17 replies to this topic

[marko]

Although we usually place a warning on software which has addons integrated in it, it's often the case that some developers use misleading or sneaky tactics in an attempt to trick you into installing other software you don't want, need or ask for.   If you have any experiences of installers that do this, please give us the example and we'll add it to the list of sneaky practices below.

By referring to this list whenever you are warned that a download could contain an additional piece of software (third party installs) you will remain up-to-date on what you could expect to see during an install which contains an additional piece of software.   Remember, let us know about anything you find particularly tricky or misleading within an install process and we'll add it to the list

Here's what to look out for when installing ...

• Always ensure you read anything that requires a tick-box, these can often be relating to the installation of third-party apps.
  
• Be careful of license agreements, sometimes they're NOT relating to the software you want to install - they are in fact license agreements relating to third party software.   This means you will sometimes have to DECLINE a license agreement - remember, you are declining the license agreement for the third-party software, NOT the software you wish to install.   If in doubt, decline it and if it ends the installation you can always start it again and double check the options.
  
• Where you are given the option of an Express or Custom installation, make sure to check what the Custom installation contains.   It may be that you have the option to untick additional software you don't want to install!.

[mikec]

I've come across this one allot lately... Installing a new program you see 2 Install options, "Express" and "Advanced". Choosing "Advanced" will bring a window with a toolbar add-on etc... already checked, and often an option to change your homepage and default search engine to a new location, already checked. NOTE: You might expect this, if you choose "Express" you are not given the choice and the add-on and modifications to your browser force-fed to you.

[marko]

Will ad this to the warning text

[wyrwolf]

Right now, Google is the worst offender - slipping in extras (like Norton! for godssake), and MULTIPLE update services. Adobe used to be bad, but they wised-up and are transparent & upfront, making it easy to find and adjust settings and if you do decide to allow one of their background services, it has a small footprint (unlike Google which chews up cycles slowing down the system). Even Microsoft has gotten better.
This comment may not seem relevant, but since other companies follow Google's lead, we can expect a resurgence of this BS. Personally, I recommend always checking your startups, running apps, and services after every set of installs.

[mikec]

Yes Brother, your comment is indeed relevant. All sneak-in's are what this message forum is for. Let's hear more!

Life is what you let them get away with!

[James (Jim) Hillier]

FreewareBB - helping you avoid those bundled extras,.

[marko]

Fab review Jimbo, cheers for that mate

[Power Bank]

Recently I have noticed Google Chrome tries to sneak in by appearing as an already ticked oprtion on some reputable software out there..  It is cleverly camoflaged among the legitimate options on the Installation dialogue box.  The other notorious one is McAfee which also appears as an already ticked option on the installation dialogue.
Fortunately on closer reading of the dialogue box, I have spotted the check marks and avoided them.  

Thank goodness, FreewareBB's downloads are not polluted in this maner.

Power Bank

[Power Bank]

This thread has brought a question in my mind.  Sometimes looking up something on some websites gives a flag "Additional Plug-ins are required to enable to view the contents". and it then offers the plug-ins as a download.

Q.  How can one determine whether this plug-in is legitimately required to enhance my web-browsing   Or is it just a ploy to make me download their deceiptful means of access to my registry!  I always shy away from such plug-ins.

Power Bank

[Claw]

I can't answer for everyone Power Bank,but, I have had sites that really needed the plug-in, though very few. I've also ran into many that just put the plug-in option and there was no difference when I tried it without the plug-in. SAS picked up the plug-in as a trojan.
Maybe Marko or Jimbo can help you better, because from then on,,I stayed away from sites with that option.
Advice: Stick with FreewareBB and you won't need to worry about it either way.