PUP.CNET.Adware.Bundle (Uninstall Guide)

PUP.CNET.Adware.Bundle stands for potentially unwanted program, CNET's own installer that wraps a limited number of Windows software downloads in a CBS Interactive/CNET bundle which attempts to download and install sponsored software, mostly toolbars (at least it's the Blekko toolbar at the moment). In other words, when you download a program from download.com you may get CNET's proprietary installer, not the the software's installer. The downloaded file name begins with cnet_ or cnet2_, here's an example: cnet2_freeocr_exe.



If you install recommended toolbar or any other utility, 3rd party advertisers may track what you do on the internet to target you with products. That's the main reason why CNET's installer is detected by some anti-virus products as adware, PUP.CNET.Adware.Bundle and even a Trojan, although there are others. First of all, it can be a violation of a program's distribution terms. Secondly, users are likely to blame the software authors if something goes wrong with the sponsored software. But it's clearly CNET's fault.

The actual installation is a 4 step process. The logical progression of CNET's wrapper software makes it very easy to accept sponsored software by default, especially for unwary users who don't take much notice of installer screens and tend to simply click Next, Next, Next. This is the third major problem with PUP.CNET.Adware.Bundle - all the special offers and extras are enabled by default, what is known as an 'Opt Out' system.



In our case, PUP.CNET.Adware.Bundle wanted us to install Blekko toolbar and change our default search engine to blekko.com.

Detection:

• Adware.Downloader-207, ClamAV
• Adware.Downware.130, DrWeb
• Win32.Trojan, eSafe
• Win32/InstallCore.D, NOD32
• PUP.CNET.Adware.Bundle, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware

Some people say it's a terrible idea while others are more tolerant of such practice. In terms of computer security, PUP.CNET.Adware.Bundle isn't a huge security threat. Although, CNET may attempt to install software detected as adware by some anti-virus products, it's actually nothing more than PUP. It's not spyware. After all, you can simply uninstall both CNET's installer and sponsored software from your computer. Besides, it's always a good idea to download software directly from the official website whenever possible. Or you can click the "Direct Download Link" instead of "Download Now" and you will get a 'pure' installer, without extras.



By the way, what do you think about this new installer method? Good luck and be safe online!

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