Avast recommends download from CNET - good idea?

[J_L]

CNET already showed that they will repackage software with adware for their own profits without the creator's consent. Therefore, Avast should be ashamed as a security company.

[STV0726]

Originally Posted by J_L

CNET already showed that they will repackage software with adware for their own profits without the creator's consent. Therefore, Avast should be ashamed as a security company.

I would agree, but let's say Avast comes out and PROMISES it will not be repackaged.

I want to make sure I'm clear that I am also against any 3rd party download site being the primary means of acquiring a security product.

[J_L]

Avast itself may not be packaged, but that site is full of potentially unwanted programs, which Avast is supposed to protect against, due to their packaging. Therefore, giving such a site more traffic is a disservice to computer security.

[Page42]

Originally Posted by J_L

Therefore, giving such a site more traffic is a disservice to computer security.

I tend to agree with this statement.

[STV0726]

Originally Posted by Page42

I tend to agree with this statement.

Yep...I agree very much as well.

It's like buying an air purifier from a company that also sells highly toxic chemicals.

Originally Posted by J_L

CNET already showed that they will repackage software with adware for their own profits without the creator's consent. Therefore, Avast should be ashamed as a security company.

I agree but why don't you download Avast from filehippo.com?

[J_L]

That totally misses the point of my statement. It has nothing to do with what I download, but what people are exposed to: unwanted adware in Avast's case of promoting CNET.

[STV0726]

Originally Posted by tpro

I agree but why don't you download Avast from filehippo.com?

Filehippo is still a 3rd party.

[RejZoR]

So what? That's why all avast! installers come with digital signature. If it's there, you're looking at authentic installer. If it's not there, look for it somewhere else or try to re-download it.

[J_L]

How many times do I have to repeat myself? The download and installer do not matter. The real issue here is giving an adware site more users and software to exploit.

Originally Posted by RejZoR

So what?

We want to download Avast from avast.com and not from CNET Adware.com

[STV0726]

Originally Posted by J_L

How many times do I have to repeat myself? The download and installer do not matter. The real issue here is giving an adware site more users and software to exploit.

And aside from my 3rd party complaints, J_L is right about CNET. Why would Avast! even want to be remotely associated with something like that?

[chriswiles]

Originally Posted by STV0726

And aside from my 3rd party complaints, J_L is right about CNET. Why would Avast! even want to be remotely associated with something like that?

See my post earlier in the thread.

CNET Download.com is primarily a source for novice users to download software. They take notice of the top ten most popular download chart. It's dominated by AVG. Security companies want to get to the top as, once you're at the top, it appears you stay there, in a cycle of interest.

So, Avast are recommending CNET as they want to move up the most popular download chart. Nothing more, nothing less.

I have no beef with them about this, but I am angry where they cite "technical issues" over downloading from other sites. ie. as if any non-CNET download site can't be trusted or something. That's bad business.

[Kerodo]

Originally Posted by tpro

We want to download Avast from avast.com and not from CNET Adware.com

You already have that option.... just choose to download from the Avast servers instead of the others. It's on their site...

Originally Posted by Kerodo

You already have that option.... just choose to download from the Avast servers instead of the others. It's on their site...

But Avast recommend CNET

[Dermot7]

Originally Posted by Kerodo

You already have that option.... just choose to download from the Avast servers instead of the others. It's on their site...

Correct Kerodo, but what chriswiles has said above is the really relevant factor,
and inexperienced users will, most likely, use the easiest, most obvious download option and be redirected to -http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10019223.html?part=dl-85737&subj=dl&tag=button-

And until AV companies change their priority from being high-up on CNET's chart, this will remain as it is.

[Kerodo]

To be fair, they really should offer both download options side by side on the web page, and let the user choose...

[Dermot7]

Originally Posted by Kerodo

To be fair, they really should offer both download options side by side on the web page, and let the user choose...

Absolutely!

[TigerRaptorFX]

I can't think of one company that has not done something stupid over the years. But that doesn't mean I am going to stop using it. Unless it is absolutely necessary. Personally I use my own judgment and avoid the scream of the chicken little and the boy who cried wolf. Every now and then I still download from CNET, just avoid their installer.

[tgell]

Originally Posted by STV0726

And aside from my 3rd party complaints, J_L is right about CNET. Why would Avast! even want to be remotely associated with something like that?

With all the complaints surrounding IYogi, I cannot understand why Avast is associated with them either.

[J_L]

I think it's for money and market share, although there are more reputable ways of doing it.

[The Hammer]

Originally Posted by TigerRaptorFX

I can't think of one company that has not done something stupid over the years. But that doesn't mean I am going to stop using it. Unless it is absolutely necessary. Personally I use my own judgment and avoid the scream of the chicken little and the boy who cried wolf. Every now and then I still download from CNET, just avoid their installer.

I think that others are trying to point out that the average or new user isn't as clever as you are, hence the concern.

[JoeBlack40]

Maybe something like this,i mean,more obvious the download link from the Avast site?