Norton And Mcafee Are Viruses
San Francisco, CA, US -
By definition, a virus is a software that is installed on your computer without your permission, runs unwanted processes (sometimes designed to take your money), and can't be closed normally (runs as a daemon), and is difficult to uninstall.
By this definition, I claim that Norton and McAfee have become viruses.
I recently bought a new laptop, and it came pre-installed with Norton AV for 30 days. The 30 day free trial just expired, and I realized that Norton AV is not just an AV.... it's a VIRUS. Norton's marketing deparment must have been taking cues from the Malware and Adware bots they've been removing over the last several years... because their software now mimics them almost to a tee.
Examples of how AV software titles are becoming viruses:
- I never asked for Norton to be installed on my computer. It came pre-installed as a "demo" version without my permission. When the "demo" was about to expire, I started getting a popup app several times a day advising me that I should buy Norton. I can't close the app normally, and can only select from one of 2 options: 1) Upgrade now (recommended), or 2) Remind me again in 1 day. (SERIOUSLY?)
- When I download and install Flash Player, it comes bundled with "McAfee Anti-Virus Scanner", which isn't an AV software as it would have you believe, but an AV-detection tool, which if you don't have McAfee installed, then advertises to you that you're in danger, and advises you to purchase their software.
These are the behavior of malware apps. Legitimate software companies should not be allowed to use such shady tactics to push their brand on you.
Certainly, I know that I need an AV software on my computer, but I'm offended that Norton and McAfee believe they have the right to install what can only be described as a virus on my computer to make me buy THEIR tools.
Using their fear-mongering malware approach to sales, these two companies have earned my disloyalty, and I hope yours as well.
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