Every Windows user is fighting a constant war against junkware that legitimate application installers try to sneak onto our systems. Here’s everything you can do to protect yourself from obnoxious browser toolbars and all that other junk.
Never mind the bloatware that comes preinstalled on new PCs — that can be removed by reinstalling Windows or doing a deep-cleaning when you get a new PC. The junkware that tries to sneak onto your system afterward is a constant problem.
The First Line of Defense: Caution
The first — and most important — line of defense is to be careful when downloading software and installing it. We’ve covered how to avoid getting junkware when downloading software. In a nutshell, you want to be careful when downloading software — avoid misleading download links that are really advertisements and be sure to get the software from its official website. Avoid download sites like Download.com and even SourceForge.net, as these websites offer software installers wrapped in junkware installers.
No matter how careful you are, you’ll end up with an installer containing junkware at some point. Legitimate, reputable programs include this stuff in their installers. Be sure to go through the installer carefully and deny all the offers — you’ll want to choose the Custom install option, not the Automatic one. On one screen, you may have to deselect a checkbox to not install the junk — on the next screen, you may have to select a checkbox to not install the junk. You may have to click a Deny button to continue without installing this stuff — installers sometimes make the junkware’s installation agreement look like the real program’s license agreement. These program installers are designed to trick you, so be on your guard.
Oracle’s Java updater even bundles the Ask Toolbar (an annoying plus sneaky hijackware) into security updates for Java, so be careful when installing those — or, better yet, uninstall Java if you don’t need it. Most programs won’t sneak junkware into security updates.
… Hit here and read up the rest of the post by Chris Hoffman, a technology writer and all-around computer geek. He’s as at home using the Linux terminal as he is digging into the Windows registry.
Additionally, if you’re having trouble uninstalling other daily application, hit here for up-to-date solution.