Brian in Whitby Loc: Whitby, Ontario, Canada

A few days ago I was trying to view a PDF file. My usual PDF reader was not able to open it properly so I decided to download and install Adobe Reader.
When I clicked on Install. adobe reader AND some unasked for McAfee software began to install. I stopped the installation and went back to the download page thinking I had missed deselecting an optional additional software check box.
It turned out there was no option except to install both programs and they did not tell you in advance they would do it.
I am very concerned that next time is might not be be something as easily removed and benign as security software.
Adobe seems to be of the impression that I am completely incompetent to select my own security software and they know better than I what programs should be on my computer.
This is not about the merits of McAfee software. (They have already shown that they can't tell the difference between Windows components and malware.)
This is about sneaking software onto my computer without my consent.
A few years ago Apple pulled a similar stunt; they piggybacked iTunes onto my computer with an update to QuickTime.
My response to Apple was to purge my computer of any and all Apple software and to immediately leave any sites that use QuickTime as the only option.
Now Adobe has to pay the price. I will not install any more Adobe software on my computer no matter how good it is.
Adobe mat think they are so big and important that I can't do without them. Adobe is wrong. There are at least two other companies that supply post processing software that are just as suitable as Lightroom and Photoshop.
Now I am under no delusion that my decision to quit using Adobe will hurt Adobe in any way :-( but maybe this post will serve as a warning to others about Adobe's sneakware policy. It certainly makes me feel a bit better. ;)

BTW: I was easily able to remove the offending software

If you have read this far, thanks for reading.

creativ simon Loc: Coulsdon, South London

:thumbup: :thumbup: Thanks for info

smith934 Loc: Huntsville, Alabama

Absolutely not true. There is an uncheck box for the McAfee software download. I've unchecked it every time I've downloaded Adobe Reader. The second panel on the download page clearly says "Optional Offer" You must uncheck it if you don't want McAfee. You just missed it.

Bangee5 Loc: Louisiana

I agree. I always have to uncheck the check box when updating Adobe Reader. The same for Quicktime with iTunes. I have learned to look for those check boxes anytime I down load.

Brian in Whitby Loc: Whitby, Ontario, Canada

You are correct!
I went back to the download page and checked.
There it was. I can't believe I missed it. [b]TWICE!/[b]

My apologies to all :oops:

Jim Plogger Loc: East Tennessee

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

I must have let that slip by on one of my downloads, too. I just leave it, even though it's redundant. Can't be too careful these days.

Anyway, my point is I think that MacAfee is either paying Adobe to let them ride along, or Adobe has some stake in MacAfee. When MacAfee runs its scans, it always comes up that I'm "Not Protected," for something or other. If I click on the button to "get protected," it opens up my browser to the MacAfee page where I can purchase the extra protection.

malawibob Loc: South Carolina

Also on a lot of downloads you will find an option to "custom" install. that is where you can decline or uncheck additional programs that you don't want.

pbearperry Loc: Massachusetts

[quote=Brian in Whitby]You are correct!
I went back to the download page and checked.
There it was. I can't believe I missed it. [b]TWICE!/[b]

My apologies to all :oops:[/quote]

Don't feel bad, most of us have missed it before and learned the hard way. Ok, maybe not most of us, but me def.

castor canadensis

Yes, Adobe can be as infuriating as any software providers, but smith 934 is right. One cannot download software in the same manner as one might text. Slow, careful and methodical is the answer.

James Shaw

Thanks for the warning. Others seem to be doing the same thing. It's all about money of course!

RicknJude Loc: Quebec, Canada

Easy to get caught. Everybody wants to give you something for nothing. :lol:

RichieC Loc: Adirondacks

Your face will look funny without your nose…. but your spite will be intact.

Just to get it all straight, they offer a free EXCELLENT pdf program and dare to try and sell something??? Did you know they invented PDF as a way for Windows and macs to share layouts way back when??, AND that all the others pale in comparison, BUT THEY HAVE PAID WINDOWS to be installed into your computer and on online as the default player…. ??? ever wonder why- when Adobes product is a free download???

To be consistent, you should yank your cable from the TV, not visit uglyhedgehog ( because of ads) , and not attend any sports games, turn off the radio, AND if the waitress dares ask you if you want a side or offer appetizers or drinks with your meal.. you should get up and storm off too- ( she is upselling!) who cares if its the best restaurant in the world!…

OR you could learn how to operate the damn box!

KTJohnson Loc: Northern Michigan

Think of the whole situation as a free blood-pressure test.

venturer9 Loc: Newton, Il.

The OBJECT though should be that why should I have to be bombarded with downloads, that I have to uncheck or Check to avoid.

I learned way way back to read every page on any DOWNLOAD.... but that doesn't mean that it doesn't still irritate me every time I have to check or unchek.

Mike