Steve Smith talks about those potentially unwanted programs that may be slowing down your brand new computer unnecessarily.
Whether you bought your computer from BestBuy, Dell, Asus, a computer store, or built it yourself, this kind of software can be annoying. It is less likely if you built your computer, but by the time I am done explaining how they get into your computer, you may actually start reading the installation procedures of computer software.
First, potentially unwanted programs, are not viruses or spyware. They may contain tracking software from the company, but they don't harm your computer. They can slow down your computer's performance, and having annoying feature sets. You'll always have companies try to install this kind of software, whether it be demos, trial software, or even some antiviruses for limited time usage. In fact, most people will continue to pay for the antivirus that came with their device, despite having the choice of removing it.
Secondly, the way Windows works, you can definitely use a friend's disk to install a fresh installation of Windows using your own serial key, and not have any of the bloatware and PUPs that came with your system, and you'd have a better experience. You'd have to go to the manufacture's web-site to download drivers for some functionality, but you'd only have software you wanted by then.
Thirdly, want to know why they install PUPs in the first place? It is easy. Like advertising in a web-site, or newspaper, it supplements their revenue, and allows you to buy a laptop, or computer, at a lower price point, than you'd otherwise pay. Companies who are installed on your device, paid their way to your computer, which is why it costs less for a device full of PUPs, compared to a clean installation.
Now, for those who build their own computers, you may have noticed a few toolbars, and applications you didn't download being installed. Well those can come from applications you did download, but didn't take the time to pay attention while installing. Even CNET's Download.com is now guilty of this, where an application is bundled with other software to generate revenue. Read everything, and don't presume they have your best interest in mind. If it says you don't need to install it, but install now is selected, it is PUP, deselect install now, and do not install it. Unless you want to see what it does. After all, it won't harm your computer, and you can always uninstall it.
If you do not feel comfortable to reinstalling Windows, on a device you bought, remember, it can also be uninstalled under the add remove applications option in Windows, under the control panel. You are, also, not required to use and continue using the antivirus that came with your computer or laptop.