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Performance Optimizer

 

What is Performance Optimizer?

Performance Optimizer is a product of SellMoSoft, and is currently distributed at performanceoptimizer.com.  It identifies or markets itself as a product which as the name suggests is a “PerformanceOptimizer optimizes and compacts your registry for the best system performance!"

What makes Performance Optimizer a badware?

We find that Performance Optimizer is a badware because:

1. Software installs deceptively
The performanceoptimizer.com website attempts to silently download and install an ActiveX 'pre-installer' control for Internet Explorer. This pre-installer prompts the user to 'Continue' installing PerformanceOptimizer, although the user may not have chosen to download the pre-installer in the first place.

2. Software does not clearly identify itself
The pop-up advertisements that PerformanceOptimizer displays on the user's computer are disguised as system alerts displayed by Microsoft Internet Explorer, and do not identify PerformanceOptimizer in any way as their source.

The software does not fully, accurately, clearly, and conspicuously disclose the principal and significant features and functionality of the application prior to installation.

3. The PerformanceOptimizer promotes other badware
The product does not inform users that it will display frequent pop-up advertisements for additional software, both automatically and as a result of using PerformanceOptimizer's 'Update' feature. Some of the additional software promoted by PerformanceOptimizer has previously been reported as badware (WinAntiVirus).

 

How does Performance Optimizer affect your system?

Although Performance Optimizer has not been identified to specifically cause any of the anticipated badware effects but when a software fails to accurately and completely disclose its features and activities such as loading of advertising material and software, then it falls under the eye of suspicion and is classified as badware.

Performance Optimizer reports exaggerated computer health threats in order to induce the user to purchase a registered version of the software which, it claims, will repair these problems. Some of these deceptive threats are delivered by frequent and sometimes difficult-to-dismiss pop-ups which interfere with the user's computer experience.

 

How to remove / fix Performance Optimizer if installed?

Many badware applications are specifically designed to be extremely difficult to remove. The use of normal removal procedures, such as “Add/Remove Programs,” is often ineffective. Even if you believe that you’ve successfully removed an unwanted software application, there may still be remnants that can continue to wreak havoc on your computer without your knowledge.

In order to effectively remove badware applications, we recommend the use of both anti-virus and anti-spyware applications. Most consumer computer users have some form of anti-virus protection already. Make sure yours is reputable and updated to best defend your machine against the latest threats.

After you install your anti-virus and anti-spyware you will need to run them to scan for badware. Once the tools have completed their scans, follow the recommended instructions, which will usually include selecting malicious files for removal.

 

Recommendations to the users/ customers

It is recommended that users do not install Performance Optimizer unless the user is comfortable with the software behaviors identified above or the application is updated and modified so as to correct its inconsistencies as suggested below:

• » Stop distributing the PerformanceOptimizer 'Pre-installer' by silent, automatic download from the PerformanceOptimizer website.
• » Inform users before they install the software that the application will repeatedly prompt the user to purchase a registered version of the software, and that it will display frequent pop-up alerts instructing the user to download additional software.
• » Stop reporting exaggerated system vulnerabilities to users, to induce them to install or purchase the product or other products.
• » Conspicuously attribute all of the software's behaviors, including pop-up alerts, to PerformanceOptimizer.

 

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