Unexpected Add-Ons in S/W Downloads

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Webscout
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Unexpected Add-Ons in S/W Downloads

Post by Webscout » Tue Mar 14, 2017 6:22 am

Below is a c/p from GAOTD that might be helpful.

Springy: this isn't the first time someone on here has wondered about the likelihood of unexpected add-ons in a software download. Hopefully, then, the following will assist:

https://unchecky.com/

Unchecky is a free, tiny, light-weight back-stop for any Windows OS user from XP onwards. How it works is explained in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzb_SHxt-o8

And how well it has been received is typified here:

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/download/sys ... 2-3329552/

Two points are worth bearing in mind:

(1) that in my long user experience of GOTD, this site's management has always been scrupulous in ensuring GOTD downloads are clean;

(2) Unchecky is -- as its developer makes clear -- an aid to a user's vigilance. Not a replacement for a user's vigilance. The onus is still on the user to pay attention to the install routine of any and every software, and not blithely go ahead without regard to consequence.

There's also another safeguard that I'd commend to those who wish to exercise due care over what is installed on their computer:

http://www.brightfort.com/eulalyzer.html

As with Unchecky, so, too, with EULAlyzer: it's free, it's tiny, and it's pretty darn good at identifying within the oft-times massive text of End User License Agreements any hidden elements that may make a potential user think twice before checking the "I agree" box.

Hope this helps you and any other GOTDers who may be unaware of these two excellent examples of truly useful freeware.

Comment by MikeR-Tuesday March 14, 2017
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