Difference between revisions of "Dishonest installers"

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This is a list of programs that try to sneak unwanted software onto your computer when you install them. The majority of these programs are free, so some amount of shady practices are acceptable, but when this occurs in software you've paid for, the companies should be ashamed.
 
This is a list of programs that try to sneak unwanted software onto your computer when you install them. The majority of these programs are free, so some amount of shady practices are acceptable, but when this occurs in software you've paid for, the companies should be ashamed.
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==Adobe Flash==
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Tries to install McAffee antivirus by default. You must deselect it.
  
 
==Alcohol 52%==
 
==Alcohol 52%==
Tries to install the Alcohol Soft Toolbar which is selected by default.
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Tries to install numerous adware programs including Babylon and Coupon programs. These must be declined which is located over the back button. Instead of this program, use the superior [[Virtual Clone Drive]].
  
 
==AMD Driver Update==
 
==AMD Driver Update==
'''''PAY''''' This is listed as a PAY software because you have to purchase AMD hardware for it to have any use. The default express installation tries to install the AVG Security Toolbar and changes your browser's home page to AVG. You must select custom installation, and uncheck the AVG applications. Also, the program is completely useless unless you sign up to their mailing list.
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The default express installation tries to install the AVG Security Toolbar and changes your browser's home page to AVG. You must select custom installation, and uncheck the AVG applications. Also, the program is completely useless unless you sign up to their mailing list.
  
 
==AVG Free==
 
==AVG Free==
Tries to install the Pro version (which you have to pay for) by default. When you select the free version, it defaults to the Express Install which set the AVG Toolbar to your default search and prevents other programs from resetting it.
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Tries to install the Pro version (which you have to pay for) by default. When you select the free version, it defaults to the Express Install which hijacks your blank browser page, hijacks your search box, and prevents other programs from resetting it. Toolbar can't be uninstalled, but can be disabled. The front end to turn off the default page doesn't work, and must be changed manually. I have found [[Avira]] to be a less intrusive virus scanner.
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==CDex==
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Has Avast Antivirus set to install by default. Requires you to uncheck it.
  
 
==Defraggler==
 
==Defraggler==
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==Free Sound Recorder==
 
==Free Sound Recorder==
Always installs the Free Sound Recorder toolbar into Firefox upon installation. By default, change of homepage and default search is turned on.
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Always installs the Free Sound Recorder toolbar into [[Firefox]] upon installation. By default, change of homepage and default search is turned on.
  
 
==Java==
 
==Java==
The Java updater tries to install the Ask toolbar and make it your default search engine. You must uncheck it.
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The [[Java]] updater tries to install the Ask toolbar and make it your default search engine. You must uncheck it.
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==Project 64==
  
 
==Unlocker==
 
==Unlocker==
 
Has eBay shortcuts selected by default.
 
Has eBay shortcuts selected by default.
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==Visual Boy Advance==
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Use [[BizHawk]] instead.
  
 
==Winamp==
 
==Winamp==
Tries to install the Winamp toolbar, set your default search engine to AOL, and sign you up at eMusic. All of these options are check on by default. The next page is the DriverScanner 2011 installer which must be unchecked to proceed.
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Tries to install the Winamp toolbar, set your default search engine to AOL, and sign you up at eMusic. All of these options are check on by default. The next page is the DriverScanner 2011 installer which must be unchecked to proceed. Use [[foobar2000]] instead.
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==YTD: Video Downloader==
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The YTD Video Downloader overrides your default search engine with Yahoo! and tries to trick you into installing browser plugins. You have to click the "Decline" button, placed where the "Back" button normally is. There is also a page for a McAfee Security Scan checked on by default, which must be unchecked to remove. When the install finishes, the installer opens your web browser and directs you to their pay site.
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==YouTube Downloader==
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[[Category: Computer Guides]]
The YouTube Download Toolbar overrides your default search engine with Yahoo! and tries to trick you into installing browser plugins. You have to click the "Decline" button, placed where the "Back" button normally is. There is also a page for a McAfee Security Scan checked on by default, which must be unchecked to remove. When the install finishes, the installer opens your web browser and directs you to their pay site.
 

Revision as of 16:49, 7 November 2019

This is a list of programs that try to sneak unwanted software onto your computer when you install them. The majority of these programs are free, so some amount of shady practices are acceptable, but when this occurs in software you've paid for, the companies should be ashamed.

Adobe Flash

Tries to install McAffee antivirus by default. You must deselect it.

Alcohol 52%

Tries to install numerous adware programs including Babylon and Coupon programs. These must be declined which is located over the back button. Instead of this program, use the superior Virtual Clone Drive.

AMD Driver Update

The default express installation tries to install the AVG Security Toolbar and changes your browser's home page to AVG. You must select custom installation, and uncheck the AVG applications. Also, the program is completely useless unless you sign up to their mailing list.

AVG Free

Tries to install the Pro version (which you have to pay for) by default. When you select the free version, it defaults to the Express Install which hijacks your blank browser page, hijacks your search box, and prevents other programs from resetting it. Toolbar can't be uninstalled, but can be disabled. The front end to turn off the default page doesn't work, and must be changed manually. I have found Avira to be a less intrusive virus scanner.

CDex

Has Avast Antivirus set to install by default. Requires you to uncheck it.

Defraggler

Tries to install Google Chrome and make it the default browser which is selected by default.

Driver Guide

Any drivers downloaded from Driver Guide require you to use their downloader which tries to install various unwanted programs. It tries to add the Babylon toolbar to your browsers as well as change your default search engine and homepage. Then it tries to install DealCabby, which you must click on "Decline" to skip, then it tries to install PricePeep, which you must click on "Decline" to skip.

Free Sound Recorder

Always installs the Free Sound Recorder toolbar into Firefox upon installation. By default, change of homepage and default search is turned on.

Java

The Java updater tries to install the Ask toolbar and make it your default search engine. You must uncheck it.

Project 64

Unlocker

Has eBay shortcuts selected by default.

Visual Boy Advance

Use BizHawk instead.

Winamp

Tries to install the Winamp toolbar, set your default search engine to AOL, and sign you up at eMusic. All of these options are check on by default. The next page is the DriverScanner 2011 installer which must be unchecked to proceed. Use foobar2000 instead.

YTD: Video Downloader

The YTD Video Downloader overrides your default search engine with Yahoo! and tries to trick you into installing browser plugins. You have to click the "Decline" button, placed where the "Back" button normally is. There is also a page for a McAfee Security Scan checked on by default, which must be unchecked to remove. When the install finishes, the installer opens your web browser and directs you to their pay site.