Triona's Tech Tips

Have you ever gone to install a program, only to be offered some completely unrelated software via a tiny, unremarkable checkbox? This is called pre-checked software, and I think it stinks.

Pre-checked software differs from malware or PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) in that you are given a choice, albeit an unobtrusive one. It’s a marketing gimmick, and it often backfires. Apple got its rump handed to it for pre-checking their Safari web browser during the Windows install of iTunes. Most Windows users didn’t know Safari from sassafras and didn’t want it on their computers. Apple had to backtrack and make sure the Safari offer was unchecked by default.

Some pre-checks are actually good for you. If your antivirus software asks if you want a special security toolbar to go with it, you might like that. But if I go to install a program–Java, for example–I don’t want a trial copy of Carbonite backup software alongside it. Maybe I don’t have a lot of hard drive space, or maybe I just like keeping my computer tidy. We have enough problems with viruses, malware and fake antivirus software without having to deal with programs that invite themselves along like unwanted guests at Thanksgiving dinner.

So next time you’re installing a program, watch out for that pre-checked box. You’re not obligated to install anything you don’t want to.

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