Even though Avast has the right to force the users to update to its latest version by locking up the users’ system, but ethically this is not really a suitable way of promoting users to update to the latest version despite that Avast has its good intention at the first place to do so. However, it is not about the right that matters now but it is the ethic that matters now. Avast should come out with an effective broadcasting message instead of forcing the users to update its product. Besides, this is about the choice of the users and Avast actually doesn’t have to interfere that much.
IMO, maybe Avast can have broadcasting notification just like the usual update notification that we get used to READ AND HEAR. I do think sound also plays an important role in broadcasting messages and I believe the message will be transmitted to the users’ ears and lastly to their mind. For instance, Avast could notify the user like “Your Avast program is outdated. We recommend you to update to its latest version or continue using the outdated one with your own risk.” (My English is not that proficient and I think Avast is able to come out with better message)At the moment, Avast can utilize its Avast sound system to read that message out loud just as usual and I believe users will get the message well. Couple times per week is enough as too many duplicated notifications will annoy the users.
You’re saying it like the avast!'s primary operation is to lock up the system. If it locks up system, does it matter when that happens? Either when it gets forcibly updated or when you’d update it. It would lock up just the same if there is some sort of issue. So, how does that somehow change anything? It just delays the inevitable if that was the case.
Doing the other part you suggested would just result in people complaining that avast! is nagging about this and that constantly and they’d just uninstall it. Or bitch about that here on forums instead of why they got forcibly updated. As a developer, you always have to treat target users as dumb in order to make things work right. Individuals are smart, masses are stupid. That’s how it is, whether that offends you or not.
It’s the sole reason why we have come from complicated antivirus solutions from almost 2 decades ago to a single click, do it all automatically solutions in current time. Which just proves my point.
You're saying it like the avast!'s primary operation is to lock up the system.
Chill, man. I never really mean that. Maybe I am not good at expressing myself but pls do not perceive my message wrongly. I am just straight to the point since the contents in this topic is already well posted to the public to read.
If it locks up system, does it matter when that happens?
This is not the question that only for you and me but every single user, however for me it doesn’t matter me much.
Either when it gets forcibly updated or when you'd update it. It would lock up just the same if there is some sort of issue. So, how does that somehow change anything? It just delays the inevitable if that was the case.
Yup, I agree with you but not every single user thinks like you and me.
Doing the other part you suggested would just result in people complaining that avast! is nagging about this and that constantly and they'd just uninstall it. Or bitch about that here on forums instead of why they got forcibly updated.
Or you have a better idea? I would like to hear that
As a developer, you always have to treat target users as dumb in order to make things work right. Individuals are smart, masses are stupid. That's how it is, whether that offends you or not.It's the sole reason why we have come from complicated antivirus solutions from almost 2 decades ago to a single click, do it all automatically solutions in current time. Which just proves my point.
Yup, I agree with you but things won’t get any better if the masses start to perceive the forcing as something opposing or negative.
IMO, it is impossible to care every single feedback from every single user but what if majority of users are dissatisfied with this forcing method? Anyway, if majority of the users are okay with this forcing method, then there is no point for me to post at this topic anymore unless necessary because your first post is well written enough to try to persuade the minority.
Although I am using the latest stable version I should say that those who are against forced
updates, in my opinion are leading 3 : 1 as guests and it is 89th minute of the game.
Their arguments are just better.
abrubtum, you are wrong.
It is more like 220.000.000 : 25 in favor of those who are for the forced update.
But from that 220.000.000 only a few are responding here, the rest doesn’t mind and is not responding here.
Their arguments are better? They only have 1 argument, that avast! has no rights to do that. They haven’t given me a single really good reason where i’ve described in quite detail how program versions are maintained. And that’s how it is and will remain so, because it just makes sense. Like i said, if it was by me, all home editions would always be force updated. So every single user out there would have nothing but the very latest version.
Corporate versions are deployed differently and they require different policy. But for home, i’d do that.
They dont only have one argument, they have multiple arguments and I even gave you multiple in another thread. You are choosing to ignore them and be blinded by your own obsession.
