Study Finds New PCs Loaded with Malware

Yes I could believe 46 percent,  in east Asia, Russia or developing countries. This is in no way representative of north America or western Europe.

Microsoft loves this study, as it is seriously hurt by pirated software in the Asia/Russia, where it is almost illegal to have legal software.

"I doubt MS would commision or publish... a study that examines the incidence of Junkware and PUPs that come pre-loaded from the mainstream vendors"

Actually, doing so would be beneficial to Microsoft's Stores, as it could enhance sales of their "Signature PCs" (no junkware included) http://www.microsoftstore.com/store?Action=ContentTheme&Locale=en_US&SiteID=msusa&ThemeID=33363200&pbPage=MicrosoftSignature

(which, by the way, includes several models/offerings by Dell)

This study essentially looks at the risks of getting malware when buying from basically untrustworthy sources, not from mainstream vendors such as Dell, Lenovo, etc.The relative risk under these circumstances in the USA is quoted as 31%. This does not surprise me.

I would be more interested in a study that examines the incidence of Junkware and PUPs that come pre-loaded from the mainstream vendors, but I doubt MS would commision or publish such a study. I suspect the incidence would approach 100%.

Unfortunately Microsoft Stores seems to only offer tablets and touchscreen computers in their Signature PCs, all of which seem to come with Win 8.

I still prefer desktops with keyboards, mice & Win 7.

Junkware, PUPs and trialware no doubt lower the upfront costs of a purchase. But frankly I'd be willing to pay a bit more not to have to deal with them.

"I still prefer desktops with keyboards, mice & Win 7"

I hear ya Joe! .

What gets me is many reputable companies insist on piggy backing PUPs during downloads, irritating having to keep an eye out for the add on check boxes; had one the other day install "Conduit" without any warning.

"But frankly I'd be willing to pay a bit more not to have to deal with them."

Agree, as it does take a bit of knowledge and sometime to remove them. What gets me is many reputable companies insist on piggy backing PUPs during downloads, irritating having to keep an eye out for the add on check boxes; had one the other day install "Conduit" without any warning.

Joe had problems with this, and I had a remnant show up in Hitman Pro scans.

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/virus-spyware/f/3522/p/19538493/20508878.aspx#20508878

This little program seems to get rid of it and some other undesired stuff as well.

http://adwcleaner.soft32.com/

pcmeiners:

I too would be interested in knowing which "reputable" company bundled Conduit with your download, and the website you downloaded it from.

Based on my experience, this is not a PUP, but a Positively Unwanted Program, that hijacks your browser, and resists removal. I required MBAM, AdwCleaner, and ESET online scanners to remove all traces of this pest.

One great source for "clean" downloads is https://ninite.com/

They offer clean (no bundled junkware) installers, which run without inundating you with NEXT> prompts (by installing programs in their default locations).

Most commonly-used programs are available there.

You can even "customize" your favorite programs into a "combined" installer... which can then be rerun at later dates, picking-up the most recent version of each of your specified programs.

SourceForge was the source; now every time I need a file from there I will have my doubts. I consider Conduit definite malware, as it resists removal.

Duplicate post

SourceForge was the source; now every time I need a file from there I will have my doubts. I consider Conduit definite malware, as it resists removal.

SourceForge is now routinely bundling adware, the dodgy Ask Toolbar, and apparently now malware such as Conduit. I certainly would not use it to download anything. I usually download from the author's website if at all possible, or follow ky331's suggestion. Thanks for the feedback.

Some examples:

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2013/11/image-editor-gimp-abandons-sourceforge-over-adware-wrapped-installers/
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/virus-spyware/f/3522/t/19516840.aspx