Be CAREFUL when using the free software download links!
(I tried to email Piriform directly, but could not find a direct contact form or email.)
When you download CCleaner, the file should be named ccsetup414.exe (for today's version, 5/31/14).
But - Piriform's Free Download link sends us to third party download sites, and many of these third parties use a "download tool" that is not safe if you don't want other software installed on your computer.
This download tool file is often named something simple like "setup.exe"
It is usually misrepresented - it sounds like you need it, but you don't need it at all.
The download tool page usually does give you the option of using it or using a clean download link - BUT it makes the link with the download tool look almost identical to the clean download. You have to really be careful - read all the greyed out and small text. If you accidentally begin downloading the download tool, it usually does not remove what has already been downloaded. I have had to remove malware after only one mis-click - I just couldn't stop it.
If you accidentally continue with the download tool, you must read the text VERY carefully - they often word the links so they are confusing, and aim you toward installing their extra software.
Example - Alongside a "Continue" button, they show a grayed out "Decline" button - it appears inactive, but it is not - you can click to decline the extra software. If you click "Continue" the extra software will be installed.
Example - Alongside a "Continue" button, they show a link named "Cancel". It give you the impression if you click it, you will cancel the download you want. But in reality, it simply cancels the download of the extra software they are offering in the benign looking text above. If you click "Continue" the extra software will be installed.
The download tools promote the software they are trying to add on as "Safe" but I have had hijackers, for example that take over my browser setting without ever detailing or asking permission. It certainly is not "safe" by my definition.
It is my current Internet pet peeve - I used to use and recommend Download.cnet.com, for example because they promoted that all their downloads were scanned for OUR safety. BUT now they always use a download tool that is deceptive and tricky, and I had to uniinstall hijacking and malware software several times before I realized that it was actually THEM - actually Download.Cnet.com - that was promoting it, not some third party dirty dog. I have posted the information on the CNet forum, and every time it has been deleted within a few hours, with no reply. Someone must be making money here... but I sure don't know how or who.
I would love to have all legitimate software companies like Piriform be much more selective of where they point us to download their free software, and not use those locations that use the deceptive, dangerous and very frustrating download tools.
Thanks for listening to my rant...
NNord over and out... for now...
