Software no PC should ever install: a modern-day guide to protect your machine (and your sanity)

Ever wonder if your PC is secretly harboring some software that's slowing it down or, even worse, stealing your personal info? We’ve all been there - sluggish performance, strange pop-ups, and the constant dread of a mysterious background process eating up resources. But fear not! In this guide, we’ll reveal the worst offenders that should never make it onto your machine. Buckle up for a fun yet informative ride through the digital jungle.

1. Norton Antivirus – the old guard gone rogue

Once upon a time, Norton was the hero of the antivirus world, valiantly protecting PCs from viruses. Fast forward to today, and it's more like the villain that drains your PC’s resources. “But it’s an antivirus!” you might protest. Yes, but it’s an overbearing, bloated suite of unnecessary features that are about as useful as a screen door on a submarine.

Here’s the kicker: Norton's malware protection is hit or miss. Sure, it catches some stuff, but plenty of threats manage to slip through. Want proof? Run a benchmark with Norton on, then turn it off and run the same test. Prepare to be shocked by how much it slows down your PC.

And don’t even get me started on the phishing scams using Norton’s name. If you get an email claiming you’ve been charged for a Norton renewal (when you’ve never signed up), don’t fall for it. It’s a scam fishing for your info, not the kind of fish you want to catch.

2. McAfee – the antiviral saga continues

If you thought Norton was bad, meet McAfee - a fellow antivirus giant with an equally questionable reputation. McAfee can turn your computer into a sluggish tortoise crawling at the speed of a broken leg. And don’t even get me started on the bloatware. If your PC is crawling, McAfee might just be the culprit.

3. VPNs – not always the safe haven you think

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) might seem like a genius idea - who doesn’t want to browse the web anonymously and protect their data, right? Originally, VPNs were excellent tools for bypassing region locks and encrypting data over insecure networks (hello, public Wi-Fi). But, as VPNs have grown in popularity, many have evolved into little more than money-grabbing machines.

The reality? Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have caught on. They can now detect VPN usage and throttle or block connections, which means those “super-fast” VPNs you’re paying for might be anything but. Oh, and don’t even think about using a free VPN - some could be scamming you harder than the companies they claim to protect you from. They might be selling your data to third parties or, worse, stealing your personal information. So, before signing up for a VPN, do your homework. Not all VPNs are the online security superheroes they claim to be.

4. Freeware – when "free" costs You

Who doesn’t love free stuff? Unfortunately, sometimes “free” software comes with a hidden price: your privacy. Freeware that seems harmless might sneak in adware or spyware without your knowledge. These sneaky little programs can slow down your PC and even steal your information. If something seems “too good to be true,” trust your gut and read the reviews before downloading.

5. Public wi-fi and sensitive data: a risky rendezvous

Picture this: you’re sipping a latte at your favorite café, using public Wi-Fi to check your bank balance. Sounds convenient, right? But.. Public Wi-Fi is like an open invitation for cyber snoopers to feast on your data.

• Avoid sensitive activities: Save your banking and important logins for secure networks.
• Use incognito mode: It won’t make you invisible, but it helps minimize your digital footprint.
• Pro tip: Public Wi-Fi is like discussing your deepest secrets in a crowded elevator. Tempting, but not wise.

6. Shopping extensions: discounts or digital dangers?

Extensions like Honey or Microsoft Edge Shopping promise to save you money, but every silver lining has a cloud.

• Privacy risks: these extensions can operate during sensitive checkouts, potentially exposing your financial info.
• Intrusiveness: expect constant pop-ups that will make you feel like you're playing digital whack-a-mole.
• Resource drain: can slow down your browser, leaving you questioning if that “deal” was worth the wait.

Alternatives:

• Manual searches: sometimes, old-school coupon hunting yields the best rewards.
• Dedicated deal websites: use reputable sites, but be cautious.

Shopping extensions are like overly enthusiastic friends who won't stop suggesting outfits when you’re just trying to buy a pair of socks.

7. PC performance boosters: the tale of false promises

PC performance boosters often promise a turbocharged experience but can leave you feeling like you’ve added a speed bump instead.

• Ineffectiveness: many boosters slow your system further by hogging resources.
• Obsolete solutions: many were designed for problems that don’t exist with modern SSDs (e.g., defragmentation).
• Redundant features: many overlap with built-in OS utilities.

8. Recommendations:

Uninstall what you don’t use: let’s start simple: your PC doesn’t need every program you’ve ever downloaded since 2008. Think of your PC like your closet - do you really need that old sweater (or app) you haven’t touched in years? No. Enter Revo Uninstaller, the Marie Kondo of software removal. It removes programs, plus every trace of them - like they never existed.

For example, if you’re not using OneDrive, uninstall it. It’s constantly indexing files and slowing things down. It’s like a friend who keeps asking, “Did anything change?” every five seconds. Nope. Bye.

Banish the bloatware: If you’ve got a pre-built PC, congratulations! You also probably have a digital jungle of bloatware. Manufacturers often pre-load software you don’t need. (Yes, we’re looking at you, Norton.) Clean house, and your PC will thank you.

Consider the risks of pirated software: it may seem like a tempting way to save cash, but it’s often a Trojan horse (literally). Cracked programs frequently come with hidden malware. It’s like getting a free donut filled with wasabi instead of cream. Not fun.

Windows defender is (probably) all you need: Unless you’re clicking on every sketchy email link that says “Congratulations! You’ve won a million dollars,” Windows Defender is more than enough for most users. It's free, effective, and doesn’t constantly badger you for an upgrade.

Stay vigilant (and enjoy the process): Keeping your PC clean and fast doesn’t have to be a chore. Regularly uninstall programs you don’t use, avoid bloatware, and steer clear of shady software sources. Think of it as self-care for your computer. With a little effort and some smart choices, your PC will run like new (or at least better than before).

And remember: knowing where you’re “installing” is as important for your PC as it is in life. Stay safe out there, friends.