Dellboy35:
You said:
Open candy also gives you a choice.It only runs during install and it doesnt infect your pc.
That is not true.
If you read the MediaInfo link that I provided in my previous email, you will see that you have
no choice but to install OpenCandy, unless you donate to MediaInfo for an OpenCandy-free installer. I have included the link again for your ease of reference.
MediaInfo Installs OpenCandy Unless a Donation is Made Link
That to me, and to others in the malware community, is where I/we draw line. If indeed, we did have the choice to refuse OpenCandy when installing the latest versions of MediaInfo, I would be in total agreement with you. I have not too much of an issue with "bundled" software, if I, as the user/downloader, have the option to decline all, or some, of the bundled software. Because I could not decline the installation of OpenCandy, I thought it appropriate to bring this to the attention of the Forum Moderator, because past versions of MediaInfo either did not have bundled software or did give the user the option to decline bundled applications, PUPs or otherwise.
I did not want OpenCandy. I wanted MediaInfo. The MediaInfo site states, you get OpenCandy, like it, or lump it, unless you "donate" to get access to an "OpenCandy"-free version of the MediaInfo installer. You get
no other option to decline it.
I can provide you with screenshots from the Malwarebytes AntiMalware (MBAM) Premium scan that I ran after installing MediaInfo, showing you the detection of OpenCandy on my PC, and the action taken by MBAM to quarantine the offending files.
I don't want to initiate a controversy here. I am only interested in ensuring that people that we are trying to help here on the PD Forums don't wind up with "infected" computers and unwanted software clogging up their works. Many of the folks who come here are not as computer-literate as some of our very knowledgeable participants in these Forums.
I think the Moderator acted appropriately in modifying the "sticky thread" to warn Forum participants of the OpenCandy PUP bundled with MediaInfo, and by posting on the issue so that everyone is aware of that fact.
You and I can agree to disagree. I am on a couple of malware forums daily, and yes, there are always differing viewpoints. I support the Moderator in making the information known to PD Forum participants. They can make their own decisions, but at least they have the information at their disposal to make an informed decision.
It is my understanding that Forum Moderators, here and elsewhere, have a responsibility to Forum participants to, as the doctors say: "Do No Harm." If you visit Bleeping Computer, where I am currently studying, you will see that the Moderators there are very attentive to ensuring that Forum participants there are not "harmed" when following advice given to assist users there with computer issues.
That's my two cents, and again, if I have caused any offence, I apologize. I don't want to become embroiled in any flaming. Life is too short and it is never constructive to the parties involved.
Respectfully Sumitted,
-Phil
Windows 10 Pro x64
Dell XPS 8930
Intel CoreT i7 (4.6 GHz)
32 GB DDR4-2666 RAM
1 TB PCIe -x4 SSD
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
PD14 Ultimate x64, 4207
CD4 Ultra and AD6 Ultra
Bleeping Computer Malware Response Instructor