It’s also not a matter of how many arguments they have but of the importance of the argument they have. You have zero reason to fight this hard to keep avast updating someone else’s property… they have every reason in the world to not want their systems locked up and to not want their setting choices overridden at avast’s whim. It’s ridiculous you cant even compromise and say ok it would be a good idea if avast notified these people and gave them a choice. Your only solution is do what you want, when you want, screw the consequences, there is no other way.
Your avatar says it all but that isnt how the rest of the world operates.
To everyone complaining about users whining… they have a right to be here, they have a right to state their grievances and they have a right to be angry at an invasive policy causing lost time and resources. If you dont like to hear them then you can leave just as well.
Things don’t get fixed by sitting around doing a circle jerk all over each other or blowing smoke up each other all day. They get fixed by pointing out flaws and if it just so happens to go against your POV it doesn’t mean they are whining so grow up and accept that yes even the almighty avast can make mistakes and a sure sign of that is when multiple people are all saying the same thing… negative to you or not.
I personally would have never known about this issue unless people did come on here and complain because Im as up to date as anyone can be however it doesn’t mean Im so blind by my own needs and wants that I cant empathize or understand someone else’s issue.
Oh god, am i for some reason speakin (writing?) Chinese here?
You expect an old version to have exactly same design and support as the latest actual version. Sorry to burst your bubble, but things don’t work that way. If you have the latest version and it doesn’t work as it should, you have every right to complain and expect fixes. If you’re using old outdated version, you are pretty much left at their mercy. If they decide to force upgrade you at some point, that’s entirely THEIR choice and not your right of any sort.
One thing is terminating support and another forcing you to upgrade (for free!). If they’d just terminate support without any notification, that would be a problem, because you’d expect it to do it’s job but it would just not update or do anything. Focing you to update simply does the opposite. Delivers a higher quality product with higher protection. But you won’t care abiout this fact anyway and you’ll just continue to complain about the same thing over and over despite countless facts and logical explanations.
they have a right to be angry at an invasive policy causing lost time and resources.
Lost time? They are wasting their time voluntary. It happened, it is done, stop whining and get over it. Lost resources? What resources are lost? No-one has lost resources.
Things don't get fixed by sitting around doing a circle jerk all over each other or blowing smoke up each other all day.
Agreed. So why are those whiners don't dry their tears and get over it? What is there to fix? Nothing went wrong.
RejZoR,
I can read what you type here. But I never realized I can read Chinese ;D
Hey All, For what it’s worth I switched to Avast when it was version 4.0, back say around 2005-2006 I believe it was after trying Windows Live Onecare briefly and it missed a ton of virus on other family PC I was maintaining, ended up reformatting that one, and installing Avast free, (still use it today on all the machines) Runs A+, no problems cause of Avast on any of the systems, always update manually to latest program version though as they come out, to have the best possible protection, I feel have to be on the latest Engine, and program.
Sorry Patrick2…Avast just decided for you when they think you should update…Manual means nothing.
Amazing, all this and still the point is missed. :-[
What the issue IS…again what the ISSUE IS…is forcing a NON-EMERGENCY REBOOT and FORCED PROGRAM INSTALL.
YES, those of us who are complaining 100% understand the challenges of maintaining software revs and backwards support (I ran a software group for ten years)…it is a nightmare…got it…understood…loud and clear…your point taken.
So, please stop arguing why the world should move to latest Avast…understood, newer is better…but this DOES NOT give Avast the right to force program installs when the settings are specifically informing Avast not to. If Avast feels it is their “right” and/or desire to do this then why would they put an option for “Manual” update in Avast ? Show me in the Avast EULA where I gave this permission to Avast ? http://www.avast.com/en-us/eula If you read the language, the only comments about “updates” is that Avast at their discretion makes them “available”. There is no direct or even implied right for them to do this…so why would they ? I’ll answer my own question…because they want to force folks to the new platform with no regard for other consequences. Yes guys, “consequences”…I was on Forum when V9 came out last Fall and frankly a very buggy, bloatware POS…one VERY good reason to wait. If/When I elect to do software upgrades I prepare for them with recent HDD image backups, restore points, etc…not to wake up to see a PC has been rebooted and software updated. Also, I would not use the “update” feature within Avast anyway…I would do a clean uninstall and install…everyone on this thread knows that is a MUCH more solid approach. So, I take it very personal when Avast intrudes without my permission…yes, because if I HAD PERMITTED…the flippin “Manual” would have been set to “Auto Update”…but it was not…for what I think are very valid reasons…upgrade on my timeline, my way that has best chance of success and I have fallback if something goes wrong.
