So this one time I installed hypercam...

[Xonok]

It was today 15 minutes ago.

In the middle of the installation it had a ticked box and very little text next to it asking. "Do you want to install "shitware type1"
I unticked the box and continued.
After installation a window pops up. Says it's scanning my registry. The name of the program is "ShitWare type2".
I closed the window, closed the process and uninstalled ShitWare type2.

Note:The names of witnesses and associates have been changed.

The internet is sometimes worse than the deeps of the underground world.

Witnesses, tell me what more kinds of bullshit-installing programs have you noticed? Hypercam being the first.

 

[Zakamutt]

It's usually google chrome or ask toolbar

 

[Dr Super Good]

Google chrome is harmless (google is a reputable company) and many people actually perfer using it.

The problem are unknown malware that many simple programs try and want you to install.

A good idea is to use open source software, preferably ones that support GNU (if available). They might lack the quality of proper professional or liscenced tools (performance, reliablity, features) but they are mostly non-commercial and malware free.

You just need to make sure to download from a reliable builder (often the project managers) to avoid malware builds (modified versions of the source code with malware in them). If you are really paranoid you can go and compile your own build directly from the source code (which you can check) to be 100% sure there is no malware.

These tools often do not require installation. Using them is a mater of unpacking or building and then running a program file.

For Screencast software I advise checking the wikipedia list. Many of them boast that they are open source and a table of features allows you to decide what to look into more.

I did this when looking for a new DVD player (one that allows me to skip the stupid anti-piricy adverts that they force you to watch on all "100% complient" players even though the discs are genuine) and I have no regrets. I found VLC which did everything I wanted from a DVD player (it even skips all adverts taking you stright to the menu).

 

[Zakamutt]

I have firefox though, I don't need no stinkin' chrome installation sneaked by me. And some OSS does have piggyback installs, make no mistake
Still a minor problem compared to malware of course, which is why you should always exercise caution and use virus scanners and shit, plus common sense.

 

[Squiggy]

All programs attempting to do anying to my registry are being checked by Spybot and Malwarebytes does the rest along with Nod32. I don't even remember the last time a program installed Malware without my knowledge..