Watch for check boxes when installing all software

When it comes to installing new software programs I have two rules that should get you through the process and keep you out of trouble.

1. When in doubt, click on the affirmative (Next, OK, Finish, I Agree, etc).

2. ALWAYS WATCH FOR CHECK BOXES!

The second rule is becoming more important as search engines and other sites that provide ad-sponsored services promote themselves by partnering up with other software companies. While installing a program like JAVA or Adobe Reader, you may be asked whether you want to install other programs such as Google Desktop or Adobe Photoshop Album Starter Edition. Simply unchecking these boxes will cut your install time significantly and save from other undesired hassles.

Here is an example:

You download Adobe Reader so that you can print out some tax forms from the web.
While installing there is a check box asking if you want to also download and install Adobe Photoshop Album. You leave it checked.
After installing all programs, you notice that whenever you try to use your digital camera, flash drive or CD-ROM containing photos, Adobe Photoshop Album pops up and tries to take over the process. This will annoy you.

Example #2:
You download and install a Java update when prompted. This is a good thing. However as you install it asks if you want to install Google Desktop. You leave it checked.
After downloading and installing, you notice a new little feature called the Google Updater. It keeps popping up and asking you questions that you don't know the answer to so you agree. Soon you have Google Desktop, a new Google Toolbar in your web browser, a GoogleTalk program running in your system try by your clock and constant nags from the Google Updater that there are still more updates.

Typically leaving check boxes checked will not cause any major problems, but they can confuse you. If you want to install Quicktime, make sure that you only download Quicktime if you are not an iTunes user. Quicktime will try to get you to install iTunes as well which will take over some of the functions of Windows Media Player and other audio and video options you may not want changed.

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