Windows 7: Why does crapware still exist?

There's been some hype about the latest java update to fix the bug leaving you more exposed! Mozilla is actually blocking the latest Java 7 update 10. https://blog.mozilla.org/security/20...vulnerability/

+1 Night Hawk

-I had that yesterday from FF, just proves that the open Source alternative has its eye on the ball, as usual first to act.

But if everyone keeps eyes open for the check boxes, it would not happen. I got burned once, they don't get another chance.

Maybe I've misunderstood you, but...

On one of my laptops the Java version is 7.09 and Mozilla did not disable it, and yes, the laptop does have Firefox version 18.01. The plugin check page did complain about the outdated version of java and flash, haven't boot this laptop for couple of month, but by no means Mozilla should disable plugins in my systems. They have no access to my system for blocking functions in my installation of Firefox.

Unfortunately that is how you learn! I had that happen a few times either when not immediately spotting the "unwanted extras" and then the need to get rid of them or simply forgetting to look and uncheck and then have to go back and remove! I think most us have been in that spot likely more times then we realize over a period of years.

When trying out a few freebie dvd burners or video converter programs they always manage to slip in something under the hood you don't find until after you start using the program itself. I seen that stunt too often as well as the unwanted toolbar crapola!

That was a bit odd here when first seen. But according to that source the very latest is what is effected which would be the 7.10 not any previous update. Evidently Mozilla found a new bug in that that wasn't seen in anything previously and made the move to block it.

I've seen some installers make changes to the Registry and create folders on your drives, EVEN if you don't install them.

The other thing I hate, is the installers that replace the "Next" and "Back" buttons, with "Accept" and "Decline" buttons.

Those pages always offer crapware. Choose Decline whenever it appears.

I run into that quite often then not when you want to try one thing but are required to install some crapware along with it? No Thanks! That download gets dumped on the spot!

When you can't opt out of something unwanted the thing to remember is that the program you are trying out is also placed into the "Unwanted" catagory along with the other crap. That's when you look for a better alternative that at least provides key word "options"! You typically would expect that from Adobe as well as other better software writers but can still see the crud mixed in at times.

All times I used Tor network for anonimity, the browser in the client package (a slightly modified Firefox they just call TorBrowser) is set to use Startpage.com as primary search engine, it boasts about not collecting data, IP and stuff.
It is basically a dedicated proxy to use Google's search engine safely.
The company operating it is Ixquick.

I think that the opt-out site gregrocker posted does more or less the same as the Firefox options about telling the sites to not track me (in the privacy tab of the option panel). As it does not force the company to do anything, I think Ghostery and/or NoScript addon is better (as they lock down tracking scripts/cookies/whatever with force).

Sometimes it helps having a 3rd party source to intervene. But that is for web browsing(safe) in general not finding "unwanted" items pushed on you when supposedly downloading an update from a regular source such as Adobe or SUN Microsystems who supplies java runtime.

Now when mentioning Adobe.com obviously the first thing you will hear back is that "you can always use Sumatra!" while in fact all too many sites with pdf docs to view require the Adobe Reader to be installed. It's what you call an industry "web based" standard.

what sites are you talking about? I never had any issue seeing PDFs in my browser in the couple years I'm using Foxit Reader (and its plugin), although my browsing habits may (should) differ from yours.