Beware: Free Antivirus Isn’t Really Free Anymore

[Venustus]

Free antivirus applications aren’t what they used to be. Free antivirus companies are now bundling adware, spyware, toolbars, and other junk to make a quick buck.

At one point, free antivirus was just advertising, pushing users to upgrade to the paid products. Now, free antivirus companies are making money through advertising, tracking, and junkware installations.

How They’re Making Money Off Your PC

• Changing Your Default Search Engine: Antivirus companies attempt to change your browser’s search engine to one of their own choosing. They then make money when you click ads on these search results pages. This may sometimes be branded something like “secure search,” but you’re actually just using an inferior search engine that makes the company money.
• Changing Your Homepage: Antivirus companies also want to change your homepage, driving traffic to websites that make money by advertising to you.
• Ask Toolbars and Rebranded Ask Toolbars: Many programs want to install the terrible Ask toolbar. Some companies use a rebranded version of the Ask Toolbar with their own name on it, but one that is still the Ask toolbar.
• Junkware: Antivirus companies add additional programs (or “offers”) to their installers that are automatically installed by default. They’re paid by the program’s creator if they can install the program on your system — as much as a few bucks per install.
• Tracking: Antivirus companies track your browsing habits and other personal details about you. Some antivirus companies probably sell this data to make more money, too.

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[Koroke San]

Thnx brah, bookmarked this page

 

[Tony Cole]

That's why I hate free software, cannot stand constant adverts and toolbar's and adware is even worse. I would rather spend £50-£80 for a good quality security suite.

 

[Kuttz]

Nothing in this world is "Free"

 

[jamescv7]

Well its already a standard style for most software as Ad-supported/Free therefore even a little amount of money generated in advertising is already a precious from them so its a Plan B task.

 

[Exterminator]

Some free programs are good and still free if you educate yourself on what to look for.Thats why we have sites like this one
Most redirects and toolbars can be unticked on installation.However their are those that aren't.
Those companies that offer free solutions have no choice in todays AV market since the majority of free users will never upgrade to their paid versions.Does it make it right ? No. Can I see why they do it? Yes. Who do they target? The average home user
Is there anything out there today that doesn't track you in some way shape or form? I think not whether paid or free.Just because you shell out some $ doesn't mean they aren't doing the same as some.
I would like to think that some things are still free however free is not always good.We still need the free versions and those companies that offer them.Not everyone in this world can afford to pay for security software and in the world we live in today the internet is for the most part a necessity and free protection a necessity as well.

 

[jackuars]

Just check/un-check/read various fields in the installation setup, and you get a clean and totally free program to play with.

Isn't that what you already do while filling online application forms for exams, jobs or banking? Just apply that knowledge here.

 

[Atlas147]

I agree with @jackuars , all of the above can be prevented just by unchecking the right boxes, with the exception of the tracking part, that you have to read their privacy terms and see what they really give out.

 

[WinXPert]

I'm not experiencing that with 360 TS

 

[Rolo]

None of this is new and a lot of good utilities have the same issue. I won't complain as long as the junkware is optional.

 

[LabZero]

Why, if an antivirus is valid , they distribute it for free ?
Finally the answer is written in the article above. ...