As an example, I downloaded driver booster, I deleted it but Im wondering if they will put a malware in my computer since I deleted it (because they will show their delete popup and yea) probably a dumb question

  • darklightedge@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    If the software you installed was malicious to begin with, it could potentially perform harmful actions during both installation and uninstallation. This is why it’s critical to download software from reputable sources and to have a good antivirus program in place.

  • cjcox4@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    Running any program can put you susceptible to “whatever”.

    So, the short answer has to be “yes”.

    Generally speaking, we trust people to do “good things” instead of “bad things” when we run their software. But, it is simply a matter of trust.

  • bippy_b@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    There used to be a bug in the Zoom install that after you uninstalled it, Zoom kept running anyways. So they can do anything they want.

  • Xcissors280@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    Why would they infect you when you uninstall when they could just do it when you install but in some cases it would be possible on uninstall

  • hurkwurk@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    i think people tend to forget that “malware” isnt a virus because its often done in a legal way. yes, shitty software that you agree to, can do horrible things to your machine when you allow it.

    the uninstaller should remove it. but “ooops” happens, ie bullshit code that causes things to stick.

    99% of the time freeware malware bytes install will clear it for you. if you still get weird behavior after you run malware byes, then a reset might be worth it.

  • Playful_Evidence_547@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    Here’s some advice, don’t install any program, until you’ve scanned the files with malwarebytes, and windows defender. There’s absolutely no reason to avoid using these programs.

  • zeroexct@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    If you’re worried you can download KVRT (Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool) and scan your computer. It’s a virus scanner, not an AV, so you can remove the executable once you’re done using it. It’s very reliable.

  • DeadLolipop@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    Usually uninstalling a software involves running the uninstaller that comes with the software. The uninstaller itself is a software, so yes it can do stuff other than deleting the files that came with the application.

  • aesoped@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    Plenty of malware can reinstall itself after you remove it. I recently came across a rather nasty virus at my help desk that was re-installing every time it got deleted, every time the computer shut down, every time the computer woke up, and every time the user logged out. Turns out the malware had set up some automated tasks which had to be removed in a specific order to completely clean the machine.

    Also I’d tend to stay away from things like “driver boosters” as these are more than likely malware, theres really not anything out there you can download to speed up how your computer runs.

    • t2000kw@alien.topB
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      1 year ago

      Even if they aren’t malware, they can make mistakes in installing the wrong driver, or the new driver might cause problems. You may not know where the problem came from if it replaced a driver with a newer one.

      The safe approach is to leave your drivers alone unless you have a problem with a specific driver, or the new driver adds features you want.

    • PixelOmen@alien.topB
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      1 year ago

      It doesn’t even need to reinstall itself. Every time you install it, it can install a completely separate piece of software that you never know about.

    • JamesEtc@alien.topB
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      1 year ago

      If malware is detected in enterprise, please wipe the machine. Not worth the risk.

  • skylinesora@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    Sure it can, but instead of worrying about if it can, you should be thinking “why am I stilling crap on my pc?”.