[evilfantasy]

Check out this thread.

Linkage

[Howard]

I don`t agree with AVG including the Yahoo toolbar at all, but come on, it`s not any form or spyware etc and can easily be uninstalled from add/remove programme.

Are we absolutely sure, there`s no opt out during the AVG installation?

Though I`m clearly against the inclusion of the toolbar, I see no reason to bin the AVG programme, which has served millions of users very faithfully over the years.

Regards Howard

[evilfantasy]

I agree with you Howard. The ones making the most noise over this are the hardcore security buffs. They have slapped my hand a time or two over seemingly insignificant matters lol. But I have learned alot from them.

HERE are a few screen shots of the install options. It should be pointed out that it makes no mention of installing the toolbar, just a mention of Yahoo being a the search provider and that is deceiving.

In the end though, it should be labeled adware and not freeware. (my opinion)

[HaiDan]

I don't use AVG antivirus, but I just installed AVG Anti-Spyware, and there IS the option to opt out of installing Yahoo toolbar.

[bushwhacker]

I'll say it now,

I hate any software that install anything without my permission rather than just a programme.

For example, Viewpoint and Yahoo Toolbar

[Daveskater]

Well that's not good news for me. Hopefully they will do the light version like CCleaner, but I doubt they will.

They might even notice that less people will download the program after putting that on, which may make them take it out, but I doubt they'll do that either.

To install a toolbar without an option to remove it or properly tell the user that it's being put on is just plain not right, and they've just gone and shot themselves in the foot IMO.

[Spleenharvester]

Why do they have to do stuff like this? I'm lucky that I installed it before it was bundled with the Yahoo toolbar.

[wektech]

After checking various forums that showed screen shots, I do not have that big a problem with it. It is very easy to opt out and not install the toolbar. While labeling it as an AVG security toolbar just because it incorporates some AVG functionality within the Yahoo toolbar may be a bit misleading, overall their is no malicious intent. If the software providers can make a few bucks by bundling toolbars with their free products, more power to them. There have been quite a few free utilities and other free software apps that have died from lack of updates when the developers could no longer dedicate their time to the product due to the need to make a living. If the price we pay for free software is an optional toolbar that is easily uninstalled, I can live with that. It is certainly better than paying for Norton or McAfee, just to end up with a crippled system.

[Howard]

Well said mate.

It`s true, we always seem to expect free stuff, then complain when they do something like this.

Maybe we`re just too used to getting something for nothing and expect the makers to carry on doing it out of the goodness of their hearts ad infinitum.

Regards Howard

[Spleenharvester]

fair point. It is annoying but they do need to make a living.

[Jason]

Well, you can compare this to a website with ads. People moan if you bring in ads, basically because they expect everything suit their needs, however the site has to be paid somehow and ads do not cause any harm at all, although there can be some weird ads -- which can be removed if you complain.

AVG has served me great over the years, and I'm not bothered about the Yahoo toolbar on setup -- at least the AVG programme can remain free!!!

Regards Jason

[tomrca]

it is still a reliable av prog and it is just an optional toolbar.

[evilfantasy]

It's not just the fact that the toolbar is now included with the install. It is the lack of warning that it is being installed and more so the fact that it is set to install by default unless you "opt-out". That is how malicious products work, they bundle extra "goodies" along with the install with no warning of what is going on. AVG is well aware of this which is why their antispyware software removes adware and some toolbars. They know bundling is highly disliked.

Why not an option to opt-in?

Edit: What also bothers me is in many cases I have to advise a user to install an antivirus. I will now have to consider if AVG is what I will recommend. Would you like someone advising on how good something is and then find it installed a toolbar? I wouldn't and I shouldn't have to point out that they should look for the toolbar option during install.

Looks like Avast! will now be my sole recommendation.

[tomrca]

by evilfantasy fact that it is set to install by default unless you "opt-out"

i agree

[Daveskater]

That's what gets me as well, really.

CCleaner does basically the same thing, where you untick the box, but I wouldn't expect to have to do sometihng like that with an anti-virus.

I suppose the problem with having the box unchecked by default is that a lot less people are going to install it, which means less income from it for Grisoft.

[Howard]

Exactly Dave.

It really isn`t a big deal as far as I`m concerned. Anyone who thinks it is, should maybe start paying for their AV software as pretty soon, I have a feeling most free security software will have to have some kind of software bundled with it, in order for the makers to make ends meet.

I`m more than happy to install software from a reputable company, then get rid of any unwanted bundled software.

Regards Howard

[evilfantasy]

I am trying to clarify if it is just the new 8.0 version that this is happening with. If that is true then it is in fact bad as 8.0 is a pay only version at this point in time. AVG is promoting it as a Security Toolbar and masking the fact that it is actually the Yahoo toolbar with AVG integrated into it. I did some beta testing with the 8.0 and liked it a lot, still have it installed but I don't like all in one security suites so have it turned off. It does have a lot of nice features.

Also just read where the updates/downloads for AVG Anti-Rootkit Free will no longer be available as is now included with commercial versions of AVG 8.0. Speculation is growing that they may do the same with the antispyware since it is now in the 8.0 as well.

[evilfantasy]

New stuff..... Be sure to click the link at the bottom for all of the details.

Check out a response left by someone from AVG in a blog complaining about the toolbar.

the majority of threats are now coming from the web, so it seems logical to start incorporating the threat protection into the browser

As opposed to the threats coming from exactly where?

People testing the install are also reporting that it in fact does install by default. Period!!! That is with or without the option checked. At this time it is only in the new 8.0 version but rumored to be included with an update in the free version later in the year.

Source and more information.

[Albert Lionheart]

They're all doing it. Hardly a bit of free software comes without some sort of bundled sh*te or other. This is how it is paid for - pure and simple, and most PC users haven't a clue what is going on or how to stop it. I doubt most of them would care anyway!

[Spleenharvester]

Viruses can come over email, or so I hear

Does the toolbar come with the non-free version?