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One thing I want to point out immediately when I saw this post: Chrome makes virus-like auto-update, It just freak me out. Google keeps their product auto-update and gave a reason: better services, but ALL I CAN FEEL is FINFISHER is coming closer and closer.

Second, Firefox give me more freedom so far. I can install whatever plugin I want, regardless whether violate Google's terms of service. Instant example, you can't download a Youtube video with chrome store app.

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Chrome doesn't auto-update on Linux, nor presumably in other platforms with working package managers. Windows software is expected to update itself or ask the user to do it, so Google took the approach that was easiest for non-technical users, which IMO is much better for their security.

When users are running an old, unpatched version of a browser, you don't need very advanced tactics to pwn their machines...

And for what is worth, there must be a way to disable Chrome automatic updates, because the PortableApps version of it doesn't (or didn't, a while ago) auto-update.

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