“I was updating my favourite anti virus program and have ended up with a new browser and search engine. Where did all this come from, and how do I get rid of it?”
In many cases, these unexpected extras do indeed make changes to your web browser’s settings, changing your home page or search page to something you didn’t (and wouldn’t) choose yourself. The reason they do this is a simple one: money. Every time someone arrives at their home page or search page, they make a few pennies. But, since few of us would choose to visit those pages (indeed, wouldn’t even know of their existence), they sneak their software onto as many PCs as they can, causing our browser’s settings to be altered and forcing us to visit those pages regularly – perhaps numerous times every day.
Whatever it is that’s sneaked onto your PC and started doing this, it can be removed. However, the steps to take for removing it will vary depending on what it is, and could be quite complicated, so I can’t give you any general steps. What I can do, though, is to tell you how to avoid this type of thing in the first place.
These sneaky extras usually arrive when you’re installing some other program. Often without realising it, you’re agreeing to install this unrelated ‘extra’ along with the program you really wanted, so pay attention to these three simple tips:
• When you’re about to click the button or link that downloads the program you want, have a quick look around it to see if there are any ticked boxes nearby. You may see an option saying something like Also include Such-and-Such in my download or Set Such-and-Such as my browser’s home page and search page. If you see anything along those lines, remove the ticks before starting the download.
• When you’re working through the steps to install a new program, don’t be tempted to just click Next, Next, Next to rush through it. You may be rushing past a ticked option that effectively says ‘Yes, muck up my browser settings for me.’
• When you start to install a program, look out for an option that offers a choice between a Custom installation and a Full, Typical or Complete installation. If you see this, always choose the Custom option. This way, if the program you’re installing does come with an unrelated, undesirable extra, you should see a step asking whether you want to install it. While the Full/Typical/Complete option may seem preferable, it gives the setup program carte blanche to install extras without asking you.
Incidentally, don’t be swayed by the fact that some of these ‘extras’ involve a well-known name. I’ve installed many programs which, along the way, ask if I also want to install Google’s Chrome web browser or a McAfee security scanner. The fact that these extras come from big, famous companies doesn’t mean you want them!
(With thanks to PC Tips for Seniors)
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