FileZilla Sneaking Other Software into Installation

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I have been using FileZilla for several years now. It's served its purpose for my needs. I won't go into whether it's the best solution for FTP and that's not the point of this article. It's something I know, it has been relatively easy to install and it works. I have had no problems with it.

Recently, I had to buy a new machine and hadn't needed to use FTP functionality until today. I knew I needed to do the usual installation of FTP like I have always done. When I went throught the wizard, I notice as part of the installation now it has the option to install two software packages. One is Avast antivirus software and the other is some Web browser that I never heard of.

What is particularly insidious about this, is they pre-check off the box for you and present it in a way that you are agreeing to the terms privacy policy of Filezilla installation rather than the privacy policy of the two new softwares that it is trying to load on your machine.

If I didn't have a lot on my plate right now, I would have looked for another solution altogether. But, I wanted to make everyone aware to not check these two software solutions if you decide to continue using it as your FTP solution (unless you want these two bloatware programs).

It's been my experience in the past that software bundled with other softwares are never a good idea, especially antivirus software. It usually causes a nightmare of conflicts between your chosen solution and the one they load on your behalf. Even when you try to uninstall their solutions, it can leave footprints that you'll be chasing for days and weeks. I don't recommend installing any extra software ever. It is too risky!

Again, the takeaway here is either find a new solution or make sure you uncheck the software agreements so they do not load.

Best Regards,

Jim

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Recent Comments

15

I noticed this a while back. I think 2 or 3 years ago. I wasn't really impressed, but I use FTP so seldom, since I use WordPress, that I haven't even bothered to install it. I usually uncheck the box and download, if I really need to install it as an FTP Program. Usually I just upload using WordPress or my Control Panel (On Stablehost) :)

These software bundles are the way Firezilla is kept as freeware. They make commission from the other software when you buy them. I would always advise you uncheck the boxes before downloading.

Derek

I am all for companies making money, of course. That's why we are all here. However, it's a sneaky way to pass it off as the Privacy Policy of the Filezilla instead of the actual software they are loading. It also flies in the face of GDPR violations as options are not supposed to be preselected.

There are plenty of more legitimate ways in my opinion for the company to make money. For instance, many companies are now using concepts like Patreon to raise funds, especially open source software solutions.

Jim,

I have been using Avast for over 10 years. Whenever I buy a new machine, it is one of the first things I download and install.

I have never seen it bundled as bloatware. Usually that MacAfee. I always get it directly from the site.

Thanks for the heads up.

Gwendolyn J

Hey Gwendolyn, I am not stating that Avast is bad or good. It's just that when vendors bundle software, it has the potential to conflict with whatever solution people already have installed. To be honest, this is the first time I have seen Avast bundled with something else, and you're right, it is usually MacAfee.

Understood, that's why I'm a bit alarmed. If someone is trying to sneak files in under the radar, I definitely think the vendors of that software should be aware.
I have never seen Avast bundled in a download anywhere. Literally *never*.

It's a bit unsettling, considering I have trusted them with every device I have owned for over a decade.

If a bundle pops up while I'm installing I uncheck everything no matter what it is. As you said, I don't want conflicts or redundant programs.

Gwendolyn J

Sounds like good advice.

Thanks for the heads up. I've noticed other software doing the same thing. I don't how many times I've overlooked the pre-checked boxes and ended up having to delete Norton or some other virus protection software. They also like to change your default browser too.

That's something else I noticed. I love my Chrome, and I don't want to swap it out.

Hi, Jim.
Thanks for the reminder. It is actually very good advice.

I had a problem in the past with McAfee being bundled with other products.

Once it was loaded onto your machine, it was a nightmare to take back off. You were almost forced to buy it and i'm sure many did.

Again, thank you for sharing your experience.

Paul.

I've had to go as far as having LogOnFixIt get some of those digital gremlins off my machine because simply uninstalling it doesn't get it all.

If you're online much at all I think it's inevitable that you're going to pick up some digital nasties from time to time.

The best solution I found was to do an annual contract with those guys. They go in and remotely tune 'er up every few months and this machine runs like a new one all the time. I've been using this machine for about four or five years now

Hey KC, yeah I've had trouble myself with this type of thing in the past. Luckily, I have a strong technology background and was able to clean it up completely, but I had to bid fiddle with the Windows Registry (something I wouldn't recommend people doing unless they have a tech background). Like I said in another response on this post, I get that companies want to make money. But, this goes too far over the line in my book.

Hi, KC.
I haven't had any issues since I've been using windows 10 and always making sure to look at check boxes for additional hidden offers.

Thanks for the heads up on LogOnFixit. I hope I will not have to use it in the future but good to have positive feedback in case I do.

Thanks for chiming in.

Kindest regards,

Paul.

Excellent advice James. It always pays to be vigilant.

Good advice, Jim. I learned the hard way a while ago. So I look for boxes to uncheck.

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