Are software Installers just a means to collect data?


TheMystic

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When downloading a program, we often find one or more of the following options:

1. Actual program.exe file.
2. Installer.exe file (much smaller in size).
3. Zip file (for offline installation).

Developers are increasingly using the installer these days that serve no real purpose for the end user. Is this method being used just to collect data on the customer?

For example, if you want to install Macrium Reflect Free edition, you will only be able to download the installer from the site, after going through multiple screens asking for your email address and other information (which can be skipped).

This installer then downloads the actual program and other components and obviously requires an internet connection. Makes me think that this is intended to collect information from the computer that is downloading the program, and we have no control on what all information is collected in the process.

What do you think?

.
 
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Windows 11 21H2 Build 22000.282

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There is always the devil hidden in the detail, but is it harmless, data collection or a conspiracy theory.
That is a very good million dollar question, and everybody has their own opinion.
Developers use installers a lot of the time, because the average user (and I state "average user") has NO idea how to install, config/setup a program correctly and companies try and simplify the install process.

As the old saying goes "the biggest risk to security and giving away information is "ourselves".

All anybody can do is be vigilant and check out the finer detail before installing anything!

AND IMO, if they want information, they will get it one way or another.
I would be more worried about the information ISP's collect and use!
 

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    Defender, Malwarebyte
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    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build-22631.3374
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    Home built Test-PC
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    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-4460 CPU @ 3.20GHz
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    50Mbps / 20Mbps
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    Only running Win 11 on this PC for test purposes
because the average user (and I state "average user") has NO idea how to install, config/setup a program correctly and companies try and simplify the install process
I don't think so. How is the installer different from the actual program which can do the exact same thing?

You could argue saying that the installer only downloads and installs specific components necessary for your operating system and hardware configuration. Just like we have on mobile operating systems (both iOS and Android). But is that true?

I don't think that it is the case with most programs. Because if that is the case, why not allow the user to decide what to download. Unlike a mobile device, most users aren't limited by storage space on a laptop or desktop.

In the case of Macrium Reflect, the installer does nothing apart from downloading the actual program.exe file. While it gives additional download options, an installer isn’t required for this purpose.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

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  • OS
    Windows 11
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    Laptop
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    HP Envy dv7
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000 & Nvidia GeForce GT 635M
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Crucial MX500 on bay 1.
    1 TB Seagate HDD on bay 2.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Only advantage of a webinstaller is, that it will download the latest version. But for me, I prefer the offline installers (which contain the full program files).
 

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    Gigabyte GA-P67A-D3-B3
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    24GB
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    onboard
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    Intel Core i5-2500
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    Gigabyte PH67A-D3-B3
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    4GB
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    oldschool Dell optical wired
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    Mozilla 91.2.0esr
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    Defender
    Other Info
    This is an older PC for testing new OS,
    Furthermore: 4 Dell/HP laptops on Win7 Ultimate x64, used for NAS, Media server, browsing, workshop and sound studio
Only advantage of a webinstaller is, that it will download the latest version. But for me, I prefer the offline installers (which contain the full program files).
I completely agree. I always (well, almost always - sometimes there is no such option, unfortunately) use full, offline installers and install the software offline - as in disconnected from the internet.

Perhaps I should clarify that I do so not because I fear some over-intrusive data collection, quite the opposite, I see nothing on my machine that such an installer could collect that would be perceived as harmful to me in any way. However, I firmly believe in buying a "complete product" that should be installable and working without the internet. Later, sure, it can be allowed to check for an update, but it should work as shipped. If the installer complains and/or stalls due the lack of internet connection, I always think twice whether I really need that software to begin with.
 

My Computer

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  • OS
    Windows 10
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    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i5-10600K
    Motherboard
    Asus Rog Strix Z490-A Gaming
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce GTX 1650
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung U32J59x 32" 4K
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160
Unfortunately, these days everyone is assumed to have an internet connection with no data limits and a reliable one at that, if you haven't, you are pretty much limited in what you can install on a PC.
Even supposed offline installers often need to phone home as part of the install process, you can't win.
 

