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Malware identified in CCleaner 5.33

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Re: Malware identified in CCleaner 5.33

#181
post #155

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I have always assumed the vast majority of software meeting this description is malware. I don't know if I should feel silly or if it's a sensible assumption for end users to make.

I never liked, nor used CCleaner. I always thought it was for lazy people or those who refused to do it the hard way.

Categorically disregarding the use of automated maintainence tools under the guise of "lazy vs real techies" seems short sited, arrogant, and regressive.

Re: Malware identified in CCleaner 5.33

#182
post #89

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Why doesn't MS Windows do the maintenance - CCleaner does things like clean up ancient cache files, remove Windows update files, remove registry entries for software that's no longer installed. That sort of maintenance seems like it's the result of poor design in an OS that has the hood welded shut. I actually used ccleaner on Win 10 recently, an MS update had associated loads of files with TWINUI which wasn't instal…

You can disable startup programs from task manager in W10. Or msconfig in older versions.

I actually use Autoruns by preference, https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/auto... .

If you type startup or autoruns or similar does Win10 suggest task manager, would never have thought to look there ... will try next time!

Re: Malware identified in CCleaner 5.33

#183

It's also worth noting that the default installer for CCleaner automatically installs Chrome and sets it as the default browser with no notification in the default process. Unless you click "More..." from one of the screens, then it tells you. At least it was like this two weeks ago. Had to uninstall bundleware Chrome again from multiple family members' PCs.

> the default installer for CCleaner automatically installs Chrome and sets it as the default browser

Why is that is my question.

Re: Malware identified in CCleaner 5.33

#184

It's also worth noting that the default installer for CCleaner automatically installs Chrome and sets it as the default browser with no notification in the default process. Unless you click "More..." from one of the screens, then it tells you. At least it was like this two weeks ago. Had to uninstall bundleware Chrome again from multiple family members' PCs.

> the default installer for CCleaner automatically installs Chrome and sets it as the default browser Why is that is my question.

Google pays companies to do new installs of Chrome. They're supposed to make it explicit, but Google doesn't really police it. It's usually via 'dark patterns' as it is with most free Windows antivirus apps where it shows a small indication at the bottom of the screen on a window that's about something else. For example, Avast sneaks it in as part of an automatic update on the Continue window: https://i.imgur.com/NIZk9Pd.jpg

Re: Malware identified in CCleaner 5.33

#185

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I never liked, nor used CCleaner. I always thought it was for lazy people or those who refused to do it the hard way.

Categorically disregarding the use of automated maintainence tools under the guise of "lazy vs real techies" seems short sited, arrogant, and regressive.

It may be more expensive but hand-crafted, artisanal system administration is well worth it. The difference between it and cheap, factory produced system administration is night and day. Also, it's Local and Made In The USA so you are helping people around you in the greatest nation on earth rather than poor people in another country.

Re: Malware identified in CCleaner 5.33

#186

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> the default installer for CCleaner automatically installs Chrome and sets it as the default browser Why is that is my question.

Google pays companies to do new installs of Chrome. They're supposed to make it explicit, but Google doesn't really police it. It's usually via 'dark patterns' as it is with most free Windows antivirus apps where it shows a small indication at the bottom of the screen on a window that's about something else. For example, Avast sneaks it in as part of an automatic update on the Continue window: https://i.imgur.com/NIZ…

Pal, you know you're revealing the selves of both MS and Google!

Re: Malware identified in CCleaner 5.33

#187
post #106

Earlier quoted context omitted.

CCleaner is not an Anti-Virus. It does not run in the background (at least the free version) and will not slow your PC. It helps users locate and remove temporary/cache files buried in the OS to free up disk space. It is very useful - even for pros. Defender will not do this.

Doesn't Windows 10 basically do this itself?

You're asking for too much!

Re: Malware identified in CCleaner 5.33

#188
post #111

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Hardly. CCleaner can easily remove 5-6GB of junk.

I use CCleaner for maybe even 10 years, a great tool. But Windows 10 (a few older versions as well, but somewhat hidden) has something similar called "Disk Cleanup" (Win key > enter "Disk Cleanup" > "Clean up system files" > Check all marks). "Disk Cleanup" removes stuff that CCleaner doesn't, so I use them together. You can even remove system restore and shadow copies (Win key > enter "Disk Cleanup" > "Clean up syst…

"a few older versions as well" - It's been in every version since Windows 98 :)

Re: Malware identified in CCleaner 5.33

#189
post #58

Earlier quoted context omitted.

My experience with Ubuntu (xubuntu 16.04.x) is that you really need a modern Nvidia card to get high/native resolution. Especially for someone who wants to run 3 monitors.

I'll add the caveat that for HiDPI displays you're still likely to run into scaling issues, particularly if you have differently sized displays. I hear that for some specific cases Ubuntu/Gnome 3 handle things acceptably, but there's still a lot of rough edges (not that Windows doesn't still have problems here too).

This is true. I just installed Ubuntu on a shiny new (to me) Precision 5510 laptop. 4k monitor native. When I hooked it to my 27 inch, 2560x1440 monitor, the scaling became a disaster between the two screens. Setting the scale on the fly can also be a disaster. Best thing I have found is to set the res down on the higher-res monitor, and set the scaling to the same on both monitors. Or just never move things between monitors.

Re: Malware identified in CCleaner 5.33

#190

Earlier quoted context omitted.

CCleaner is not an Anti-Virus. It does not run in the background (at least the free version) and will not slow your PC. It helps users locate and remove temporary/cache files buried in the OS to free up disk space. It is very useful - even for pros. Defender will not do this.

CCleaner does sell a bit of FUD though - "your computer is slow, use us so it goes faster". I don't think "crap" is causing significant slowdowns anymore, maybe frees up some disk space but nothing that the OS can't do itself either.

How many times have we all noticed our computers running slow, only to find a bunch of tempfiles not touched by anything!
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