Search Start Point

Search Start Point is a low-quality search engine that has been associated with Potentially Unwanted Programs. PUPs associated with Search Start Point may change an affected Web browser's default search engine to Search Start Point by default. They may also change the affected Web browser's homepage to Search Start Point and decrease its security settings or make other changes to its default settings. PUPs associated with Search Start Point may make changes to the affected computer's settings and the Windows Registry, guaranteeing that they start up automatically whenever the affected computer user tries to run Windows. Adware linked to Search Start Point may be installed automatically, often bundled with low-quality freeware or legitimate software packaged in third party installers.

Why PUPs Associated with Search Start Point may be Threatening?

Although sometimes classified as a threat incorrectly, PUPs linked to Search Start Point are low- quality Web browser extensions that toe the line between legitimate and illegitimate software. They may be benign, but may cause numerous unwanted behaviors most commonly linked to threats. In fact, this may make them more difficult to detect and remove, since security software calibrated to detect viruses, Trojans and other types of threats may be incapable of detecting or removing low- level threats like those associated with Search Start Point. Most PUPs linked to Search Start Point are not threatening. However, this does not mean that there are no threats to the affected computer. PUPs are a common way of monetizing Trojan or rootkit infections. It is not uncommon for a Trojan infection to allow a third party to install a wide variety of PUPs on the affected computer with the intent of profiting at the expense of the affected computer user.

Distribution Methods Used by Search Start Point and Other PUPs

The most common way of installing PUPs associated with Search Start Point on a computer is by installing low-quality freeware from an unreliable source. In many cases, legitimate software is packed with PUPs linked to Search Start Point as a way of offsetting the cost of producing and distributing free software. However, computer users may opt out of installing these types of PUPs during the installation process. Some software developers may bundle PUPs such as those associated with Search Start Point with legitimate software that is not free, meaning that the computer user is forced to pay twice. This practice is often regarded as abusive and should alert computer users about the legitimacy of the online business or software manufacturer they are dealing with.

Installers may not be direct about the fact that adware or PUPs are being installed, often opting the computer user into installing these types of components by default and making the option to opt out difficult to find. In most cases, computer users may opt out of components linked to Search Start Point by using 'Custom' Installation or 'Advanced' Installation when installing their new software. The best way to avoid these types of components is to follow the installation process carefully and opt out of anything that is not a direct, essential part of the main software installation.

Problems Linked to Search Start Point and Its Associated PUPs

The main issues linked to Search Start Point and its associated PUPs are intrusive advertising and Web browser behaviors that are undesirable. Search Start Point may not deliver legitimate search results, delivering, instead, a large amount of advertisements and sponsored links. PUPs associated with Search Start Point may also cause affected Web browsers to display a large number of advertisements in the form or pop-up windows or advertisements inserted into websites viewed by the affected computer user.