PUP's

[tpa]

Whilst viewing someones Photobucket pictures from this forum, I kept getting asked to update , I think, my "viewer" software. As I could not get past 2 pictures before it appeared I eventually tried to without uploading any add on programs. The main program is called "istart-webssearches". Anyone else encountering this , don't be tempted. It is called a PUP (potentially unwanted program). That should be changed to "Definitely Unwanted Program". You cannot decline all the add-ons, it places 3 adverts in your viewing area, which you cannot get rid of (they keep re-appearing) and ruins your viewing experience. It also installs itself on all your browsers, not just the one you accessed it on. It does install an uninstall program which does not work, just goes round in circles, but you cannot find the software which generates the issue and delete it as searching for the software name does not find it. One of the add-ons also shows up in the program list but cannot be removed through the Control Panel.

It took me a morning to get rid of it. Fortunately I was able to follow instructions found on the web on an adjacent computer, otherwise it would have taken much longer as you need to close your browser(s), whilst following the instructions.

Anyone getting a similar message should either right click on the link to check where the link is going to, or check which viewing software your computer is using and check the official website for updates; meanwhile just abandon what they are doing at the time.

I am sorry I cannot be more precise about the wording of the original request, having got rid of it I cannot replicate it. Presumably the request itself was generated by another piece of rogue software, now removed.

[unixken]

Although I run Norton as my principle anti-virus/malware software, I also run "Malwarebytes", which does a fabulous job of spotting crap like that. It also gets along well with both Norton, and SUPERAntiSpyware, which I also run. (Each has it's strengths, and they all play well together.)

[Calgacus]

I dislike Photobucket. To me, the whole site is verging on malware. I use Flickr instead.

[KentuckyCeltophile]

Get a Mac. Never had spyware, malware, or otherwise unwanted programs on my Mac.
KC

[Calgacus]

Get a Mac. Never had spyware, malware, or otherwise unwanted programs on my Mac.
KC

Indeed, or run a Linux install, such as Ubuntu, which is what I do.

[TheOfficialBren]

Plus one to MAC. I use my MacBook and my iPad to do most of my web surfing.