Here’s a tight summary of the video’s “do-not-install” (or “uninstall”) software list, with reasons and safer alternatives.
Bad/avoid software (from the video)
- Traditional “suite” antiviruses
- Examples: Norton, McAfee (“maffy”).
- Why bad: Heavy performance hit; lots of upsells/bundling; misses still get through; often preloaded on OEM PCs.
- Alternative: Windows Security (Defender) + smart browsing habits.
- Most consumer VPN apps (especially “free” ones)
- Examples mentioned: NordVPN cited for a past breach/handling; general caution on free VPNs.
- Why bad: ISPs/content sites detect & throttle/deny; another attack surface; “free” VPNs can sniff/sell data.
- Use only if you must: Research reputable providers; avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi regardless.
- Shopping/coupon browser extensions
- Examples: Honey, Amazon/Edge shopping add-ons, Temu/Capital One types.
- Why bad: Intrusive at checkout, constant tracking/popups, slows browsing.
- Alternative: Manually search for coupon codes when needed.
- “PC performance booster”/registry cleaner suites
- Examples: Advanced System Repair; generic “optimizer/cleaner/booster” tools.
- Why bad: Placebo at best; often run resident, consume resources, cause conflicts; registry cleaning is needless on SSD-era Windows.
- Alternative: Keep Windows lean, disable startup junk, update drivers/OS, tidy storage. Use Revo Uninstaller (free) to fully remove apps.
- OEM bloatware on prebuilt PCs
- Examples: Trial AVs (Norton), multiple OEM control panels (called out: MSI’s many utilities).
- Why bad: Redundant utilities, telemetry, popups, resource use.
- Alternative: Uninstall anything you don’t use; keep only a single needed control app (fans/RGB).
- Unused cloud sync clients (if you don’t use them)
- Example: OneDrive.
- Why bad: Constant indexing/sync can impact disk performance and add clutter.
- Alternative: If you don’t rely on it, uninstall/disable it.
- Pirated / cracked software & shady torrents
- Examples: Cracked Adobe/Windows, games from torrent sites.
- Why bad: Trojan/spyware risk bundled with the crack; zero trust chain.
- Alternative: Legit free/open-source tools, subscriptions you actually need, or vetted trials.
Quick “do this instead” checklist
- Rely on Windows Security (Defender); avoid stacking multiple AVs.
- Use Revo Uninstaller to remove unused programs and leftovers.
- Keep extensions minimal (ideally none that watch shopping/checkouts).
- On public Wi-Fi, don’t log into sensitive accounts; if you must use a VPN, pick a well-vetted, paid provider—still treat it as partial, not perfect, protection.
- Debloat new PCs: remove trialware, duplicate OEM utilities, and anything you won’t use.
- Keep Windows/driver updates current; manage startup apps; ensure adequate RAM/SSD free space.