

So if you do have to use them, watch very carefully the whole install dialogue and be sure to decline on the bad stuff.

None of this is anything new, but a few years ago some kind of law was put in place in EU then in the States saying that they have to tell you what they want to stick you with. Unless it is some impossible-to-find software from some defunct maker, never use these 3rd or 4th party sites to install. These outfits host certain makers products, either for free or even with them unawares, and they makes all their money based on how much rubbish they can get into your computer. If any outfit says it needs to have you install its "download manager," run like hell.

Brothersoft, Softpedia - anything with the name 'soft' in it, even CNET will do you good, if you don't click on all the proper decline boxes during the install.
