Avoid extras when installing free software

[DustSailor]

I haven't seen something like this before on this forum, but it is very helpful. Almost every windows 7 computer encounters these problems, especially since Adobe flash player is so popular
How to Avoid Installing Junk Programs When Downloading Free Software

Something else I found that I hadn't noticed before, but you can lock your toolbars
How to Prevent Addon Toolbars in IE | eHow

*If anyone found a better website with this info, post, and I may update mine

 

[UsernameIssues]

I wish that I could find a way to block tool bars from being installed/displayed. Locking the toolbar does not seem to help a bit. I tested with the AOL toolbar and one from Yahoo. :-(

 

[jadinolf]

That stuff was new to me. My antivirus (NOD 32) warns me about that kind of junk.

Thanks for the info.

 

[DustSailor]

I wish that I could find a way to block tool bars from being installed/displayed. Locking the toolbar does not seem to help a bit. I tested with the AOL toolbar and one from Yahoo. :-(

What version of IE are you using? I can't test this myself at the moment cause I'm on a different computer. Did you lock the toolbar as described? and both yahoo and AOL still are able to get their toolbars running on your machine?

 

[Diosoth]

All of the games from gog.com have bundled software- a consequence to getting the games cheap and without DRM. I got a Malwarebytes positive when it picked up a trace of the Softonic package in the temp folder, even though I didn't install the extra stuff.

N64 emulator Project 64 also packs in Delta. Not that it's a great emulator to begin with, if you don't have a super high end video card you're better off with a real N64.

 

[ThrashZone]

Unfortunately the majority of people do not pay attention during the install process,
UAC warns them doesn't mean anyone reads even that
Unless you lock your toolbar you would always see the drag lines on the toolbar,

Even "if" a user locks the toolbar will not help these junkbars from changing settings,
When they install your accepting the Default settings and they will alter any existing preferences/ Refer to the UAC warning popup
This is the most accurate way to deal with Adobe flash,
How to configure your Flash Player settings for maximum privacy and security
Java ?
Never install it works for me ?

 

[DustSailor]

Java ?
Never install it works for me ?

No, few programs need java, and frankly, security takes a hit with it installed. It used to be very popular until developers took a different path. It is still pretty popular with some games on the web and a few software installations.

Java is Insecure and Awful, It’s Time to Disable It, and Here’s How

 

[lehnerus2000]

Accept and Decline buttons

Be aware that sometimes the "Next" and "Back" are replaced with "Accept" and "Decline" buttons.

These are arranged so that if you keep clicking on the button that is in the position that the "Next" button usually occupies, you will "Accept" the crapware install.

 

[DustSailor]

^ Great point.

I especially like it when they automatically check the box for you, make it really tiny, and hide it in some corner amidst a scramble of licensing wording.

 

[mitchell65]

The link in the orignal post looks fine but it's a bit off putting when the first thing you see when you click the link is an advert for Google Chrome the biggest collector of info for onward selling to others I have seen in some time!

 

[DustSailor]

^ You will be hard pressed to find a website with advertisements that refuse google money. But what can you do?

I recently tried the most recent firefox out and found I liked it a lot more than chrome. Overall, I prefer the latest IE, so I refuse the installation of any other browser. Saves space, and I just prefer it. I used to be a firefox fanboy, until IE9 came out.

 

[andrew129260]

Win patrol is great software for preventing toolbars and unnecessary programs trying to start up with your pc. But the easiest way is to stop and read before you install anything.

Even your favorite programs. They have to make money somehow.

 

[gregrocker]

It takes total awareness when installing because they'll even slip sneakware into the fine print of the licensing agreement. They feel the right to do this because it's often freeware they slip it into.

So if I suspect I've just been taken I scan the Programs list in Control Panel first, then if still in doubt run a SuperAntiSpyware scan which will root it out completely.

Another regular stop should be browser Add-Ons to deselect everything except what you know you need. For me that's only Flash, and Google in the stable search box with any others disallowed.

Finally just recently got a prompt three years after I uninstalled it for Java being needed on a survey, so I installed and enabled it just to get miles. Likewise a couple of players that these surveys wanted which I'm willing to bend on because I have nearly earned a free United ticket answering surveys which kills time and is better than reinstalling Windows 8.

 

[kado897]

You need to be careful. If the installer gives the option of a custom install always take it as they hide extras in there.

 

[Bongo]

I always install new software in VMware first to see if it has the custom install and if not to see what installs with it if anything.

Jerry

 

[lehnerus2000]

Good Plan

I always install new software in VMware first to see if it has the custom install and if not to see what installs with it if anything.

Jerry

Good plan.

I often test software in a VM, to:

• See if it has any nasty surprises
• Determine if it is actually worth installing in my physical install

 

[andrew129260]

So if I suspect I've just been taken I scan the Programs list in Control Panel first, then if still in doubt run a SuperAntiSpyware scan which will root it out completely.

You might want to read super antispywares eula. Not exactly good software. There privacy policy link does not work. Manually typing it in leads you to a site that is flagged by wot and avast. As well as mcafee site adviser.

I wouldn't touch their software with a pole.

 

[gregrocker]

Never had any problem with it in quite a few cases where it's rooted out spyware from the registry, even after it was uninstalled in Control Panel. Which one do you prefer for this purpose?

 

[AddRAM]

I wish that I could find a way to block tool bars from being installed/displayed. Locking the toolbar does not seem to help a bit. I tested with the AOL toolbar and one from Yahoo. :-(

All you have to do is go slow and read every screen and uncheck the boxes, nothing will ever install unless you let it install.

 

[andrew129260]

Never had any problem with it in quite a few cases where it's rooted out spyware from the registry, even after it was uninstalled in Control Panel. Which one do you prefer for this purpose?

Keep in mind, I think there protection is good, I just dont agree with the privacy policy or the eula. So I did not install it. It seems a little shady, but based on reviews on protection side, it seems good.

I personally do not use them, but adaware and spyware terminator seem to be great software from user reviews and the eula not looking suspicious. Keep in mind I have not researched them in depth.

Adaware has turned into a total solution, although if you install it while having an antivirus already present, it goes into compatibility mode and won't install the antivirus module, just the antispyware. Adding a second layer of defense as it puts it.

I Use avast, windows defender, and malwarebytes pro, I used to use spybot search and destroy. But according to test results it stinks as a anti-spyware program now. It misses a lot of spyware.

Windows defender is not great at catching a lot of things, but it does catch the worst spyware.

I never have had a threat or anything found, although I do occasionally get stuff that is blocked by them. But its rare. I don't visit a ton of random websites. Having said that, its important to have a solution in place when even your most trusted sites are compromised.

In conclusion, those are just my thoughts. If super antispyware is working for you and you trust them, great. More power to you. I just prefer to use other software as I found it to be a red flag with their privacy site going to a shady flagged before dangerous site.