Not so friendly PUPs

Not so friendly PUPs

Probably Unwanted Programs

PUP NameDescription
Wave BrowserA Chromium-based browser that tracks user activity and displays intrusive ads.
OneLaunchA Chromium-based browser that collects data and redirects users to unwanted sites.
MyWayHijacks your homepage and search engine, redirecting searches through ads.
Ask ToolbarModifies browser settings and slows down browsing with excessive ads.
ConduitAlters browser settings and collects browsing data without consent.
SearchProtectPrevents users from changing their default homepage or search engine.
Snap.doA browser hijacker that changes your homepage and redirects searches.
SweetIMAdds animated emoticons but comes with excessive ads and privacy-intrusive behavior.
Coupon AlertsDisplays unwanted coupon ads on shopping sites.
DriverUpdateScans for outdated drivers but pressures users to purchase unnecessary upgrades.
PC Accelerate ProA fake optimizer that slows down your PC with constant prompts for upgrades.
Search App by AskRedirects searches through its engine and displays intrusive ads.

The list says it all. DO NOT INSTALL THEM! There is no functionality they provide that isn’t already a part of your regular browsers: Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Safari. Most other browsers out there are a variant of one of these four. Google promotes itself and advertisers, Microsoft promotes the Edge browser, Apple promotes Safari.

Only about 3 independently coded browsers exist: Firefox, Safari, and one of Google’s variants, Google Chrome. Even Microsoft Edge is a variant of Chromium. Chromium is an open-source project primarily developed and maintained by Google. While Google is the main contributor, the open-source nature of Chromium allows other developers and organizations to contribute to its codebase. Here is a table of browsers using it. Non-Chromium browsers include specialized options like Tor Browser (based on Firefox’s Gecko engine) and LibreWolf (a privacy-focused Firefox fork).

Browser NameKey Features
Google ChromeWidely used, fast, extensive extension library.
Microsoft EdgeImproved performance, privacy features, integration with Microsoft services.
OperaBuilt-in VPN, ad blocker, cryptocurrency wallet. Owned by Kunlun Tech Co., Ltd., a Chinese company, based on Chromium.
BravePrivacy-focused with ad and tracker blockers, rewards system.
VivaldiCustomizable, advanced tab management, note-taking features.
Epic Privacy BrowserPrioritizes privacy by blocking trackers and ads.
SlimjetLightweight, fast, anti-tracking features.
Comodo DragonSecurity-focused, enhanced privacy features.
Torch BrowserMedia downloading tools, built-in torrent client.
Ungoogled ChromiumOpen-source Chromium version without Google tracking.
All based on Chromium, a Google-maintained open-source browser.
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