I can guarantee if I see any of that crap appear in my installed Avira it will be poof they're gone and I'll solely use Microsoft Security Essentials on all our computers!
All I can really think about Avira going that route is DUMB ASS, they will lose hordes of people to Avast, MSE, etc., especially to MSE since it doesn't offer any third-party crap at all.
Although Avira Free was technically already "adware" with that stupid pop-up during updating which damn near everyone and their uncle and their dog with one leg hated for several years.
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Edit:
Instead of waiting to see what happens I'm switching to Microsoft Security Essentials right now!
Unbelievable how unaware, uncaring or just plain ignorant Avira is for this policy change. A product designed to stop stuff just like the Ask toolbar is now installing it their self. It was on Avira's list of malware, at least intil they got paid to trick people into installing it. Reputation destroyed and rightfully so.
They deserve to completely go out of business and I hope they do.
Although Avira Free was technically already "adware" with that stupid pop-up during updating which damn near everyone and their uncle and their dog with one leg hated for several years.
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Edit:
Instead of waiting to see what happens I'm switching to Microsoft Security Essentials right now!
Now, don't hold back, Andavari, say what you mean.
Avast Free still gives me random BSOD's at boot that started in version 5 and continues in version 6. Plus it really doesn't like some of my perfectly clean software wanting to "auto-sandbox" it one in particular which I'm always using is Metapad which is my Notepad replacement - seriously a text viewer/editor is "suspicious" to it - god forbid it can modify text documents! Telling it to ignore the software works, but it still causes the software to take forever to start so it isn't worth the trouble.
Summary I won't use Avast Free or AntiVir Free ever again, and AVG Free is even worst in my opinion.
@ Andavari. Yep, that auto sandbox is annoying, seems to have started with this last program update. At the next restart I'm gonna turn it off, don't need it. Hadn't thought about it 'till you mentioned it.
Otherwise Avast gives no problems here...does run a bit heavy.
The Avira AntiVir toolbar ("Ask.com") toolbar has arrived, even for paying Premium users.Source.
Now that this has been confirmed, like Andavari, I too may have to make a change from Avira (Premium), which by the way has served me very well for a number of years.
I've been looking at Avast and MSE? Which do you think would be the best choice -- and why?
I assume this is some BHO crap you can uninstall later, or would that cripple Avria??
According to reports users of AntiVir Free are getting constant update reminders to install the toolbar. Oh well, there's nothing like digging a hole and then jumping in it, farewell Avira!
I've been looking at Avast and MSE? Which do you think would be the best choice -- and why?
Try both and see what you like. I personally like MSE, there's also Panda Cloud Antivirus Free, so don't forget that one. MSE however is the only one that doesn't show any ad's, and doesn't try to install any 3rd party stuff, etc., the only 100% clean in my opinion free antivirus.
I get lots of e-mail on a daily basis and use a pop3 e-mail client. Do any of these three AV programs (Avast, MSE or Panda Cloud) offer real-time e-mail/attachment protection?