I've uninstalled Avast Internet Security, and installed the free antivirus version 9.0.2008 to test if another version of Avast would force the program version update without permission, when updates are set to manual or ask - it still updated automatically behind the scene without permission to 9.0.2021. Also, I've also tried to insert the license emailed to me, and I've received the message " is not a valid license key". So it is only good for 30 days, not a year. What is going on with Avast development? These two versions that I've tried, update without permission.
On a side note the forum was down for a while today - and I went to wikipedia to look for the history of Avast and found out that the wiki page has an issue with a major contributer having a close connection with the subject - the entry is not written well, but if it is true that Avast developed the software with so few employees, and yet have so many millions of users, I give credit to them.
That being said, I have been a user for basically 10 years, since version 4.5, and have never had a problem like this occur. Should I try something else like Qihoo? Although 360 Security has had an issue with one of their versions, and they are going to supposedly drop Internet Security, and go with just Total Security, their detection rate has now surpassed Avast. Also they are also rumored to "spy" on users, and glean personal information. But Majorgeeks gives them a 5 rating out of 40 votes. And in Wilders Security forum most of the posters support them.
I would really like to keep Avast, but this unsolicited, unpermitted, automatic updating of the program is too much - from the version that worked so well, and sublimely v2008, to the version that doesn't work for me, v2021.
Please, any help on the covert, unwanted program update, and now also why the emailed free antivirus key "is not a valid license key!"
Thanks.
