AVG 9.0 Free – Now with a helping of adware?

Oct 16 2009

Doesn’t everyone love when their programs update? I sure do. Today, I installed AVG 9.0. My first impression was not good.

First, I downloaded the CNet installer. Went normally, installed fine. When it installed, I figured i’d do a full scan. So I went to “computer scanner” and clicked “full scan”… It did…nothing. So I uninstalled, and re-downloaded the install file straight from the AVG website instead of cnet. Once again it installed fine, and it scans fine. But my eyebrows raised at this:

I didn’t see anywhere as i was going through the steps that would require files from a 3rd party. Why would they install something from a 3rd party? Could AVG 9 have adware? If i’m missing something obvious, Let me know in the comments. If i’m not missing anything, and its really adware, feel free to talk about it here too.

Update: It was brought to my attention that some people think that I may have forgot to de-select the toolbar. I assure you that I made sure i did not select it.

Update 2: “There’s also a new identity-theft assistance service, available for free and provided by a third party.”

From http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus/3000-2239_4-10385707.html

View Comments

  • i7depl
    The new AVG (ver.9) is bloated garbage...nobody asked for identity theft service, but AVG decided you need it anyway and thus will install it for free and without your knowledge.

    I noticed too that you can't change how often AVG connects to the internet for updates...
  • This kind of stuff pisses me off, Platform companies like Java and other corps are starting to do this as well, and they try to be as secretive about installing it with minimal choice. - It's extremely unprofessional, and very greedy.
  • Capt Nutsack
    Comodo covers all my A/V needs. It asks you to install the Ask.com toolbar though. At least it asks to install 3rd party stuff instead of just doing it regardless.
  • stkr
    Interesting. Perhaps I will keep the current version then...
  • Dilpickle1
    I would until it forces you, or something gets figured out.
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