The internet can be a minefield for beginners, luring them with the promise of free software through deceptive “Download” buttons, while in reality, they unknowingly click on counterfeit links that bundle toolbars and other unwanted software. This article aims to guide you in avoiding the download of such unwanted software to your system.

Experienced users often know how to sidestep the pitfalls when downloading free software. However, novices are often unaware of these risks. Many users are oblivious to the fact that when they download free games or other applications, they unwittingly acquire various unwanted, and sometimes even malicious, software along with it. The allure of free games and software can blind people to these lurking hazards.

Read on to enhance your knowledge on this subject, and learn how to steer clear of installing unwanted files on your system:

Beware of Fake Download Links

Imagine you want to download Adobe Photoshop for free from a reputable source like FileHippo or Getintopc. You might search for “download Adobe Photoshop for free at FileHippo,” and a multitude of websites will appear, with most of them featuring fake links leading to virus-ridden sites or prompting downloads of other unwanted programs. When downloading free software, the primary trap you encounter is the “free download” link. You must have noticed vibrant, oversized buttons with the enticing labels “Free Download” or “Download Now.”

These buttons are merely ad banners, cunningly mimicking legitimate download links. They are intentionally designed to deceive you into clicking on them and installing various undesired software.

The next time you seek free software downloads, be vigilant about these counterfeit download links. The question is, how can you recognize these fake links? Simply hover your mouse cursor over the link and see where it directs you.

For example, if you wish to download Adobe Photoshop, you access a page offering a download button. Now, hover your mouse cursor over that button and see where it leads. If it’s a fake link, it won’t take you to the Photoshop page; instead, it may direct you to a site like “googleadservices.com,” which is clearly an advertising link.

Unwanted Bundled Installers

Free software typically comes with software installers. Even legitimate installers often carry multiple unwanted software programs and browser toolbars. The catch here is that developers provide the software for free and make money by bundling these unwanted programs. When you download an installer bundled with unwanted software, it might change your browser’s homepage or default search engine, which you’d undoubtedly want to avoid.

Avoiding these browser toolbars and junk software is simple. While downloading the installer, you’ll go through an agreement process where you’ll need to check checkboxes and agree to the software’s terms and conditions. In this process, the checkbox allowing the download of these junk files is usually pre-selected. Many users overlook this and accept the terms, unknowingly agreeing to download additional software alongside the main application. To prevent this, simply uncheck the checkbox permitting the download of extra software.

Uninstalling Unwanted Software

If you have accidentally allowed the download of junk software by not unchecking the relevant checkbox and now find it installed on your system, you can remove it.

To remove the unwanted software, follow these steps:

1. Visit your computer’s control panel.
2. Check the list of installed programs.
3. You’ll notice numerous toolbars or applications that you never intentionally downloaded; these are the junk downloads.
4. To delete them, install a junk removal tool and run it to get rid of these unwanted, additional, and free applications.