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    Windows 11 22H2 OS Build 22623.1095
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    Self Build
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    AMD Ryzen 7 3800X
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    Asus PRIME B350-PLUS
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    16GB Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 @3000Mhz
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    ASUS - GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 8 GB TUF GAMING OC
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    On Board Realtec
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    Acer KA241
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 @60Hz
    Hard Drives
    240GB PNY CS900 SSD - OS
    2 x 1TB Crucial MX500 SSD
    1 x 500GB Crucial MX300 SSD
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001-1ER164
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM008-2FR102
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    750 Watt Corsair TX750 Plus
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    Cooler Master 690 III
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    Akasa AK98 5 Case Fans
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    Logitech K270 - wireless
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    Logitech - M185 wireless
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    BT Fibre 75 Mbps
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    Firefox
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    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Use hardware KVM to switch monitors on three PCs and software (input director) to use mouse and keyboard on all 4 PCs.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 22H2 build 22621.900
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    Dell Inspiron 3881 - modified with SFX PSU fitted internally
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    Intel i5 - 10400
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    Dell 032w55 version A00
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    16GB of HyperX Fury @ 2133 Mhz
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    EVGA 6GB GTX 1060.
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    ACER KA241
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    1920x 1080 @60Hz
    Hard Drives
    256GB SK hynix NVMe
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    Modular 450 Watt Corsair SF450 Platinum ( Mod to replace the Dell 265 Watt PSU)
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    Inspiron Small Desktop
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    Internet Speed
    BT Fibre 75 Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Use hardware KVM to switch monitors on three PCs and software (input director) to use mouse and keyboard on all 4 PCs.
I normally download the program, close the browser and anything else open and install. It also depends on how reputable the site is and how worried you are about giving any info away ( if it does).
 

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    Windows 11 Pro
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    Alienware M18 R1
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    13th Gen Core i9 13900HX
    Memory
    32GB DDR5 @4800MHz 2x16GB
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    Geforce RTX 4090HX 16GB
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    Nvidia HD / Realtek ALC3254
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    18" QHD+
    Screen Resolution
    25660 X 1600
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    C: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    D: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
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    Dark Metallic Moon
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    Alienware M Series per-key AlienFX RGB
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    Alienware AW610M
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    Chrome and Firefox
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    Norton
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    Killer E3000 Ethernet Controller
    Killer Killer AX1690 Wi-Fi Network Adaptor Wi-Fi 6E
    Bluetooth 5.2
    Alienware Z01G Graphic Amplifier
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
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    Laptop
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    Alienware Area 51m R2
    CPU
    10th Gen i-9 10900 K
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    32Gb Dual Channel DDR4 @ 8843MHz
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    Nvidia RTX 2080 Super
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    Nvidia
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
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    Hard Drive C: Samsung 2TB SSD PM981a NVMe
    Hard Drive D:Samsung 2TB SSD 970 EVO Plus
    Mouse
    Alienware 610M
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton
In the case of Macrium Reflect, the installer does nothing apart from downloading the actual program.exe file.
Macrium Reflect is perhaps a poor example. The Firefox webinstaller would be a better one.

Macrium's one is not truly a webinstaller. What running the download agent does is to download a full offline installer. It offers a choice of the 32 or 64 bit installer and some option as to what is included in the installer. The option to run the installer after download is just that, an option. You can just un-tick that option and keep the offline installer for use later on this and/or any other PC.

1636476698477.png
 

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    Windows 11 Home
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    Laptop
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    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23
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    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
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    laptop screen
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    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD
    Internet Speed
    50 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 4GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Beta as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
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    Windows 11 Pro
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    Laptop
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    Dell Lattitude E4310
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    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
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    0T6M8G
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    8GB
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    1366x768
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    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
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    Firefox, Edge
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    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 4GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Beta as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
Unfortunately, these days everyone is assumed to have an internet connection with no data limits and a reliable one at that, if you haven't, you are pretty much limited in what you can install on a PC.
Even supposed offline installers often need to phone home as part of the install process, you can't win.
With offline installers, you still have the option to block internet access and yet install the program. It is another matter if the program uses exploits to still connect to the internet.

But with an online installer (or more correctly downloader), you must allow internet access until the time that it downloads the actual program. There should be some reason why developers are adding this extra step, which isn't useful for the end user.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy dv7
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000 & Nvidia GeForce GT 635M
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Crucial MX500 on bay 1.
    1 TB Seagate HDD on bay 2.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
I normally download the program, close the browser and anything else open and install. It also depends on how reputable the site is and how worried you are about giving any info away ( if it does).
You can't use that if the actual program can only be downloaded via the installer.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy dv7
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000 & Nvidia GeForce GT 635M
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Crucial MX500 on bay 1.
    1 TB Seagate HDD on bay 2.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Macrium Reflect is perhaps a poor example. The Firefox webinstaller would be a better one.

