As you have found, Google is not a good guide to download sites, and some ads may be even worse. This is important because it means you can avoid using Google, and the risk of clicking any Google ads. I also use AlternativeTo, where programs are rated by people’s votes (likes or “social software recommendations”).Īll three sites provide direct links to the official websites for program downloads. Gizmo’s has better reviews of fewer programs, but it’s a community effort and not all its sections are up to date. Both have the same drawback: they concentrate on the top utilities, which means they’re missing millions of programs. If you are not sure which program to download, try Major Geeks or Gizmo’s Freeware, aka Tech Support Alert. Many small software houses are trustworthy, but some have download links that take you to another site, such as. Microsoft and Mozilla (Firefox) should be fine, for example, but Oracle (Java) and Adobe will foist unwanted programs on you if you are not careful. In practice, it’s safest to download software directly from the original source, but not all companies are equally trustworthy. You can even try using a utility such as Unchecky, which changes the defaults to Decline, but it probably doesn’t cover every download on the web, However, once you use an installer, you are putting your safety in someone else’s hands – someone who can probably make more money by betraying your trust than by keeping it. In theory, you can use these sites safely if you decline all the PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) they try to foist on you. Even Slashdot Media’s SourceForge, which started as a bastion of open source goodness, now uses an “enhanced installer” or “wrapper” to deliver crapware. Go thru the list.I assume CNet’s is one of the worst, because HowToGeek picked it for a recent horrifying/amusing article, Here’s What Happens When You Install the Top 10 Apps. '''Mac:''' Open the "Applications" folder. '''Windows:''' Start > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs. In the Add-ons Manager, on the left, select '''Extensions.'''įirefox issues. Type '''about:addons''' in the address bar to open your Add-ons Manager. '''No Personal Information Is Collected.''' Under the main banner, press the button '''Copy Text To Clipboard.'''.ĭo a right click in the box and select '''Paste.''' Type '''about:support''' in the address bar and press '''Enter.''' Windows: Start > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs. Some added toolbar and anti-virus add-ons are known to causeĪlso, check the programs that are on your computer Make sure you know what each one is and what it does. In the Add-ons Manager, on the left, select Extensions. Type about:addons in the address bar to open your Add-ons Manager. Then in the reply box at the bottom of this page,ĭo a right click in the box and select Paste. Under the main banner, press the button Copy Text To Clipboard. Type about:support in the address bar and press Enter. The problem is malware, you have to get rid of that program. If the problem is inside Firefox (add-on, setting), that may work. Should I consider deleting and reinstalling Firefox? is a good permanent antivirus for Windows 7/Vista/XP if you don't already have one.įurther information can be found in the ] article.ĭid this fix your problems? Please report back to us! You can try these free programs to scan for malware, which work with your existing antivirus software: Sometimes a problem with Firefox may be a result of malware installed on your computer, that you may not be aware of.
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