A timely reminder

When you're installing software ALWAYS do a custom install, unless you like installing malware on your PC. Custom installs (usually) give you the opportunity to decline unwanted toolbars, add-ons, crapware, bloatware, malware, etc.

ALWAYS "decline" all toolbars and add-ons unless you have a clue ie it's something made by McAfee, Norton. AVG, or someone else you are actually familar with (and trust). I'm not plugging anyone here but I presume many of you have heard of one or more of the examples I listed.

Scan every download before installing it! Even this isn't a 100% guarantee vs viruses and malware but it's way better than being a chump and just installing software without taking any precautions whatsoever. Some browsers scan files for viruses but I scan them again anyway (if it's an executable file) 

NEVER install the Sweetpack Toolbar. The people who make it are f+++ing assholes, and I found out the hard way - it either got installed after I declined it or just installed itself without asking. Two different AV programs failed to recognize it as being an infection.

If you want to install anything you're not familar with look it up with a search engine FIRST ie "sweetpack toolbar OK?" And I mean anything - toolbars, browser extensions, add-ons, widgets, programs ANYTHING!

"crapware" has been born!

Will give you credit for creating the word.

Cheers.

Thanks, but the term has been around for awhile now, at one urban dictionary page I found an example from 2004 and I'm sure it goes back even further.

Okay.  But first time I see it or hear it. 

If you're not careful with McAfee, ask.com will become your auto search.

This is obvious, but true! Be careful and think before you act and make sure to scan everything! Even your dad, well, espeically him! :)

And be careful of ads by companies that SPAM all over your net with products to "protect" your computer, Mac or PC.  Those companies have reputations for very bad quality and other problems, and I've even experienced nasty support personel with one of the ones that has particularly fancy ads.  

The best anti-malware/computer protection software advertises reasonably and modestly and they don't smack you in the face with fancy graphics (or crappy graphics) at every other webpage, and put up pop-up windows and pop-under windows everywhere and harrass you on the 'Net.  They rely on word of mouth, clear product descriptions, quality websites and forums, and ratings and reviews from top quality online sources.