1. Eric Moore Computer Users Group of Greeley

2. What Is It? Additional software that may be installed when you install other software May be made by the same company or by a third-party May or may not be related to the software you need Usually optional Sneaky: Can easily “slip by” if you are not attentive

3. Types of Tag-along Software Web browser toolbar “helpers” (e.g. Ask, AVG) Web browsers (e.g. Chrome) Anti-virus apps (e.g. McAfee)

4. Why You Don’t Want It You do not need it I may be sub-standard, meant more to fatten someone’s wallet It may take up memory resources (e.g. browser toolbar add- ons) It takes up disk space It may be buggy, unstable, or risky It could intentionally be malware or spyware It may conflict with other software, such as you anti-virus It may change your software preferences, such as your default web browser and home page

5. Where You May Encounter Them Additional links and checkboxes on software download sites Download.com Tucows.com Adobe.com May be contained within the actual software installer that you download from these and other sites

6. How to Prevent Them When downloading, be sure you click on the correct link and uncheck what you do not want When installing, carefully read each dialog If you do not recognize a particular app, decline to install it Check your installed programs before and after If you find anything new and unfamiliar on your computer, research it on the web to see what it is If you do not need it and know it is safe to remove, do so

7. Examples (As Time Allows) Adobe Flash Download.com VLC Media Player YouTube Free Downloader CCleaner

8. Questions?