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Spyware, viruses, & security forum: search engines that install like viruses

by: mrgnic November 12, 2012 3:09 PM PST

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search engines that install like viruses

by mrgnic - 11/12/12 3:09 PM

I have had a terrible experience eradicating some Search Engine, such as Babylon Ask ETC., that are almost impossible to uninstall.
There are times that when installing a new program or an update of a program this Search Engines get installed, even when you mark the box indicating that you don't want to install this Search Engine.
Search Engines like Babylon, Ask and others should be considered Viruses (or some kind of infection) since they sneak into your computer and are almost impossible to get rid of.
I just downloaded a new version Windows Essential Media Codec Pack 4.2 (from CNET), and it asked if I wanted to install that "virus" Babylon, and even after I answered no, it still tried to install. I think this is an abuse to the users of this software.
Have any of you had similar experiences ???
How can I get the computer industry to stop this companies that produce programs that I consider are VIRUSES????


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If you want to stop this...

by mchainmchain - 11/13/12 8:56 AM

In Reply to: search engines that install like viruses by mrgnic

You have to be proactive.

Below are two links to Malwarebytes blogs that address these issues:

http://blog.malwarebytes.org/intelligence/2012/10/pick-a-download-any-download/
http://blog.malwarebytes.org/intelligence/2012/10/pick-a-download-part-2/

Part 2 will display the difference between no protection and protection against unethical and malicious ads present in your browser. Read the first blog, then the second one.

Many useful tips are included in these two blogs, as well as needed information.

If you wait for the computer industry to stop this, you will be waiting for a very long time, unfortunately.

Some other proactive add ons or software to think about:

http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free/
http://www.mywot.com/

adblocking add ons will not necessarily block malicious links, but Hostsman will.

If you do not see multiple download buttons blocked by an adblocking add on, you cannot click it.

Hope this helps.

NOTE: To test if your adblocking add on is working, temporarily disable the add on, and refresh the web page you are on. You should then see what you are missing and maybe, you can do without?


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