Macrium's one is not truly a webinstaller. What running the download agent does is to download a full offline installer. It offers a choice of the 32 or 64 bit installer and some option as to what is included in the installer. The option to run the installer after download is just that, an option. You can just un-tick that option and keep the offline installer for use later on this and/or any other PC.

View attachment 13125
The installer (or more correctly downloader) simply downloads the actual program. While it gives options to choose between architecture and additional components, it isn't necessary.

The actual program can be made available to download directly from the website. But there is no such option available.

The installer file (more correctly downloader), is at the very least a tool for the developer to track number of downloads/ installs. It could also be potentially uploading additional information without consent.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy dv7
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000 & Nvidia GeForce GT 635M
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Crucial MX500 on bay 1.
    1 TB Seagate HDD on bay 2.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
When downloading a program, we often find one or more of the following options:

1. Actual program.exe file.
2. Installer.exe file (much smaller in size).
3. Zip file (for offline installation).

Developers are increasingly using the installer these days that serve no real purpose for the end user. Is this method being used just to collect data on the customer?

What do you think?.

I've never given it much thought. I just click the installer and keep it moving.

Yes, one should always be careful, but going overboard only prevents you from enjoying the thing you're trying to enjoy :wink:

My two cents.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (Build 22631.3296)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    Intel i9-9900K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Aorus Z390 Xtreme
    Memory
    32G (4x8) DDR4 Corsair RGB Dominator Platinum (3600Mhz)
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    Radeon VII
    Sound Card
    Onboard (ESS Sabre HiFi using Realtek drivers)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    NEC PA242w (24 inch)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Hard Drives
    5 Samsung SSD drives: 2X 970 NVME (512 & 1TB), 3X EVO SATA (2X 2TB, 1X 1TB)
    PSU
    EVGA Super Nova I000 G2 (1000 watt)
    Case
    Cooler Master H500M
    Cooling
    Corsair H115i RGB Platinum
    Keyboard
    Logitech Craft
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    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    500mb Download. 11mb Upload
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
    Other Info
    System used for gaming, photography, music, school.
  • Operating System
    Win 10 Pro 22H2 (build 19045.2130)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Intel i7-7700K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-Z270X-GAMING 8
    Memory
    32G (4x8) DDR4 Corsair Dominator Platinum (3333Mhz)
    Graphics card(s)
    AMD Radeon R9 Fury
    Sound Card
    Onboard (Creative Sound Blaster certified ZxRi)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2415 (24 inch)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Hard Drives
    3 Samsung SSD drives: 1x 512gig 950 NVMe drive (OS drive), 1 x 512gig 850 Pro, 1x 256gig 840 Pro.
    PSU
    EVGA Super Nova 1000 P2 (1000 watt)
    Case
    Phantek Enthoo Luxe
    Cooling
    Corsair H100i
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master
    Keyboard
    Logitech MK 710
    Internet Speed
    100MB
    Browser
    Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
    Other Info
    This is my backup system.
I often try and get the latest full installer, but I'm fine with installers that download the appropriate software for my computer, especially ones i trust like Macrium.

Almost all software gathers some data on the user I don't think making it an offline installer does not really help there it will often at some point connect and report even if only to check for updates.

Windows does it all the time and gives heaps of information about you, add your browser to that list and probably the bulk of programs on your computer. Your ISP collects every site you visit (and keeps a record) .. of course I could go on, i guess each person must make their own mind up.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 (Pro)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Scan Vengeance
    CPU
    i7 8700K
    Motherboard
    ROG Strix Z370F Gaming
    Memory
    16GB Corsair Vengeance
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 1070Ti
    Sound Card
    Onboard / Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    BENQ GL2450
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    1x Samsung 960 ProM=M.2 NVE 250GB
    1x Samsung SSD 860Pro SSD 250GB
    1x WD 2GB Spinner
    PSU
    Corsair 550w
    Case
    Fractual Mesh
    Cooling
    Corsair water cooling H100i v2
    Keyboard
    Microsoft keyboard and mouse combo
    Mouse
    Microsoft
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender
When downloading a program, we often find one or more of the following options:

1. Actual program.exe file.
2. Installer.exe file (much smaller in size).
3. Zip file (for offline installation).

Developers are increasingly using the installer these days that serve no real purpose for the end user. Is this method being used just to collect data on the customer?

For example, if you want to install Macrium Reflect Free edition, you will only be able to download the installer from the site, after going through multiple screens asking for your email address and other information (which can be skipped).

This installer then downloads the actual program and other components and obviously requires an internet connection. Makes me think that this is intended to collect information from the computer that is downloading the program, and we have no control on what all information is collected in the process.

