Resolved AVG security toolbar

Recently without my knowledge AVG Security Toolbar was installed as an 'extension' in Firefox (probably automatically as part of a recent AVG upgrade).
Since then every time I open FIREFOX my default 'home page' opens PLUS another 'window' displaying "Congratulations The AVG Security Toolbar is now successfully installed "
I don't want to be reminded that this has happened every time I start a Firefox session.
Apart from disabling the extension in Firefox Is there a something I can do/set to prevent this annoyance?
Thanks

 

AVG.com > How to uninstall AVG Security Toolbar

 

Frankly, I've always found AVG to have virus-like qualities and therefore refuse to install it on my computers.

 

Although others tell you to disable or remove the toolbar, I don't see why the Toolbar should go through the same spiel, unlike other extentions, every time. Does it not do anything to just close that tab? If there is no other way to shut it up, disable it, remove it, or, maybe uncheck it via View|Show/Hide, but it is of no use to anyone, other than AVG. Just remove it.

 

I used AVG on hundereds of PC's for years and NEVER had a problem with it. I now use MSE as it is smaller and I have no problems with it. AVG has NEVER burned me or any of the PC's that I have put it on. Norton and McCrappy have burned me before.

 

No it doesn't BUT why the need to do unnecessary things when you shouldn't need to PLUS it 'smacks' of advertising and aren't we all being overly subjected to advertising not only on TV but also now on PCs and the internet (eg the advertisements now being forced upon us when selecting a YouTube clip but don't let me get started there).
I could put up with the extra Firefox window opening 'congratulating' me on adding the plugin (even though it came in without my knowledge) if it went away after the first time (and so it should) I opened Firefox after it was installed BUT NOT EVERY TIME.
Also I would prefer to have the plugin as it seems to be a good thing BUT NOT when it keeps 'popping up'

Thanks everyone for your input. I will Google MSE (not sure what the full name is) and check it out. I have been tempted to invest in Kasperkey lately.

 

MSE is Microsoft Security Essentials. It is an Anti Virus program. MSE Download

 

Thanks MrBill
Already found and downloaded it.
Not sure how effective it is though (compared to other similar applications) but I'll give it a go.

 

Seems quite a few folks using it now and haven't really heard any problems or sneakys getting in. If people would just make sure to keep them up to date, no matter what they use, it would be a lot better.

 

Thanks for the advice
Now running MSE and it seems ok although I'm not sure if it could be slower than AVG when manually scanning a single application.

 

There was a review of AV software in the May edition the UK magazine PC Pro


The following summary, comparing relative detection rates, may be of interest.



Bitdefender 100%

Trend Micro 100% (Winner)

F-Secure 100%

Kaspersky 100%

AVG 98% (Recommended - it's free!)

Comodo 98%

Norton 96%

PC Tools 96%

Avast 94%

BullGuard 93%

Microsoft 92%

Webroot 59%

McAfee 52%



The comments in italics are those made by the reviewers, but you need to read the article to get the full flavour of the various offerings.

 

While it is interesting, it means relatively nothing. Different reviewers and reviews rank these same AV's differently. You can get independent labs like Virus BB giving one rank and AV-Comparatives ranking them differently. I would say that AV-Comparatives is about the most unbiased and best equipped labs to do the testing and reviews but that's just my two cents.

 

Got to agree with this. If I use something and have good luck with it, I don't usually change because of what somebody else said. I never have paid attention to those ratings.

 

I tend to agree with you both in principle but based upon the recent issues with McAfee being unable to resolve a 'simple' but fundamental issue with network connectivity that is affecting many users, myself included, that information was at least helpful in providing some guidance in finding different software to replace what has become an increasingly unreliable product.

 

It seems that I have stirred up a few pople here.

I tend to use any ratings as a guide and therefore would not consider those rated lowest.

I had been using AVG for years mainly for this reason and it had never let me down.
I also use Malwarebytes AntiMalware manually which has at times picked up things which AVG didn't and AdAware has picked up things which the other 2 didn't.

I guess I use those ratings as a guide and would never rely on something which was rated lowest.

I like the Av's which offer (can't remember the technical term) a features which suggests that they will report something which could be a virus (ie not yet proven to be a virus but beware).

Thanks for everyone's input. It's good to read others opinions.

 

AVG and Malwarebytes AntiMalware are looking for 2 different things.

I don't think that you have stirred up anybody here.

 

You haven't stirred me up and I doubt you've upset or stirred up anyone else. All I was saying (probably didn't express myself very well) was that rankings of AV programs are generally to be taken with a grain of salt. That's why I added: "my two cents' worth" meaning that I was just expressing my opinion. I do find that AV-Comparatives is about the most reliable group for doing these sort of rankings/reviews simply because they have the expertise and they have no dog in the race as it were (in other words, they're unbiased and not trying to sell something).

Having said all of that, I think that most AV programs today are going to give you good protection. The real protection comes with using one's head because no AV program is perfect and if we're careless we're going to end up paying for it.

I hope that helps a bit. You know... I know some folks are all for free programs (i.e. Paul Thurrott uses MSE and swears by it) and some will trust only paid-for programs (I'm not saying either way). Some have had bad past experiences with certain programs (i.e. McAfee, Norton) and others have had nothing but success with those same programs. That's why I don't get too carried away by personal testimonials. I'd rather study AV-Comparatives and make my choice from there... knowing, of course, that whatever I get it still will be imperfect.

Take care.

 

I didn't mean that I upset anyone by saying 'stirred up'.

Yes I use 'benchtests' of AV's as a guide only and that is why I stated that I probably wouldn't choose those rated at the bottom of the rating.

Could you please explain what malware is as you state that AVs and Ani malware are two different things.
This concerns me as in the past I have found some files pass an AV test but not Anti-Malware. Surely one wouldn't want to use a file which didn't pass anti-malware even if it was passed by your AV program.
I have only been 'bitten' by a virus or malware once so after finding out about Malwarebytes anti-malware pass any file received from frinds through both AV and anti-malware.