Crapware refers to non-essential software on a computer that uses valuable resources. It includes pre-loaded promotional software, adware, spyware, and hijackware. Virus protection and removal software can prevent or remove crapware. Some computer manufacturers offer crapware-free systems, and there are removal software packages available.
Crapware is a collective term used to identify any type of software that uses valuable resources on a computer hard drive. In general, any software that is not essential to the functioning of the system and is not used by the owner of the computer can be called crapware. Some examples of this type of software include components loaded onto the system before sale, while others involve software that is downloaded from the Internet without the user’s knowledge or consent.
Originally, the term “crapware” was used to define additional software that manufacturers would load onto a system’s hard drive before shipping the device to a retail outlet. Along with software as essential as the operating system and basic word processing programs, manufacturers often load up on other non-essentials, such as software to sign up for a particular Internet service provider or basic greeting card making software. While it is promotional in nature and serves as a source of revenue for the computer manufacturer, crapware is often not wanted or needed by the end user.
In more recent years, the definition of crapware has been broadened to include the various types of adware and shareware that are downloaded when the user visits a website or that rely on free software that the user chooses to download. Some forms of this crapware are more or less harmless, resulting in unwanted advertising appearing in a separate window or appearing when the user attempts to access a particular feature of the downloaded software. The broad definition of adware can also include spyware, which monitors and reports your Internet browsing habits to the perpetrator. Hijackware, which can insert itself into system files and start resetting home pages and adding toolbars, also collects sensitive information that can be exploited by third parties.
Many virus protection programs today help prevent new crapware from being downloaded from the Internet. Other programs are designed to remove crapware from your hard drive altogether. While more computer manufacturers offer crapware-free systems for sale, many new computers still come loaded with unwanted promotional software. There are currently several crapware removal software packages on the market that will scan your hard drive, identify a wide range of crapware, and remove it from your operating system in minutes.
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