What do you think?

.

I think you are a little paranoid. LOL. For Macrium, there are not just executables, but dynamic link libraries that have to be installed and registered, services that need installed, tailoring for your system, required C++ runtime libraries, registering for uninstall, etc. A typical user can't do all of that (practically none of that actually), then also know/remember how to uninstall it all. Macrium really couldn't be installed from a zip file, as is true of lots of applications. Installers do have a real purpose.

We don't have very good privacy laws in the US compared to Europe, though we are getting the benifits to some level in web pages cookie settings transparency, not at the app level with telemetry that is not obvious - that is wherethere is a potential for invasion of privacy. That doesn't have anything to do with installers though.
Cheers
 
Last edited:

My Computers

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  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Photoshop/Game/tinker build
    CPU
    Intel i9 1300KS
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Maximus Z90 Dark Hero
    Memory
    64GB (2x32) G.skill Trident Z5 RGB 6400 MHZ 32-39-39
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus ROG Strix 4070 Ti OC
    Sound Card
    Onboard Audio, Vanatoo Transparent One; Klipsch R-12SWi Sub; Creative Pebble Pro Minimilist
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Eizo CG2730, ViewSonic VP2768
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440p x 2
    Hard Drives
    WDC SN850 1TB nvme, SK-Hynix 2 TB P41 nvme, Raid 0: 1TB 850 EVO + 1TB 860 EVO SSD. Sabrent USB-C DS-SC5B 5-bay docking station: 6TB WDC Black, 6TB Ironwolf Pro; 2x 2TB WDC Black
    PSU
    850W Seasonic Vertex PX-850
    Case
    Fractal Design North XL Mesh, Black Walnut
    Cooling
    EKWB 360 Nucleus Dark AIO w/Phanteks T30-120 fans, 1 Noctua NF-A14 Chromax case fan
    Keyboard
    Glorious GMMK TKL mechanical, lubed modded
    Mouse
    Logitech G305 wireless gaming
    Internet Speed
    380 Mb/s down, 12 Mb/s up
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender, Macrium Reflect 8 ;-)
  • Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Apple 13" Macbook Pro 2020 (m1)
    CPU
    Apple M1
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1600
    Browser
    Firefox
When downloading a program, we often find one or more of the following options:

1. Actual program.exe file.
2. Installer.exe file (much smaller in size).
3. Zip file (for offline installation).

Developers are increasingly using the installer these days that serve no real purpose for the end user. Is this method being used just to collect data on the customer?

For example, if you want to install Macrium Reflect Free edition, you will only be able to download the installer from the site, after going through multiple screens asking for your email address and other information (which can be skipped).

This installer then downloads the actual program and other components and obviously requires an internet connection. Makes me think that this is intended to collect information from the computer that is downloading the program, and we have no control on what all information is collected in the process.

What do you think?

