´óÏó´«Ã½

Inspired by the hype I have just tried to download and install Google's new browser, Chrome. It went like a dream: two clicks, small download file and then. Eek! Kaspersky Antivirus did one of those Wacky Races handbrake turn noises and filled my screen with red writing, the gist of which is that it was trying to "register its copy as an autorun startup object". It continued:

"Riskware - programs or components which can be used by hackers to steal data from the computer or local network. If the user permits such a program to run, it is advisable to add the program to the exclusion list. For more details please follow the link."

So I have binned it. What it was trying to do was to get itself on a kind of exclusive guest list that is invited to my party without me knowing, so that it starts up when my computer starts up.

Given that hackers have discovered a vulnerability to this software (see ) it's probably a good thing that Kaspersky did this, although I find Kaspersky too a little bit fussy at times.

And given that Google knows its main rival, Microsoft, has chosen data security and privacy as the big issue with which to bash the Mountain View Monster, I wonder why they have put something in the install process that, without asking, makes part of the programme a startup item, thus, as Alistair Darling might have put it, p***ing me off.

There's more about Chrome . Big PR success for my who had to launch the thing on his first day on the job. I hope he is enjoying the free pumpkin seeds and fussball tables at Google's UK HQ.

Send me your experiences of Chrome: hit the comment button.