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Unchecky – automatically avoid installing nasty toolbars when you install software on your computer [Freeware]

unchecky

One of the nastiest features of the current software download market, especially with free software, is the installation of toolbars and other 3rd party components onto your computer without your explicit agreement. Most of the time, these add-ons are pushed onto people’s computers because they don’t read the terms as they are installing, and just click Yes to everything. Bad idea!!

The result is that millions of computers are ‘infected’ with toolbars, default search engines and other nasty intrusions that were never wanted in the first place. It’s a horrible practice which needs to be stamped on (are you listening Java Installer?).

Unchecky hopes to level the playing field. This tiny free utility installs into the background of your computer system, and when it detects a default 3rd party installation, it automatically deselects the box, so you don’t end up agreeing by default and installing the component. It also offers warnings when it detects hidden ‘offers’ during the install.

unchecky3

You have the option of suspending the service which stops it monitoring if you’re having problems with an install, and it won’t catch all such hidden defaults, so you should continue checking the small print and those little check boxes every time. Be vigilant!

However we feel that this little tool should definitely be installed on every new users machine, especially those who are not familiar with the unsavory parts of the computing universe (like your gran) so at least they get a little bit of protection from the worst. Absolutely worth downloading.

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