If you are an Avast antivirus user then your computer is probably getting the latest version automatically as they have started rolling it out. There are many new items, all of which are aimed at making your computer experience safer and more secure but just like any FREE program which has PRO options for sale, they have started implementing the 'automatic software updater' with this release and so once the program has been updated, it will scan your computer for other software that requires updating, such as Adobe Reader/Acrobat, Java, Flash, etc. Now don't get me wrong, this is a good thing.. actually a great thing (normally), however because it only checks the version and then if you select YES to go ahead and update, the update is done with the generic install that the program vendors want you to install, meaning turning on the automatic update features by default. This is where most security issues fail and this is because when there is anything common within a program that is where the malicious issues are going to attack since it means an easy entry to all program using this portal.. the automatic update features which I highly suggest turning off. Another reason is because many of these 'free' programs are in bed with numerous other software vendors where you end up with various toolbars and shortcut icons placed on your desktop in hopes you will click on it to learn more about a program and/or install some program you have no idea about but noticed the icon on your desktop.
In the case of this latest Avast update and the ability for this antivirus program to search for other program updates automatically is a feature this is free, or at least the ability to perform the initial scans are and this is what I suggest you turn off. Go to the settings within Avast and then click on SOFTWARE UPDATER from the left hand menu and de-select the checkboxes. If you are unsure of what to do, you can always contact me directly and if you are already using my maintenance services then you can rest easy knowing these sort of things are already being taken care of with a simple notification email to me that you have pop ups stating there are updates available and I will take care of it ASAP!
