How to download IrfanView?

[C41]

I downloaded IrfanView (from the default FossHub site) and my trial version of Norton Security (which I haven't got rid of yet) instantly deleted it as a threat. Does anyone know what this is about? Does FossHub attach unwanted bloat/malware to downloads? (I'm uncomfortable with the wide range of download sites on the Irfan page, some of which surely do!)

[Edit] After a bit of research I see that Norton's "WS.Reputation.1" is bogus and controversial, since virtually any newly released file will trigger it without containing actual threats. But I'm still concerned about what download sites may be adding to IrfanView itself.

 

[Patco]

I downloaded IrfanView (from the default FossHub site) and my trial version of Norton Security (which I haven't got rid of yet) instantly deleted it as a threat. Does anyone know what this is about? Does FossHub attach unwanted bloat/malware to downloads? (I'm uncomfortable with the wide range of download sites on the Irfan page, some of which surely do!)

I just downloaded iview458_x64_setup.exe from here:
https://www.fosshub.com/IrfanView.html

and then submitted it to VirusTotal , at which not even one malware scanner found any issues:
https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file...ab17fbe86a37b6cb2b4fa68e7bcb99c0861/detection

Your problem might be a Norton false positive.

 

[jpegman]

Dump Norton - stay with Microsoft Defender built in to Windows!

Download Irfanview from their homepage directly - Irfanview Home Page

 

[C41]

Your problem might be a Norton false positive.

I don't think it was even a test at all. I just restored the file (despite warnings) and then manually scanned it with Norton itself(!) which found no threat! This is ridiculous. Thanks for your reassurance about the FossHub download.

 

[C41]

Dump Norton - stay with Microsoft Defender built in to Windows!\

I intend to; I was just curious enough to keep Norton for the trial period.

Download Irfanview from their homepage directly - Irfanview Home Page

That's where I was, but the Irfan homepage doesn't offer downloads itself. It defaults to FossHub, and lists a dozen other alternatives also.

 

[jpegman]

Then follows Patco comments !


Epson P800

 

[meow]

Irfan isn't the problem. Norton is.

 

[Eric Carlson]

The issue is likely Norton. I always download IrfanView and plugins from the FileForum site, which is one of the official listed alternate sited, and I have been for 15 years or so.

 

[Mystery member]

Dump Norton - stay with Microsoft Defender built in to Windows!\

I intend to; I was just curious enough to keep Norton for the trial period.

Trial versions probably aren't a bad idea during the setup phase of a new computer, but once Windows settles down and various updates have been applied, I always uninstall the trial versions. I find it rather suspicious that the uninstall operation is often lengthy, with confusing prompts.

I've been a long-time user of Norton AV (but not the full versions such as Norton Internet Security), and many years ago, Norton Utilities was the Gold Standard for HDD maintenance.

Some form of third party protection was probably advisable in years past, but Windows 10 Defender now seems to be good enough. For the last couple of years, I've only used Defender on my newer computers, and have uninstalled Norton as the licence(s) have expired on my older computers.

 

[Eric Carlson]

...and many years ago, Norton Utilities was the Gold Standard for HDD maintenance.

That and Central Point Software's PC Tools and also SpinRite.

 

[C41]

I find it rather suspicious that the uninstall operation is often lengthy, with confusing prompts.

The Norton Removal Tool (which worked very well and I thought they deserved credit for) is now called the Remove and Reinstall Tool, and sounds intentionally difficult to get it to just do a removal. Antivirus programs today are ever more like viruses themselves, not just hard to clean off your system, but doing all sorts of things without your permission, popping up annoying messages, and trying to extort money from you.

I've been a long-time user of Norton AV (but not the full versions such as Norton Internet Security), and many years ago, Norton Utilities was the Gold Standard for HDD maintenance.

I remember those days fondly myself... of course the average computer user was much more knowledgable back then, and not only didn't need but would never have tolerated this level of interference, paranoia, and idiot-proofing.

 

[Mystery member]

I find it rather suspicious that the uninstall operation is often lengthy, with confusing prompts.

The Norton Removal Tool (which worked very well and I thought they deserved credit for) is now called the Remove and Reinstall Tool, and sounds intentionally difficult to get it to just do a removal. Antivirus programs today are ever more like viruses themselves, not just hard to clean off your system, but doing all sorts of things without your permission, popping up annoying messages, and trying to extort money from you.

Yes, I recall that the "Remove and Reinstall" for Norton was a bit cantankerous, and there was still some stuff left. If I recall correctly, there was a helpful message saying it was no longer installed, and encouraging me to reinstall. Great!

At one stage, due to some bad management on my part, I had three Norton licences with automatic renewals. It was relatively easy to cancel the auto renewals, and the licences eventually expired.

Auto renewals are "Gold" for software vendors, but the only one that I will allow is a multi-user licence for MS-Office. Their subscription service is easy to work with, and there's a comprehensive control panel.