Crapware, craplets and Scareware
Pre-installed software (in a computer, tablet or smartphone) is referred to by the device vendors as “bundled”. Buyers tend to think of such software as “crapware” because some of it reduces customer choice – for example pre-installed anti-virus software which may be difficult and time-consuming to remove, or “craplets,” software that the device manufacturer was paid by a software company to include. Craplets are of dubious value to the buyer, such as evaluation copies of products or outdated games.
Shareware is the name given by security writers to software sold on questionable ethics by causing anxiety or fear to insufficiently informed owners of devices. They do so by displaying warnings of malicious software infections that must be immediately removed by downloading (and paying for) their software. Alternatively, the message suggests that a particular product could greatly enhance performance – such as registry optimisers or cleaners.
Why is this an issue?
- It may be bad for you
- It limits the buyer’s choice
- It makes it difficult to install an alternative product (e.g. anti-virus products)
- It consumes computing resources
- It may contain malicious software to capture and report sensitive data
- It is limited to the computer on which is was installed
- It has a limited period of validity, ater which it must be purchased
- It does not come with the media necessary to re-install it should this become necessary
- It is difficult (sometimes impossible) to remove
What you should do about it
Crapware and Craplets:
- Identify the inventory of software pre-installed in the device
- Look for any Uninstall options that any software you don’t wish to keep may have
- If not found, use a search engine for guidelines on “how to uninstall XXXX” from a “CCC”, where XXXX is the software in question and CCC is the make and model of your device
- Remove anything that you don’t wish to keep.
Scareware:
Advertisements for scareware will appear on your screen when you are online. Some will tell you that you have a major and urgent problem sometimes giving you a “free” diagnostic. Buying their product is always the answer. Many of these products will do nothing and may introduce malicious software to your device. Others, such as Registry management software may cause your computer to malfunction. Should you feel that your computer needs attention and you have no access to expert advice, start by using your search engine to look for product reviews (see also the section on “downloads”).