No, I don't want to fucking install the crappy Ask Toolbar, as part of my Java update.

[Nye Bevan]

Just like I didn't the last hundred times I updated Java.

But thank you most sincerely for asking. /vent

[PumpkinAle]

1. Admittedly I haven't had to try

it yet, but check out http://unchecky.com.

Tired of unchecking unrelated offers while installing software?

Have you ever felt, while installing software, that the installer tries to push additional unwanted programs at all cost? Ever missed a checkbox, and spent hours afterwards removing adware? Ever opened your browser after an installation, only to find out that you have a new homepage, a new search engine, or even a new browser?
Unchecky aims to keep potentially unwanted programs out of your computer.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2363165/how-to-avoid-installing-bundleware-with-the-help-of-unchecky.html

[Nye Bevan]

2. Thanks- I'll check it out (no pun intended) (nt)

[bvf]

3. Or, you could just pay closer attention

to installation dialogs. It really isn't that difficult.

[hobbit709]

4. I do this for a living and I've had a couple sneak by.

I've seen some that don't even give you the option to not install. Revouninstaller is your friend for these cases.

[PumpkinAle]

6. Yep sneaky little bastards and I have tried

Revouninstaller that works well.

[Phentex]

8. or you could just be rude...

hope you feel better!

[bvf]

13. I wasn't the one dropping

F bombs over a mouse click.

I've worked in software support for decades, have walked hundreds--if not thousands--of users through stuff like this, and am still amazed at the fact that so many of them resent being expected to know how to read.

[Phentex]

17. YAY for you.

[bvf]

18. When illiteracy meets technology

this is the sort of shit you can expect.

Just saying.

[Phentex]

7. That would be helpful...

my son is terrible about loading programs and then ending up with all kinds of crap. I will pass this on to him. Thanks!

[PumpkinAle]

9. :) Good luck

[Nye Bevan]

12. Like this?

[Phentex]

16. LOL!

Yeah, at one point it looked like the top half and the Ask.com toolbar was the hardest to get rid of (for the non tech person that I am). I warned him about the sneaky ways these things can get downloaded on if you don't pay attention to all the check boxes.

[hunter]

5. Just curious, what are you using Java for?

None of my work or my favorite internet sites require it.

Just like Adobe Flash, I'd like to see it go away.

[Nye Bevan]

11. TBH I can't remember.

I do remember a few years ago installing a program that demanded I also install Java, but I don't remember what it was. Perhaps I should just try uninstalling Java and see what happens, I can always reinstall if necessary.

[Romeo.lima333]

10. i believe that's the only reason for the update is to try to slip you something you dont want/need

[Nye Bevan]

14. I wouldn't be surprised if the contract with Ask requires a specified frequency of updates,

Last edited Thu Mar 12, 2015, 12:19 PM - Edit history (1)

regardless of necessity, as part of their attempts to slip through the toolbar.

[Romeo.lima333]

15. completely agree

[jrandom421]

19. Microsoft's good deed for the day: browser-hijacking Ask Toolbar gets the banhammer on Windows

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2934502/microsofts-good-deed-for-the-day-browser-hijacking-ask-toolbar-gets-the-banhammer-on-windows.html