No, I don’t want your software!

Have you noticed that you can’t download a piece of software lately without being hassled to download other software? For example, when you download Adobe Reader from the Adobe website, there is a checkmark next to Install McAfee Security Scan. If you leave this box checked, McAfee Security Scan will be downloaded along with Reader and installed on your computer. Most users do not uncheck the box.

Another example is when you upgrade Java, there is a checkmark in a box to install Yahoo Toolbar. Again, most users do not uncheck the box and they end up with a dozen toolbars installed in their browsers. I saw a browser that had so many toolbars installed, you had to scroll down to see the top of the webpage on a 15″ monitor!

Software makers know that most users will click yes or Ok, so they know the software will get installed on a lot of computers. Since they make money from these types of installations, I don’t see the practice ending anytime soon. However, I do not like this and would like for software makers to cease this practice.