June 26, 2008
No Excuse
Okay, I just ran across a story about AVG that I find disturbing.
AVG puts out an anti-virus product that I have been using for quite a while and have recommended to a number of people. However, it has lately been getting out of hand and I think it has now jumped the shark.
The last time I updated, it installed (without asking me) some sort of browser checker which I promptly deleted. The wankers! However, it seemed to perk along happily even without the web spy on it, so I left it alone.
A few weeks ago, when the insistent message came telling me I MUST upgrade to the latest and greatest AVG 8.0... I could not find the free version and being fed up - I've simply closed it for now and will be taking it off my system.
In the entire time I've used it, I have only seen it catch 3 emails with "viruses" none of the emails were ones I might have opened - all would have gone into the spam folder and died an untimely death. Therefore, it has been literally doing nothing for me.
Today I saw this headline:
AVG disguises fake traffic as IE6
Oh for heaven sake! As if people running web sites don't have enough to contend with, AVG has to go spewing tons of extra idiot traffic into the mix. Considering the fact they are completely screwing up every webmaster's ability to try and keep their own systems secure without having to pay out big bucks to do it, I think this is the height of arrogance for AVG.
I will be looking about for a new free anti virus to recommend to people who ask. But for myself, I'm going to stick with Cloudmark the junk mail filter and let it grab the spammy stuff. That seems to have kept my machine happy since I installed it. Although I do have to pay for it. Up to now, it's been worth every penny and has worked beautifully.
For everyone else - I can no long recommend AVG. Sorry about that. *sigh*
AVG puts out an anti-virus product that I have been using for quite a while and have recommended to a number of people. However, it has lately been getting out of hand and I think it has now jumped the shark.
The last time I updated, it installed (without asking me) some sort of browser checker which I promptly deleted. The wankers! However, it seemed to perk along happily even without the web spy on it, so I left it alone.
A few weeks ago, when the insistent message came telling me I MUST upgrade to the latest and greatest AVG 8.0... I could not find the free version and being fed up - I've simply closed it for now and will be taking it off my system.
In the entire time I've used it, I have only seen it catch 3 emails with "viruses" none of the emails were ones I might have opened - all would have gone into the spam folder and died an untimely death. Therefore, it has been literally doing nothing for me.
Today I saw this headline:
AVG disguises fake traffic as IE6
Exclusive AVG has rejiggered the fake traffic it's spewing across the internet, causing new headaches for the world's webmasters.
In late February, AVG paired its updated anti-virus engine with a real-time malware scanner that vets search engine results before you click on them. If you search Google, for instance, this LinkScanner automatically visits each address that turns up on Google's results page.
Oh for heaven sake! As if people running web sites don't have enough to contend with, AVG has to go spewing tons of extra idiot traffic into the mix. Considering the fact they are completely screwing up every webmaster's ability to try and keep their own systems secure without having to pay out big bucks to do it, I think this is the height of arrogance for AVG.
I will be looking about for a new free anti virus to recommend to people who ask. But for myself, I'm going to stick with Cloudmark the junk mail filter and let it grab the spammy stuff. That seems to have kept my machine happy since I installed it. Although I do have to pay for it. Up to now, it's been worth every penny and has worked beautifully.
For everyone else - I can no long recommend AVG. Sorry about that. *sigh*
Posted by: Teresa in
WebTech
at
11:02 PM
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1
I got the same message and found version 8 with no problem. BUT this problem of encroachment has been bothering me for some time... it keeps adding apps til the console looks the bridge of the USS Enterprise.
I don't have the browser checker/internet security. There's a red box on the console appealing to me to download it... but of course I've no need.
And all I wanted was a danged antivirus.
I'll be interested to read your follow ups on this, as usual.
I don't have the browser checker/internet security. There's a red box on the console appealing to me to download it... but of course I've no need.
And all I wanted was a danged antivirus.
I'll be interested to read your follow ups on this, as usual.
Posted by: pam at June 27, 2008 07:52 AM (l6NIn)
2
I tried to install 8.0, but it told me to bugger off because I haven't installed XP's SP 2.
Well, bugger off right back at them.
Well, bugger off right back at them.
Posted by: Harvey at June 28, 2008 06:00 PM (bXukZ)
3
Check into the free version of Avast. Let me know if you like it.
Posted by: Laurie at June 29, 2008 08:47 PM (tV5Sa)
Posted by: Teresa at June 30, 2008 10:02 AM (mMa3+)
5
I'm using the paid version of AVG...haven't had the problems you mentioned but if that's the way they run their business, then perhaps it's time I looked elsewhere. Please let me know if you find some decent alternatives and I'll be sure to do the same!
Posted by: zonker at July 05, 2008 08:26 PM (PrUNH)
6
I will Zonker - I've been so buried in work I haven't had a chance to even look yet. *sigh*
Posted by: Teresa at July 05, 2008 10:55 PM (mMa3+)
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