Issues as a result of downloading AVG Free from CNet.

Peter den Hartogh · Post by **Peter den Hartogh** » 2 Oct 2013 3:59 am

Public Servant News Network Port Elizabeth wrote:

Just a heads up to any of you who download from CNet (download.com).
Their downloads now come bundled with trojans and browser hijackers
and the opt out feature (for the bundled malware/toolbars etc.) is not working.
I have had two computers in the workshop this week with major issues
as a result of downloading AVG Free from CNet.

Tracey Wild

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 2 Oct 2013 4:22 am

I refuse to download anything from them because they require installing other software before you can download. I've never downloaded any of their pre-requisite software so I haven't had any problems with malware/spyware, etc.

There are other sites that you can get most of the software from that don't require that.

Jim Priebe · Post by **Jim Priebe** » 3 Oct 2013 2:05 am

There is a way to circumvent the CNet (and most of the other leeches) thing if you are computer savvy enough by viewing the html composition of the page and you can find the actual download site/URL of what you want and bypass the rot.
Bit too complicated to explain it for 'Joe Average User" though. But we all love things that are 'free'.
PM me if you think you can handle it.

Dave Potter · Post by **Dave Potter** » 3 Oct 2013 8:04 am

Jim Priebe wrote:There is a way to circumvent the CNet (and most of the other leeches) thing if you are computer savvy enough by viewing the html composition of the page and you can find the actual download site/URL of what you want and bypass the rot.
Bit too complicated to explain it for 'Joe Average User" though. But we all love things that are 'free'.
PM me if you think you can handle it.

I could "handle it", but why bother? I dumped all the commercial anti-virus junk years ago - Norton, McAfee, AVG, et al - and switched to Microsoft Security Essentials, and I've never looked back. It's also "free", and it's every bit as effective as the commercial bloatware. It's actually a pretty well-done piece of work, IMO.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 3 Oct 2013 8:50 am

I've used MSE since it first came out. Very good security package. That is all I recommend to the computer clients I support. That and Malwarebytes.

But, there are a lot of other software/shareware or trial versions of (pay for) software on CNET. It wasn't there when they first started and was one of the prime software download sites. Since the introduction of the garbage, it makes it hard for the average user.

Jim Priebe · Post by **Jim Priebe** » 3 Oct 2013 1:29 pm

It is probably worth pointing out that this happens (you are asked or required to download something you don't need prior to the software you actually want) in most cases now not just anti virus software eg. even to get some driver files.
This is why I posted that there are ways to circumvent these. I guess it is a sign of how the operators try to make money on the net when everything purports to be "free".

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 28 Oct 2013 3:35 pm

I agree! I also stopped using and visiting CNET because of all the add-on crap they try to shove into your computer. Way too much malware and adware on their site, and I can get better reviews on youTube.