I have to be careful here, so I don’t get sued, but my recommended PDF reading software now comes with Conduit Search and maybe SearchProtect, which some people label as malware or virus.
The latest version of the free Foxit Reader has an option during the installation to opt-out of the added software. Since most people just click through with OK or Accept they’re unlikely to notice they are installing additional software. Conduit and Search Protect are therefore ‘potentially unwanted programs”, or PUPs.
If you have these unwanted programs on your computer, contact me and I will remove them for you if you can’t do it yourself.
Conduit is adware, meaning it delivers adverts to people who have it installed. It’s a ‘browser hijack’ which takes over your browser (Internet Explorer, Chrome, etc) and instead of using your chosen search engine (Bing, Google, or whoever), it uses Conduit’s search engine which delivers adverts and tracks your internet searches (and maybe other internet use).
Search Protect is software that makes it very difficult (virtually impossible) to change your search provider back to Google, Bing, or whoever you choose.
Foxit, I assume, generate income from the installations or use of these unwanted programs. If they didn’t get income from them, why would they add them to their installation package?
These sneaky add-ins are getting more and more difficult to uninstall, and I’m seeing many more of them. Always take time when installing software or updating software to make sure you un-tick (un-check) the additional software “offers”, even if they seem tempting. The key is, if you dodn’t go looking for that software, don’t install it.
I will uninstall Foxit Reader from all my PCs and use an alternative (when I find one).
Again, these ‘infections’ can be difficult to remove. Contact me if you would like me to remove them for you.
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