CCleaner's strategy of downloads

[deya]

It seems that in the latest version of CCleaner the installer is downloading and installing Avast, and without giving an option to opt out;

https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=208612.120

Surely that can't be the case? .... and also reports of pop-up ads bundled with the program that are difficult to get rid of?

I use (occasionally) an older portable version so not come across anything like this, so just a word of warning to anyone here who may download the latest version to tread cautiously.

[Burn-IT]

I think it will depend on where you get it from.
Some of the sites are KNOWN to bundle other stuff - including the occasional virus - along with their own installer.
As always, the best way to minimise this problem is to use the software maker's own download or the site recommended by the vendor.

[EldonW]

Originally Posted by deya

It seems that in the latest version of CCleaner the installer is downloading and installing Avast, and without giving an option to opt out;

The majority of downloaded programs can be installed without an internet connection.

Disconnect!
It has worked for me for many years.

[deya]

Yes, good advice and agree with all that's been posted, above. But regarding which sites you download from, it seems (to me) that people are downloading it from Piriform and still having the issue - even with the portable version they're getting the pop-up ad;

https://forum.piriform.com/topic/520...leaner-pop-up/

Could be mistaken, but it seems that way to me. The version I have is an older one, 535 portable, and have no intention of changing it. Just thought to bring it up here, with it being recommended on the main site and the link to Piriform.

[EldonW]

Originally Posted by deya

The version I have is an older one, 535 portable, and have no intention of changing it.

And that is exactly what I do.
Ignore the self-appointed experts who read something on the net and then try to tell everyone what a "security risk" old/outdated software is.

I'm still using Winamp...
And the last free FastStone Capture is 10+ years old...
And I'm still waiting for the malware...

[trainman261]

Originally Posted by EldonW

And that is exactly what I do.
Ignore the self-appointed experts who read something on the net and then try to tell everyone what a "security risk" old/outdated software is.

I'm still using Winamp...
And the last free FastStone Capture is 10+ years old...
And I'm still waiting for the malware...

As to the security side of things: I don't mean to play your "self-appointed expert", but just because you haven't gotten malware doesn't mean doesn't mean it's not a security risk. If I leave the keys to my home in my front door and don't get broken into, doesn't mean there isn't a heightened risk of my place getting robbed.
Now, mind you, it depends which software you're talking about. What it really comes down to is how high the risk is of the software getting exploited. Going into the three programs mentioned:
CCLeaner: low risk, since you're not opening any files with it, you're essentially just scanning and deleting files.
Winamp: medium-low risk, since you're opening files, but just standard audio files (unless Winamp can open other files I'm not aware of). While it is technically possible that someone finds an exploit of the program through an audio or video file, it's very unlikely.
FastStone Capture: low risk, since you're essentially just creating files.
But definitely don't take it as a general rule that outdated software is a low security risk, there is plenty of software that creates a high security risk if it's not updated - if in doubt, update or remove the software.

[EldonW]

Originally Posted by trainman261

But definitely don't take it as a general rule that outdated software is a low security risk, there is plenty of software that creates a high security risk if it's not updated - if in doubt, update or remove the software.

True, Windows is a prime example - updated or not.

Sorry if I was a little too harsh in my previous post.

Remember what happened when users installed the then latest version of CCleaner?
https://www.techsupportalert.com/fre...mpromised.html

[deya]

Interesting reading but it still begs the question - in the case of CCleaner (low risk). Which is the safest course of action; running an outdated version, without the adware and goodness knows what else, or keeping the program up to date with the latest version and inviting in the adware plus the potential for it to install another AV?

Seems like the marketing people at Avast are creating the very same issues as their software programs are supposed to prevent?

[EldonW]

Originally Posted by deya

Interesting reading but it still begs the question - in the case of CCleaner (low risk). Which is the safest course of action; running an outdated version, without the adware and goodness knows what else, or keeping the program up to date with the latest version and inviting in the adware plus the potential for it to install another AV?

Keep what you have.
It's not a security risk.

[Anupam]

I always download the slim version, available from here:

https://www.ccleaner.com/ccleaner/builds

Mind you, this page is no longer shown on the downloads page for CCleaner. I have bookmarked it.

This builds page is still available for their other products, like Speccy and Defraggler, so it is a deliberate strategy to hide this for CCleaner, since it is a more popular product, and they want users to download the ad-supported version.

Slim version is available after many days of release of a new software version, so I wait for that period of time. I can comment on this recent issue only after downloading and installing the slim version. Let's see what's there.