Bottom line, Avast can accomplish the very same thing they want…a forced upgrade…just stop posting VBS updates to older versions. Users will either upgrade or move-on…this method is not a heavy handed intrusive effort to users PCs and in the end accomplishes the very same thing they want.
BTW, I am in process of moving my home PCs to Avast 9 from Avast 8…wondering if I should wait for Avast 10…but taking plunge on several machines. My argument above is not about the “need” it is about the intrusion…thus, I would argue this side of it even if I was on Avast 9 already across all PCs. The “method” Avast is choosing is where I think they have crossed the line…they are better than that.
We’re talking about free users.
Old technologies uses resources, bring compatibility issues, reduce overall protection, cost a lot of money…
Technology enterprises will always have to take a decision about “old support”: Google, any other mobile device manufacturer, etc.
Absolutely, just take step back and think about it.
I know you & Avast wants everyone on the latest…no argument why it “should” be better.
BUT…if you force (other than true emergency update needs) then you are pushing a by its nature very intrusive software package into a person’s PC. If that person has their option set to Auto Update then fine, but if not and set to Manual then hands-off. These updates sometimes go very, very bad and since the nature of Avast is intrusive this could mean bad things to a PC. So, if the user has changed (because Default is Auto) to Manual then he/she has reasons…good or not.
If Avast truly does not want to support an older version just stop sending out VBS updates…users will change.
The “issue” I have with this is I am a very techy guy and know first code always has bugs…so I wait.
The more complex or intrusive the software I wait even more…until it is SUPER stable.
My point is Avast desire to “protect” people by forcing the update can actually cause more harm than good.
All good/honest/integrity software companies understand this…so does Avast, that is why they have the update option.
Thus, they need to stick to that integrity. If some “Manager” says within Avast “we need to move all these old users to V9” then fine…stop the VBS…do not mess with peoples PCs.
Think of it this way…what if I said “hey RejZoR you may be smart guy but I think I’m smarter…I’m going to reboot your machine and install things I think are better for you”…you’d flip out, right ? Your a techy, question…with MS Updates…set on Auto on your machine or Auto Download and you choose to install ?..I’m guessing the latter.
So, a lot of words for a simple “YES” to your question…it is better to stop VBS updates if Avast does not want to support older version. This way, anyone who complains then you argument of newer is better is 100% valid and they have no ground to stand on.
I just think Avast should think “how” they do things.
You’re saying like it installs the update silently and then just forcibly reboots the system in the middle of whatever you were doing. To my knowledge, that is not what happens. They just disregard the update control taht user has and udpates it like it’s set to Automatic. It will still asky ou to reboot because of the update. So, how exactly is that probelmatic?
That is exactly what I am saying…if you read many of the other threads like me people woke up to a FORCED install.
It appears the Avast Emergency updater did a FORCE install…there was no message, nothing. I woke one morning with 2 out of my 5 home PCs that all had V8 (V8.0.1497…which is last valid/stable V8) to a Windows login screen…once I put in Windows PW then Avast “completed” the V9 install…I literally freaked out. All these 5 PCs with V8 were set to manual install. Checking the W7 Scheduler the Avast EMU had run during the night…obviously it forced a install.
Problematic is that the AV is not yet installed properly until after reboot. Leaving the system unprotected until then. Since those updates can happen at any time avast sees fit I certainly wouldn’t be happy having my computer sitting there for several hour w/o protection. That whole force update is just bad etiquette and reeks of arrogance.
