I just got asked- Every time I try to download a program, or even an update, I’m forever getting these things that add search tools and changes my homepage. Other people say they download the same things and that doesn’t happen. I cannot download a SINGLE thing without this happening. I’ve run virus scans ad infinitum, but it’s not showing anything.
What is wrong here???
I need to install an update to calibre, but it wants to install all this stuff to my system!
The program installer often gives you the option to install toolbars and other crapware. You often have to opt out of it by unchecking boxes and being careful what you click on when you go through the installer options. I would suggest paying closer attention to what the screens are actually saying and opting out of anything you don’t need or want.
Plus, the EULA (End User License Agreement) may specify that, by installing the main program, you are giving permission to install any amount of malware. In other words, it asked you if it could, and you said OK. Mind you, it asked in Flyspeck 3 typeface on page 97 on a 133 page EULA, but it did ask.
Be careful as to the source. Some download sites are worse than others, and some are downright evil.
What Shagnasty said. All the reputable software houses will give you the option to install the extra bumf. Unfortunately the default is to install and you need to untick the relevant small box to make sure they don’t install. Of course this is done by design as it’s common knowledge that most internet users will blithely continue clicking OK until they get the updates they want.
More and more essential updates are now carrying these extras: Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Flash, Sun Java. I don’t really begrudge the writers of free software wanting to make a few bucks for their labors by doing deals with other companies but it does mean that the new golden rule for updating anything is to step slowly and carefully through the installation process, reading every screen and making sure you do not give permission to install something you don’t want.
When she tried to install updates like for her drivers card, she keeps getting these windows wanting her to install these things but it seems embedded in the Run sequence. But it’s everything she’s trying to download. Other friends she consults with do not have the problem with the same program. She had this problem trying to update her Calibre but I did not have the same problem when downloading it myself.