I have the free version of Avast installed, and usually it’s great. But today, out of nowhere, Avast gives me a pop-up advertising Google Chrome. Now, this would be pretty annoying all by itself (most people get antivirus software to avoid programs that randomly pop-up ads, among other things). But the fact is, I already have Chrome installed, and I was running Chrome when the ad popped up! Moreover, the text of the ad seems to recognize this, saying, “Along with avast! Free Antivirus you installed the Google Chrome browser. Used by our own Virus Lab, Google Chrome is our choice for most secure web browser.” Since I’ve already installed Chrome, and Avast seems to know I’ve already installed Chrome, why the hell am I getting advertising for Chrome?!
avast! and Google have a high level of cooperation and cross-promotion. Google’s browser is of little use to them if installed and not used so an “encouragement” of the kind you’ve describes comes as no surprise (I think I’ve seen something like that before on one of my own machines) but does seem a bit clumsily deployed.
This is the second time that I’ve heard this. If I get any pop-ups, I’ll be installing MSE immediately. This is why I have an anti-virus in the first place.
First let me validate everything reddleman just posted. WT…F! Avast? As if that isn’t irritating enough, I come in seeking a solution so as to never get a popup ad again, only to read this dismissive apologist post from Vladimyr. it reminds me of the last time avast behaved badly and I came in to post about it…I got the same type of bull$—.
Avast…this is BAD behavior…please stop it…
Vladimyr…you are not helping the situation or your beloved product. You are adding to the irritation by spinning and being dismissive of a very legitimate beef. Do you honestly view this behavior as acceptable? Do some research as to what the single most unwelcome action a webpage can take, and further ask yourself what would possibly make it any less of an irritant from the users own bloody desktop!? Do you honestly think you answered this persons concern or complaint?
I’m not ready to do so yet, but I’m one step closer to voting with my feet, and that would be a shame.
I have said it then and i’ll say it now,… arrogance
Okay, it’s not an encouragement, it’s an advertisement, pure and simple. I understand the need for companies to create revenue, and I’d be fine with ads on the Avast website or even within the Avast interface. Even the bundling of Avast with Chrome or Chrome with Avast is understandable, even if it is annoying. But pop-up ads are crossing the line. Using Avast pop-up ads to advertise Chrome ruins users’ trust of both companies. The fact that the pop-up ad seems to be targeted at those who already have installed Chrome just ruins that trust even more.
I’ve certainly been told then. Warning! Speak plainly and you too will end up in the firing line.
“Dismissive apologist”? “Spinning and being dismissive of a very legitimate beef”?
I made no attempt, nor am I in any position, to answer a complaint. What I thought I was doing was providing a plausible explanation as to why avast! would be recommending use of Google Chrome.
I support and encourage you 100% to speak your mind on this issue. Popups can be annoying and your apparent fury at this one is plainly evident but I do wonder why you seem so intent on “mowing down” anyone not as equally irritated as yourself? For me, choice of PC security software not being a matter of life and death (e.g. some of my closest and most respected friends really do prefer to use AVG Free), I find it difficult to rise to such a level of emotional intensity whereby I could describe any piece of software as “beloved”.
PS. When it comes to voting with one’s feet, I find the little pencils they give you too hard to hold between my toes. ;D
Now we wait for an authorized response.
did you install Chrome when offered by the avast installer? this would be an explanation.
I installed Chrome separately, not when offered by avast installer, and haven’t seen any ads until now.
I may have. Avast and Chrome were two of the programs that I installed right away when I bought this computer about a year ago. I don’t remember if I actually installed Chrome through Avast or not, but since I was intending on installing both anyway, I probably did. I should also say that, in the year or so I’ve had Avast installed on this computer, this is the first time I remember getting a pop-up ad from Avast, which is why I was so surprised.
Please see Vincent Steckler’s response in the avast! blog:
Avast and Google Chrome
https://blog.avast.com/2009/12/03/avast-and-google-chrome
Vincent Steckler is the CEO of avast!
That would seem odd to install chrome through the avast installer and then get a popup still pushing chrome, would it not? Also I for one installed chrome on my own and got the popup. Or am I reading you backwards?
A possible solution??
I have gone into Settings > Community and unchecked “show avast! recommended features” and “show social networking features”, the first of which smacks of " allow us to sell you stuff". We’ll see how that works out, hope that helps other folks.
But even if this suppresses the bad behavior, it should not be opt out. I should not have to work to stop bad behavior.
Yeah, right, I’m jumping your ass for being a “plain speaker”…no actually a plain speaker might have chosen to honestly answer the questions I put to you on the matter.
And you can’t see how that parses as condoning it? And the complaint isn’t remotely about recommending chrome…that’s a straw-man… It’s about the method of doing so.
Yet another straw-man. I wasn’t mowing you down for not sharing my state or irritation. And you seem sharp enough to know that already. You responded to a clear complaint, that also include a few pointed if somewhat retorical questions…but only seeming to notice the questions, as if they occurred in a vacuum, and then responded with an answer that for all the world seems to me to take the position that avasts behavior was reasonable “if clumsy”?? It comes across as dismissive as hell brother.
Well color me surprised…I’m clearly not alone.
When you wear “evangelist”, you are gonna rub irritated people the wrong way with that my friend. But hey, label me as you will. Stay “oh so reasonable” while stating “I find it difficult to rise to such a level of emotional intensity”…and most people will fail to notice …well I’ll leave it unsaid lest I be labeled “furious” or something…but hey, pretty well crafted.
Have the last word sir
Haven’t mastered the 6th chakra?
My last word is my first “word”, which remains for each to consider the merits thereof as he/she sees fit.
Yes avast! recommend Chrome you got something again Google ?
Well i can say its better that he recommend Chrome than Ask Toolbar in my opinion…
Chrome has never been known as a malware but Ask Toolbar of course yes…
Mr.Agent
PS : I think this is because Google and avast! is partner. So both recommend each of their product they want. Im happy if that what i said is really true because Google is a big business and avast! can be safe with Google more than Ask…
- Avast makes good stuff
- It costs money to develop, maintain and improve good stuff
- Avast has a close working relationship with Google.
- You get what you pay for. If you want to get rid of the pop-up just buy an avast! Pro or AIS license or find an inferior anti-Virus product that is free and has no pop-ups.
This is not rocket science.
This is life.
Well said Nesivos.
But the 4. its just too true i never see AIS to offer chrome or or got pop ups the only thing its has is news service but that not annoying its give you news…
So me i can say the pop ups is well made i can say it because alot program like Avira and AVG do pop ups but its just weird and its ruin their interface or pop you like everytime. avast! for me has the best pop ups… lol.
Its user friendly the pop ups that what i wanna say. Its do his job on when it is need.
I use “free” and have never seen any pop-ups at all.
I don’t remember if the option was available when I installed avast.
I don’t use Chrome either.
This begs the question…why some and not others? ???
+1
No Chrome pop-ups here either. Chrome is not installed.