty pictures however).    http://malwaretips.com/threads/avast-pro-antivirus-fake-warnings-softonic-partnership-and-free-adware.27402/

So my question is this - is this expected behavior for Avast?

Yes its free software but it was always a trusted source and I have been referring many unprotected users this way, but I am concerned when I see a legit site download being redirected to a thirdparty site known for PUP/malware concerns. 
I saw another post here that was from earlier this year but didnt seem to be the exact same message.  SO thought I would ask. 

Please advise

[davexnet]

Here's my advice.  Uninstall the software updater.  Why would anybody with an ounce of
gumption want to use it?  You kind of agreed to this hand holding when you installed that component,
in my opinion.

Get rid of it and keep track of your own software.

[REDACTED]

You lost me with the software updater? 
This is an almost "new" installation of windows 8 and the popup was AVAST.  It popped when I downloaded a legitimate (albeit older program) and AVAST redirected me to a site.  THAT is frightening....
What software updater are you meaning?

[REDACTED]

I always do a custom install of Avast and I do install the software updater since it will remind me that something (software) needs to be updated if I didn't catch it.  However, I always install it directly from the vendor's/manufacturer's site.  For example, if Flash needs to be updated (it seems like it does every week!), I go directly to AdObe to install it rather than any other site.  After I download something, I always scan it with MBAM first to make sure it is clean prior to installing it, and Avast is always running in the meantime.  I don't take chances and so far have never gotten anything.

[mchain]

I always do a custom install of Avast and I do install the software updater since it will remind me that something (software) needs to be updated if I didn't catch it.  However, I always install it directly from the vendor's/manufacturer's site.  For example, if Flash needs to be updated (it seems like it does every week!), I go directly to AdObe to install it rather than any other site.  After I download something, I always scan it with MBAM first to make sure it is clean prior to installing it, and Avast is always running in the meantime.  I don't take chances and so far have never gotten anything.

+1

Only way to go.  Use Software Updater as a guide, and do the work yourself, as SafeSurf suggests. 

So, if you get a pop-up from avast! such as the one you posted about (a pop-up here that is something that is related to Software Updater but shown as a new feature of avast!), ignore it.  Don't rely on any program to do the work for you, not even avast!.  Just use the new information and research on the internet.

Use Google to find what you need to know.

Why this happened:

avast! is basically assuming all users do not follow SafeSurf's sage advice, and want avast! to do all of the necessary work for them.  Not so.     

[bob3160]

Avast admitted that it was an error on their part.
I have Unchecky installed and it's done a great job of unchecking what shouldn't have been checked in the first place.

[bob3160]

Another great service for getting and updating your software is Ninite
No add-ons, no registration required and 32 bit 64 bit you always get the right version
for your system.

[REDACTED]

After reading a few more threads, I have to say I totally overlooked several of the "improvements" in the product over the last two years.  Been recommending avast all over the place as a great way to help stop malware with the friends/family/business associates.  This "adventure" has me thinking I need to go back in and make sure I understand the "bells and whistles" of this tool.  Some of these look down right horrible :-)

[REDACTED]

I need to go back in and make sure I understand the "bells and whistles" of this tool.  Some of these look down right horrible :-)

If the "tools" don't strike your fancy, there is nothing wrong with using just the three Shields, and unchecking most or all the boxes of the fluffware in the center column of the installer.

-Noel

[bob3160]

Some of these look down right horrible

I don't know what's so horrible about being warned that a program you use
has a newer version available.
How and from where you update that program is still your choice.

[REDACTED]

I don't know what's so horrible about being warned that a program you use
has a newer version available.
How and from where you update that program is still your choice.

My concern is not the warning but rather the fact that they were directing me to SOFTONIC rather than the program that I did want and did know. 
If there is an update to the program that is a legit update, GREAT.  If they are directing me to a third party site known for malware/PUP/adware....Not a good thing

As for me, this is an easy call.  Disable that service/ignore the stupid warning that is not legit.  However, I have people that I know, that I have referred to Avast, that used it for years that may take the "word of Avast" as gospel and think that downloading an application from softonic may be good. 

I read that this is a new feature and one that I think needs to either be repaired or removed.  If it is going to be used, then people need to be aware that it is possible that there MIGHT be a newer version, however softonic???  /sigh. 

[!Donovan]

Hello,

I completely agree. Nothing in a software should need to be "disabled" or "uninstalled" to improve the user experience.

Regards,
~!Donovan

[bob3160]

the fact that they were directing me to SOFTONIC rather than the program that I did want and did know.

I totally agree with that statement. Acting on the update notification should never put your system in harms way.