1. You are viewing our forum as a guest. For full access please Register. WindowsBBS.com is completely free, paid for by advertisers and donations.

Adobe Flash Update - Boo Hiss

Discussion in 'General Internet' started by Steve R Jones, 2012/08/22.

  1. 2012/08/22
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2001/12/30
    Messages:
    12,315
    Likes Received:
    252
    I received a fairly standard message about Flash having an update... Or so I thought.

    Entirely new process... It ended up installing Google Toolbar and Google Chrome... AND I didn't see an option to "opt out."

    Buyer Beware
     
    Steve R Jones,
    #1
  2. 2012/08/22
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff

    Joined:
    2001/12/27
    Messages:
    15,174
    Likes Received:
    412
    I have set it to notify me for updates... so I can install them manually... so far I've not received a notice.

    Their site does let you opt-out of Google Chrome: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/

    Interesting that uing Firefox I get offered McAfee Security Scan Plus, not Google Chrome
     
    Arie,
    #2


  3. to hide this advert.

  4. 2012/08/22
    JohnB Lifetime Subscription

    JohnB Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    2002/01/07
    Messages:
    856
    Likes Received:
    11
    I also have it set to notify only and install manually. On both browsers I am given the option of opting out of either Chrome or McAfee which I do. Has been this way for ages.
     
    JohnB,
    #3
  5. 2012/08/22
    MrBill

    MrBill SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

    Joined:
    2006/01/14
    Messages:
    4,331
    Likes Received:
    270
    Even being notified or going and getting it, you can "OPT" out.
     
    MrBill,
    #4
  6. 2012/08/22
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2001/12/30
    Messages:
    12,315
    Likes Received:
    252
    Bill - have you seen the new "being notified?" I have a pretty sharp eye to look out for the extras I don't want... But didn't see it this morning.
     
    Steve R Jones,
    #5
  7. 2012/08/22
    MrBill

    MrBill SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

    Joined:
    2006/01/14
    Messages:
    4,331
    Likes Received:
    270
    Got it on the laptop last night and unchecked the box.
    i have 2 other PC's that I will check later and see what it shows. They are on XP.
     
    MrBill,
    #6
  8. 2012/08/24
    ianamal

    ianamal Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    2012/07/03
    Messages:
    92
    Likes Received:
    5
    Hi that goes for Avast as well, I think I've ended up with chrome three times doing installs on other peoples machines and twice on mine.
    But the really annoying thing is Avast downloads and installs really quickly, so you should be straight away rebooting and doing a scan, but no you have to wait, machine not protected while it downloads and installs Chrome.
    I wouldn't mind so much if they gave you the option of FireFox or Opera as well!
    Watch out for Yahoo and their Yield Manager.

    Have fun, Ian.
     
    ianamal,
    #7
  9. 2012/08/24
    Davezilla

    Davezilla Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    2008/09/28
    Messages:
    454
    Likes Received:
    7
    I've not noticed this stealth tactic. I'm pretty sure I am always offered the choice whether to download the crapware, sorry I mean special offers, or not.
     
    Davezilla,
    #8
  10. 2012/08/27
    alanrf

    alanrf Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    2004/03/05
    Messages:
    282
    Likes Received:
    8
    Yes, their offer to install McAfee code is particularly offensive, given the current issues with their Firewall and AV product - reported extensively on their 'Community' pages. Over 40 pages of it in fact, on 'internet access' including the corrupt datafile download.



    It seems to me, intuitively, that more and more downloads try to insert unwanted 'features' by stealth. 'Crapware' is bad enough on a new box, but 'cyber-crapware' is worse.
     
    alanrf,
    #9
  11. 2012/08/27
    Davezilla

    Davezilla Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    2008/09/28
    Messages:
    454
    Likes Received:
    7
    I remember when PDF XC accidentally 'missed' the opt out check box on their 32 bit version once. They got so many complaints on their forum that they even issued an apology. It seems it was a genuine glitch though. They did point out that it is easy enough to uninstall the crapware, sorry I mean special offers, however. I know their stuff is freeware (the best PDF Reader IMO), & I hate to knock really good freeware, but there should always be an option to opt-out of any other software. I think Maxthon tried something similar with crapware once. :eek:
     
    Davezilla,
    #10

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...