This Month The Doctor Tackles...

Sneaky Software

Microsoft Bugs

Random Shutdowns

Sneaky Software

Hi Doctor. I downloaded and installed Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, and was shocked to see two other applications, McAfee Security Scan Plus and True Key by Intel Security, being installed at the same time, with no option to cancel. As I recall, there was no checkbox dialog asking if I wanted those apps prior to loading Adobe’s software on to my PC.

Do you have any idea what might have prompted this uninvited intrusion? Are other program downloads using the same forced install for software we didn’t ask for? I was able to uninstall True Key and disable McAfee in “Task Manager > Startup,” however, I would have preferred Adobe not to push them through on the back of its Reader. –Phil Saunders

THE DOCTOR RESPONDS: Bundled software is the bane of an enthusiast’s existence, and most go to great lengths to keep bloatware from slowing their systems down. The Doc visited Adobe’s site using Firefox and Windows 10 to replicate your issue, Phil, and found that Security Scan Plus and True Key were optional offers, selected by default, before clicking the “Install now” button. He then visited using Chrome, and discovered that only True Key was listed. Finally, he tried the same link in Microsoft Edge, and was given an offer to download Chrome.