Regular readers of RicksDailyTips know that I’m a huge fan of free software. If I run across a freeware program that looks interesting and useful, I’ll often download and install it, try it out, then tell you readers about it if it appears to be worthwhile.
One thing that I learned early on is to be wary about downloading and installing extra add-ons that are often bundled with free software downloads. Most free download sites earn money by helping distribute third-party programs that most people don’t want or need.
If you aren’t careful you’ll quickly find your web browser and your computer collapsing under the weight of a dozen different add-on programs that you never even realized you had downloaded! And these unwanted programs are responsible for countless trips to the PC repair shop year after year!
There are a couple of things you need to watch out for when downloading and installing free software. First, we’ll cover the download part… [Read more…]
Toolbars are a veritable pain in the neck. Even the ones that don’t spy on your web activities, steal your personal information or hijack your web browsers slow down your system to a virtual snail’s pace.
In my opinion, the Ask Toolbar is one of the most annoying pieces of junkware ever hoisted upon the public. It is almost always installed unintentionally as a stealth add-on when you install other programs, and once installed, getting rid of it often requires the patience of Job.