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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PSI takes care of this for you, by scanning your computer and giving you a vulnerability assessment, with links to download what you need. Call it one-stop shopping for computer updates. While it doesn’t detect every program, it does scan for all the major ones, and that alone is enough to give you an edge on viruses and other threats.

If you want to check it out, give the Secunia Online Software Inspector (OSI) a try. If you like it, download PSI and toast your new-found happiness.

Through December 1st, 2009, new subscribers to the free email version of Tech Tips will receive a special tip sheet: Ten Step Computer Troubleshooter. Just click here to sign up.

Java is a programming language for the Web. Like ActiveX, its powers can be used for good or evil. Mostly good, if you like interactive Web sites with lots of menus and options. Evil, when Java is exploited by viruses seeking to take advantage of its versatility.

You can check your version of Java in Windows by going to Start, Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs. On Macs, Java is built into your operating system, so you will receive updates through Software Updates under the Apple menu. In general you want to use the latest non-beta version. While you may not run Java directly, the web sites you use may want it, and outdated versions are a pathway for viruses and spyware.

If you want to be geeky like me you can tune into the US-CERT news bulletin service, which provides information on new patch versions for Java and other software from major vendors including Microsoft and Apple. I keep an RSS feed to US-CERT at the bottom of the Tech Tips blog. Or, if you want your computer news less geeky, subscribe to Triona’s Tech Tips to receive email bulletins about security warnings that pertain to small businesses and consumers.

Next month I’ll explain the fine art of How To Spot Bad Web Links. If you have any computer questions click Comments below this article, and don’t forget to subscribe to the email version of Tech Tips for bonus tips and product reviews.