How do you really see what's in your files ?

[mirror polisher]

In Windows XP pro it was so easy to really examine what was in some software you had installed. Sometimes there was a shortcut (guess you'd call it a ping) that told someone it was time to send you to some third party so they could spy on you or whatever. Yeah I know ...... some of the software suppliers are poor multi billionaires. I don't mind donating but I'm NOT a bank and have no investments.

I would go find the little trap and use eraser to get rid of it. The situation seems different on 7. Either they're trying to really hide it or I just don't understand how to get to it. Any suggestions ? :sarc:

 

[johnhoh]

I would go find the little trap and use eraser to get rid of it. The situation seems different on 7. Either they're trying to really hide it or I just don't understand how to get to it. :sarc:

What are you referring to here - trap and eraser

 

[samuria]

It's not clear what you want are you trying to find malware spyware etc?

 

[mirror polisher]

OP: Okay lets say I've downloaded some freeware to fill in PDF forms from Sumatra (non adobe).
The freeware may have a small url link that will try to take you back to the site where you got it. Then they'll try to sell you something, start charging for their supposed freeware or maybe even read your PDF. THAT link is what I want to find and get rid of ...... and yes there is an app called Eraser that's supposed to write ones and zeros over garbage you want rid of as opposed to just deleting it.

 

[cornemuse]

A nag screen? Thats what you get for free. If you like it enough, you buy it & that goes away. Thats how it works, , , ,

 

[Alejandro85]

How each program is made is entirely up to its developer. If they decide to bundle a "link", you have to either acept it, or reject it altogether. You can, using some specialized tools, monitor certain things and attempt to block them, but that's a case by case thing. And no, it hasn't changed since XP or 7.

It's fundamentally a question of security. You can tackle it by using modern security tools, like firewalls to prevent information leakage, non-admin user accounts to limit what software can do, or even separate user accounts if you're doubtful.

But ultimately, it's a question of wheter you trust the program you're using or not. When running a program you're fundamentally letting it do whatever it likes in your computer. You need to decide if the company, the appearance or whatever makes it worth to take the risk or not. While many precautions can be taken, there is always a chance for a problem when dealing with new software.

 

[johnhoh]

a simple edit of your existing HOSTS file will prevent your computer from going to a particular website of your choosing. In the example below the guy prevents his computer from going to nytimes.com, as an example.

https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/edit-windows-hosts-file-to-block-redirect-websites/