Downloading - a salutary tale
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Downloading - a salutary tale
I needed a 'manual' for a piece of 'legacy' equipment and went to Google. Instead of going to the manufacturer's site, I took the first 'hit'. As soon as I got to the page I got this funny feeling that there would probably be 'unwanted baggage' (Pups) coming with the download. Not to worry, thought lazy me, I can opt for a 'custom' install and decline all such. Which I did, but they all installed!
Much 'cleansing' and all is now well, but the moral of the tale is that I THINK the site had rendered the seductive 'decline' tick boxes inop. Beware.
Much 'cleansing' and all is now well, but the moral of the tale is that I THINK the site had rendered the seductive 'decline' tick boxes inop. Beware.
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Thanks, Granpa. The point of the post was (using my ' = Lesson ... hard way ... learnt.') to alert others to the fact that 'options' may not work as expected.
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I recently bought a new Acer Aspire E15 Start laptop.
Windows 8.1 (no choice) and bought new (from Argos).
I was aware that there would be 'clutter' included, but I spent the first couple of days 'fighting' unwanted downloads - not made easy because of my unfamiliarity' with W8 - and an inability to spot/find the necessary commands amongst the stupid W8 interface.
I eventually found how to download my preferred browser (Firefox) and thence suitable (to me) anti-spyware utlities which enabled me to locate and identify the unwanted programmes that crept in.
That some were akin to Trojans is certain.
Some kept producing adverts for unwanted services (and further undesirable 'apps') that the unwitting would simply accept as possibly 'essential'.
Windows 8.1 (no choice) and bought new (from Argos).
I was aware that there would be 'clutter' included, but I spent the first couple of days 'fighting' unwanted downloads - not made easy because of my unfamiliarity' with W8 - and an inability to spot/find the necessary commands amongst the stupid W8 interface.
I eventually found how to download my preferred browser (Firefox) and thence suitable (to me) anti-spyware utlities which enabled me to locate and identify the unwanted programmes that crept in.
That some were akin to Trojans is certain.
Some kept producing adverts for unwanted services (and further undesirable 'apps') that the unwitting would simply accept as possibly 'essential'.
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Pre-loaded crapware is a plague on the normal user as G-CPTN testifies. 
I don't know why MS allow it.
The only true crapware-free PCs you can buy are from the MS Store ("Signature" series).
I don't know why MS allow it.
The only true crapware-free PCs you can buy are from the MS Store ("Signature" series).
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The only true crapware-free PCs you can buy are from the MS Store ("Signature" series).
Mygod, you can even install Windows (various versions) on it ...
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Pre-loaded crapware is a plague
Result; nice, totally silent, totally reliable, very fast computer, rating 6.9, no unwanted software, total cost < £850 including assembly and a Wifi dongle. I already had a good stand-alone DVD/CD Rewrite USB unit, so that was not needed in the new machine. Any future upgrade is a matter of component acquisition/replacement.
G-CPTN Welcome to the World of Windows H'eight.
Find the Microsoft "flag" key, then ...
Flag D gets you immediately back to the desktop
Flag X gives you a menu, of which Shut Down is the last but one option.
Forget all the "Tiles" and other crap, until you need them.
Flag C and Flag W can be useful,too.
Find the Microsoft "flag" key, then ...
Flag D gets you immediately back to the desktop
Flag X gives you a menu, of which Shut Down is the last but one option.
Forget all the "Tiles" and other crap, until you need them.
Flag C and Flag W can be useful,too.
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You are totally free to buy W7 and install it on your machine, G-CPTN.
(or upgrade to W10 preview
)
Depends on whether you think the iLife suite is crapware 
(or upgrade to W10 preview
)
all Apple Computers and devices.
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I know to be very careful with anything Adobe, but I was disappointed when downloading some stuff yesterday, to find that some other formerly top-notch "household names" in the computing world now include a load of Pups in their installers.
My rule is to download from the "author's" website if possible. If that has Pups packed in with the desired stuff, then an alternative piece of software is likely to be chosen.
My rule is to download from the "author's" website if possible. If that has Pups packed in with the desired stuff, then an alternative piece of software is likely to be chosen.
Plastic PPRuNer
Classic Shell - Start menu and other Windows enhancements
The best way of transforming modern Windows into a simple and usable OS
Mac
The best way of transforming modern Windows into a simple and usable OS
Mac
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Micro Computers? (Opposite St.Mary's /MRI) Manchester, will knock the pants off Maplin, pricewise .Tom's Hardware is an excellent site to get a realistic current view of the market.
I was recently given a new box with the latest Ubuntu. the old, 32 bit machine was not upgradeable (I was told) It ran the same version of Ubuntu for about 8 years ,with no software upgrades!
It started getting a bit flaky at the end, but it was 10 years old and only switched off when a power-cut ocurred, or in later life , if it crashed.....always seemed to save the last page , etc.
Have Opera, Firefox and now an unused Chrome. Once I mastered transferring Tape-based games to disc , on the Amstrad 6128, I lost enthusiasm and the kids got an old 286 PC and left me far behind.
I am told Windoze is now very good, very stable and the "blue screen of death" is long gone.....I CBA to learn how to use it....
Linux all free and developers across the world do it for the challenge and respect of their peers.....not because "the boss" expects to see "something" for his money.
I was recently given a new box with the latest Ubuntu. the old, 32 bit machine was not upgradeable (I was told) It ran the same version of Ubuntu for about 8 years ,with no software upgrades!
It started getting a bit flaky at the end, but it was 10 years old and only switched off when a power-cut ocurred, or in later life , if it crashed.....always seemed to save the last page , etc.
Have Opera, Firefox and now an unused Chrome. Once I mastered transferring Tape-based games to disc , on the Amstrad 6128, I lost enthusiasm and the kids got an old 286 PC and left me far behind.
I am told Windoze is now very good, very stable and the "blue screen of death" is long gone.....I CBA to learn how to use it....
Linux all free and developers across the world do it for the challenge and respect of their peers.....not because "the boss" expects to see "something" for his money.
