Crapware blocker for Windows

Is there a program that runs in a background and prevents installation of crapware (browser toolbars is the first thing that comes to mind)?

Dmitry Chornyi

Posted 2011-09-09T06:46:23.937

Reputation: 521

I was thinking of something like http://www.mywot.com/ (Except this is for Web sites). A program like this would come up with a message like "Warning, the Fish tank screensaver you are about to install will display ads/slow down your PC/change your search provider. Do you really want to install it?"

– Dmitry Chornyi – 2011-09-09T10:20:18.543

Answers

I think that the optional daemon named TeaTimer in Spybot-S&D can detect malware in realtime. Ad-Aware can do that too.

Shadok

Posted 2011-09-09T06:46:23.937

Reputation: 3 760

Yes, there is one, it is called "attention". You should pay attention to the text fields and choices during your installations, then those crapwares have no chance getting on your computer.

Michael K

Posted 2011-09-09T06:46:23.937

Reputation: 3 308

6It's hard to install this program into other peoples' minds. Hence the question. – Dmitry Chornyi – 2011-09-09T08:19:04.530

2Sure, you are right, why do so many people use the old brain 0.11 alpha version? – Michael K – 2011-09-09T08:21:20.583

Or you can call it Burger King. Your way, right away. – surfasb – 2011-09-09T17:30:42.827

Unfortunately, the only way I'm aware of to stop people from installing crapware is to stop them installing anything. Setting people up as users instead of administrators is a good start unfortunately that means every time they want to install things its you who gets the phone call.

Col

Posted 2011-09-09T06:46:23.937

Reputation: 6 995

Make sure you download software from trusted sources (example: http://download.cnet.com )
Programs like Symentec Internet suite has feature of community recommendation which can be bit handy ( as people download and install software they rate the software )
Do not blindly click on next->next->next in installation wizard. Lot of time software tells you that it is going to install toolbar or going to download additional software.
If customize installation option is available then select that rather than default this gives you more control of your installation.
You can use programs that monitor installation so you can revert back if crapware gets installed.
You can also use system restore option to revert back the system in case if you notice crapware has been installed.

TusharG

Posted 2011-09-09T06:46:23.937

Reputation: 1 352

1So the answer to the question is "Essentially no...but you can follow these helpful tips!" :D – Isxek – 2011-09-09T10:04:00.640