I recommended many people to use AVAST (family mostly). I now feel responsible for the adware on their computers. It is dishonnest to change marketing policy through an update. At least differentiate between existing customers and new customers.
What adware
Actually off the top of my head I would NOT have used the word "adware", but then again the more I think about it, "if the shoe fits"..... OK so then one might ask does the shoe really fit?
I think some can arguably say there is perhaps a distinction if we want to consider what most tacitly consider is "adware", that being software that's exclusive purpose is to raise revenue through advertising. But I think what fine line of demarcation does exist the interpretation can be considered a bit indistinct in many ways if we breakdown what the word really does represent and how it is commonly defined by most people.
To be fair,
tomvdp has brought up an interesting concept here in regards to semantics when one starts to think about it.
So then let's actually take an honest look at the word using sources I think all would agree are reputable of which undoubtedly there exists a vast majority of consensus that these sources I'm using below are considered absolutely accurate:
LINK:
Adware defined in dictionary.comTaking the top definition listed on this web site we have the following:
1. software that displays advertisements and is integrated into another program offered at no charge or at low cost.
While I have not thought about it in these terms up until this point, when one reads the primary definition of the word it does come pretty close to matching the behavior we see with Avast it would seem.
HOW MANY AGREE THAT THIS DEFINITION RIGHT OUT OF DICTIONARY.COM COMES REASONABLY CLOSE TO MATCHING THE WORD USED BY tomvdp?OK, not enough or not convinced, let's look at another well respected source most if not all consider reliably accurate.
LINK:
The term "Adware" defined in WikipediaKeeping in mind that I am (as I did above) simply doing a copy/paste of the top section in Wikipedia on this word.
We find the following in wikipedia:
Adware, or advertising-supported software, is any software package which automatically renders advertisements in order to generate revenue for its author. The advertisements may be in the user interface of the software or on a screen presented to the user during the installation process. The functions may be designed to analyze which Internet sites the user visits and to present advertising pertinent to the types of goods or services featured there. The term is sometimes used to refer to software that displays unwanted advertisements.[1]
Hmmm, once again does sort of fit once again...... the shoe that is!!! Once again,
HOW MANY AGREE THAT THIS DESCRIPTION RIGHT OUT OF WIKIPEDIA COMES REASONABLY CLOSE TO MATCHING THE WORD USED BY tomvdp?Clearly we can have a fair and honest debate on how well it fits, but I'd say the old adage "if the shoe fits".... does sort of FIT, wouldn't you say.
To be sure this is not what most (myself included) would have concluded is a word that would accurately apply to this topic, but then when one starts to seriously analyze the real meaning of the term as accepted by reliable sources it does raise the question whether it is after all a more accurate description than most would have initially considered the word to be in the first place.
So yes, undoubtedly an interesting point raised by
tomvdp any way you look at it.
And of course
bob3160, you've clearly raised an interesting QUESTION!!!.... Wouldn't you AGREE?