Google Chrome improves on security by adding some new features to Chrome Cleanup

If you like using Google, it only makes sense to be using Chrome as your default browser right? Wrong, well at least not in Zim.

In Zimbabwe stats prove that the most used browser is actually Opera mini. That’s probably because data prices are quite high hence leaving Opera Mini as the go to browser since it’s one of the best data saving apps. Plus, Opera mini seems to be the more favourable browser on mobile and in Zimbabwe most people access the internet on mobile since mobile internet is much more accessible than Wi-Fi.

Nonetheless, this if for Google Chrome users (or aspiring Google Chrome users).

For its Chrome Cleanup feature, Google Chrome has partnered with ESET, one of the best IT security companies out there in a bid to prevent you from installing unwanted software. Maybe the question would be what is ‘unwanted software’? Well, unwanted software defined by Google would be software that:

– It is deceptive, promising a value proposition that it does not meet.

– It tries to trick users into installing it or it piggybacks on the installation of another program.

– It doesn’t tell the user about all of its principal and significant functions.

– It affects the user’s system in unexpected ways.

– It is difficult to remove.

– It collects or transmits private information without the user’s knowledge.

– It is bundled with other software and its presence is not disclose

Essentially, Chrome Cleanup will allow you to quickly remove (or not) the ‘non-compliant’ software on the popup after it is detected during installing since often at times when you download software or other content, unwanted software might be bundled up as part of the installation process without you knowing.

Though this does not replace the need for an antivirus (though for most of us it actually does – not advisable I must say) it is a good thing since it protects you from unwanted software. Unwanted software has the potential to modify your internet search e.g. redirect you to the not-so-wanted pages or inject additional ads on the pages you visit. And that sometimes can negatively impact your internet experience altogether.

However, the feature is only available for Windows users. Not bad since 89.12% of desktop users in Zimbabwe use Windows OS.