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I know that Comodo Firewall used to have this functionality, take PicPick installer for example, whenever I run it the Comodo Firewall program (free version) would tell me that the setup tries to run "askcom_installer.exe" (or similar) and it would give me the option to deny the execution of said program, but the setup program would run ok without a problem.

An entire firewall program is overkill for me just for this functionality, so do you know of software that does the same thing?

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Looking forward to your suggestions :)

Dalsan M
2013-09-04 19:16:45
I just found out about a new software called Anti-Toolbar (though it is still in beta stages). http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/antitoolbar.html This sounds like it fits your wants and needs.
edyshor
2013-03-19 23:44:02
PicPick was just an example, there's a load of software that do this; I've read what it writes on PicPick's download page but even in this case i'm expected to at least be notified at install time what other junk i get by installing PicPick instead of finding some unremovable hijacking extension in my Chrome (that's right, Google Chrome) that i can't figure out how it get there; (first time i've seen an unremovable, un-disableable extension in Goolge Crome; i'm really disappointed; Google, that's not a feature, that's a BUG!)Comodo was great while i was using it, but it was getting to much of a resource hog for my previous system and its warnings and notifications (or lack of) would get annoying at times so i decided to put it on hold and stick with windows's firewall.Its been a couple of years since then and i got myself a more powerful system now, maybe i'll install it again, if only for this kind 'hidden installs' issue, that is, of course, if they haven't removed it :)However, my question isn't about this - morally gray - practice that some freeware software developers use to monetize their work (which is their right and some really deserve it), but its about a software that can monitor the installation process and raise an alarm when the monitored installation process is launching another installation (for another software then the one you're installing); This software should at least notify you when that happens, but it would be really great if it would ask you to confirm the second (embedded) installation; Comodo's firewall software does (or did) this with the Defense+ module i think; PicPick is a recent software that i've installed and it installed some crappy toolbar without even telling me about it.. Thank your for your answers and your opinions on the matter.
dragonmouth
2013-03-19 15:53:08
"An entire firewall program is overkill for me just for this functionality, so do you know of software that does the same thing?"A firewall, especially Comodo, can prevent many more problems than just "piggy back installs". If you get rid of Comodo, you will open yourself to a host of malwares. But being a power user, I assume you know what you are doing.The download page for PicPick specifically states that "Freeware version may include third-party (sponsored) advertisements." I guess you must not have noticed that warning.
Maxi3w
2013-03-18 01:03:22
See, I go with Alan Wade and muotechguy on this because even download.com by Cnet goes through many 'accept/decline', 'express/custom/advanced installations' pages before you get to installing the actual software that you asked for and it really is a case of being very thorough and reading every step very carefully. We've all made this mistake at some point. If the software is from a reputable source then these 'options' will be there to get them or not. You have to be very dilligent. If accidently or intentionally by the software does install an unwanted item, then why not use an Uninstaller program like Revo or i0bits to thoroughly get rid of it? I think it would be near impossible to get a software/firewall that would be able to detect every 'extra' you don't want.
Alan Wade
2013-03-11 12:23:53
The biggest issue with installed 'piggy backed' software or software that installs itself when you install something else is the user's inability to read just what is actually being installed.Nearly all programs and apps that have other apps piggy-backed with them do this to help financially support the orginal program but the more reputable vendors offer the choice to not install it. It usually means unchecking a box.If by chance you are referring to software when downloading from un-desirable sites, then MUOtechGuy has it nailed.
Peter Mann
2013-03-15 22:40:45
These days on the net you really need a good reliable security suite. I have used Kaspersky Internet Security for the last few years and I recommend it to all my friends. it is reasonably priced and is very effective.For freeware go to http://www.snapfiles.com/ or the Major Geeks site as suggested above. They usually warn you about piggy back software.
muotechguy
2013-03-11 09:01:10
To be brutally honest, this sounds it would be more easily solved by addressing the user problem: stop installing random software that you can't verify the source for, and read the install apps clearly so you can de-select any added toolbars and such. Good apps from trusted developers don't install malware.
Oron Joffe
2013-03-11 16:30:04
Actually, many legimate applications, such as Adobe Reader and Java nowadays "bring a friend" with them in the form of a toolbar or nuisance software of the sort edyshor mentions.
edyshor
2013-03-11 08:23:32
Well, its not that i want to prevent someone to install stuff, more like that i want to be made aware and asked for confirmation when an installer (that i run) decides to install something else (like ask.com and other junk); I don't know how comodo's Defense+ worked but i think it monitored the installation process to see when it wants to start a new installer or run another exe; When i agreed i simply press 'Allow' and when i didn't i choose 'Deny' just as simple as that; Hopefully one of the two solution you proposed would do the same :)Just to clear things up. i need this for installers that don't ask me to accept the installation of junkware (like ask.com) i really hate those :(
DalSan Mack
2013-03-11 07:41:52
There are a couple options you can try. Either use WinPatrol, which may be overkill with all of the other features as it is a good preventative security software, but also may not always prevent installations and instead alert you after installation. Or, try InstallGuard, which will stop any installations until you enter a password, but is annoying and a hassle each time you wish to install any software. http://www.winpatrol.com/http://www.guidingtech.com/13982/install-guard-control-software-installation-windows/