Is sneaking software onto my machine a new business model for you?
That’s the kind of scummy behavior I expect from craphole download sites, not (supposedly) reputable software companies. How about you never do that again?
I already figured out how to get rid of it.
I want to know that you won’t do it again.
lol
Yeah, that’s what I’m expecting too. I’m about to uninstall and add Avast to my list of crapware vendors.
The lol was in reference to the ‘air of self-importance’ of your comment.
I got this too. Thankfully I had a good outbound firewall installed (Little Snitch) which let me know this unexpected and unwanted app was trying to make a connection. Avast has been removed from my machine. I’m sure it’s no big deal to Avast since they weren’t making any money off me with their free anti-virus, but they’re sure as heck not going to make money off me by sneaking software onto my machine and installing it without my knowledge. I thought Avast was in the ANTI-malware business. I don’t think I’ll be using them again for anything.
Don
I think it’s hardly an air of self-importance to expect that an anti-malware company not surreptitiously install software on a user’s machine. That’s pretty much rule #1 of anti-malware – don’t install things the user didn’t ask for.
Don
avast doesn’t install software without the users approval.
So if secure line was installed, you have given permission for it to install.
incorrect.
my experience, and probably everyone else here, was that this software installed overnight without any warning from avast, opening avast or clicking any “okay” dialogue in avast.
if you mean that years ago, when we first installed and agreed to the TOC, there was fine print on the 18th page that said avast has the right to install additional software… then fine, jokes on us, you got us…
however, I think its a stretch to say that this qualifies as us purposefully downloading the application.
its nice to see the mods rub it in our face though instead of understanding the users frustration.
if only there was software that could prevent unwanted software from being installed in the background without our knowledge…
This “freemium” business model is used by Avast for more than a decade, so the answer is no,
it’s nothing new.
I’m sorry, but as this is an essential part of the company business strategy, it will for sure happen again.
Every time we add a new component to Avast Mac Security (no matter whether paid or not), it will not only
be part of the installation, but also part of the program update. For paid components You will however not
be forced to use them and always have the possibility to uninstall them, if you wish.
And here I thought you were a reputable company. Your software has been removed from my machine. I’ll be sure to share my experience every chance I get.
avast is a reputable company.
They can’t help it if users don’t know things.
I’m not sure whether to call that comment ignorant or arrogant. Not knowing that a piece of software has downloaded, installed and launched a completely separate piece of software in the background without providing the user with any form of option is not what a rational person should consider to be the user’s fault. You don’t know what you don’t know. Now that I know Avast is sneaking in separate apps AND LAUNCHING THEM without any action on my part, I know that Avast is no longer reputable. I too will gladly share my thoughts on this matter with others. This is not good business for a self-proclaimed anti-malware company.
avast is not sneaking in anything, they are honest and open about it.
Wow. Know why users don’t know things? Your honest and open company installed it without asking.
Your break with reality is amazing.
Hi,
I hear the frustration expressed here but I do feel it’s being a bit harsh. Avast has an AV security product that is made up of different modules. The VPN is another module in the whole ecosystem of the software package. If you see it from that angle then I hope you can understand what our intent was. It certainly is not to sneak anything past our users. The icon is prominently placed on the top menu bar and it’s easy to uninstall. No one is required to use or purchase the module at all.
Any software that is installed needs to do updates from time to time and part of that is to install new features that the software makers believe will add value to their end users. This case is no different. We’ve gotten plenty of requests to offer a VPN and it’s a legitimate security feature/tool. We don’t log users behaviour and our intent is to give you a tool to stay private online.
So, we’ll certainly consider the feedback and try to do better in the future.
Thanks,
Davidek
It is not my company, nor do I work for avast.
Users can read about new things on avast’s website (blog) as well as here on the webboard.
They are (exceptions prohibited) not forced to install a update, it is their own choice.
I used to pay for you product. I will not be doing so again. I installed an antivirus product, nothing else. Installing additional software without notification or permission is not acceptable behavior for a reputable company.
That’s the same crap Bonzi Buddy pulls. Do you like the company you’re keeping?
Your apologetics need work. I shouldn’t have to follow Avast’s blog to know that they’re going to install something on my computer. It’s also worth pointing out that the default behavior is to auto-update. Your assertion that we had a choice in the matter has more holes than a colander.
I installed an antivirus product, nothing else.You are wrong. You installed a security product, not just a anti-virus product. Nowadays there is no such thing as a anti-virus product anymore.
Installing additional software without notification or permission is not acceptable behavior for a reputable company.It is not additional software, it is part of the security package that you have chosen to install. avast did notify the users. Only thing the users have to do is reading the changes on the avast website and/or on this webboard. By installing the software you agreed with the terms/license conditions, that means you have given permission. Users have the option to disable automatic updates.
It's also worth pointing out that the default behavior is to auto-update.Ofcourse the default is auto-update. It will make sure the user has the latest/best protection there is without having to worry about it.