.
I have no concerns with using the stub file downloader from Macrium.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink SEI8
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8279u
    Motherboard
    AZW SEI
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 2666Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Iris Plus 655
    Sound Card
    Intel SST
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus ProArt PA278QV
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    512GB NVMe
    PSU
    NA
    Case
    NA
    Cooling
    NA
    Keyboard
    NA
    Mouse
    NA
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Mini PC used for testing Windows 11.
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5900x
    Motherboard
    Asus Rog Strix X570-E Gaming
    Memory
    64GB DDR4-3600
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA GeForce 3080 FT3 Ultra
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ. ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27” WQHD
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2TB WD SN850 PCI-E Gen 4 NVMe
    2TB Sandisk Ultra 2.5" SATA SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus 850
    Case
    Fractal Meshify S2 in White
    Cooling
    Dark Rock Pro CPU cooler, 3 x 140mm case fans
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Keyboard
    Corsiar K65 RGB Lux
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Defender.
If any Installers gather Data, IMO the worst ones would be the ones with free software as you don't get anything for nothing
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware M18 R1
    CPU
    13th Gen Core i9 13900HX
    Memory
    32GB DDR5 @4800MHz 2x16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Geforce RTX 4090HX 16GB
    Sound Card
    Nvidia HD / Realtek ALC3254
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18" QHD+
    Screen Resolution
    25660 X 1600
    Hard Drives
    C: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    D: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    Case
    Dark Metallic Moon
    Keyboard
    Alienware M Series per-key AlienFX RGB
    Mouse
    Alienware AW610M
    Browser
    Chrome and Firefox
    Antivirus
    Norton
    Other Info
    Killer E3000 Ethernet Controller
    Killer Killer AX1690 Wi-Fi Network Adaptor Wi-Fi 6E
    Bluetooth 5.2
    Alienware Z01G Graphic Amplifier
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware Area 51m R2
    CPU
    10th Gen i-9 10900 K
    Memory
    32Gb Dual Channel DDR4 @ 8843MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia RTX 2080 Super
    Sound Card
    Nvidia
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Hard Drive C: Samsung 2TB SSD PM981a NVMe
    Hard Drive D:Samsung 2TB SSD 970 EVO Plus
    Mouse
    Alienware 610M
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton
If any Installers gather Data, IMO the worst ones would be the ones with free software as you don't get anything for nothing
Then companies should start replacing 'free' with 'Pay with Data'. Or they are just lying.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy dv7
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000 & Nvidia GeForce GT 635M
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Crucial MX500 on bay 1.
    1 TB Seagate HDD on bay 2.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Then companies should start replacing 'free' with 'Pay with Data'. Or they are just lying.
Hi,
I missed the os telemetry thread
Guess you're okay with MS only offering the minimum of basic sending but also making people dig in every mS app and defender to to find all it's sending.
I await more telemetry threads for all these MS apps on 11 and 10 you've hit on reflect a few times already lol :zany:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win-7-10-11Pro's
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer 17" Nitro 7840sn/ 2x16gb 5600c40/ 4060/ stock 1tb-os/ 4tb sn850x
    CPU
    10900k & 9940x & 5930k
    Motherboard
    z490-Apex & x299-Apex & x99-Sabertooth
    Memory
    Trident-Z Royal 4000c16 2x16gb & Trident-Z 3600c16 4x8gb & 3200c14 4x8gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Titan Xp & 1080ti FTW3 & evga 980ti gaming
    Sound Card
    Onboard Realtek x3
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1-AOC G2460PG 24"G-Sync 144Hz/ 2nd 1-ASUS VG248QE 24"/ 3rd LG 43" series
    Screen Resolution
    1920-1080 not sure what the t.v is besides 43" class scales from 1920-1080 perfectly
    Hard Drives
    2-WD-sn850x 4tb/ 970evo+500gb/ 980 pro 2tb.
    PSU
    1000p2 & 1200p2 & 850p2
    Case
    D450 x2 & 1 Test bench in cherry Entertainment center
    Cooling
    Custom water loops x3 with 2x mora 360mm rads only 980ti gaming air cooled
    Keyboard
    G710+x3
    Mouse
    Redragon x3
    Internet Speed
    xfinity gigabyte
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    mbam pro
When downloading a program, we often find one or more of the following options:

1. Actual program.exe file.
2. Installer.exe file (much smaller in size).
3. Zip file (for offline installation).

Developers are increasingly using the installer these days that serve no real purpose for the end user. Is this method being used just to collect data on the customer?

For example, if you want to install Macrium Reflect Free edition, you will only be able to download the installer from the site, after going through multiple screens asking for your email address and other information (which can be skipped).

This installer then downloads the actual program and other components and obviously requires an internet connection. Makes me think that this is intended to collect information from the computer that is downloading the program, and we have no control on what all information is collected in the process.

What do you think?

.
You seem to have an unhealthy dislike for Macrium, you have another post on here about it as well. Are you sponsored by another backup software maker?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (RP channel)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Gigabyte
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5900X 12-core
    Motherboard
    X570 Aorus Xtreme
    Memory
    64GB Corsair Platinum RGB 3600MHz CL16
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI Suprim X 3080 Ti
    Sound Card
    Soundblaster AE-5 Plus
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 990 Pro 2TB
    Samsung 980 Pro 2TB
    Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1TB
    Samsung 870 Evo 4TB
    Samsung T7 Touch 1TB
    PSU
    Asus ROG Strix 1000W
    Case
    Corsair D750 Airflow
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15S
    Keyboard
    Asus ROG Flare
    Mouse
    Logitech G903 with PowerPlay charger
    Internet Speed
    500Mb/sec
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
You seem to have an unhealthy dislike for Macrium, you have another post on here about it as well. Are you sponsored by another backup software maker?
I think you're right.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home(Beta) - 23H2 - 22635.3350
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Banana Junior 5600- G Series
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Strix B550-F
    Memory
    G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 64GB 4x16
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX TITAN X
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viotek 32", 28" ASUS VP28U
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    Primary SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus
    PSU
    EVGA BQ 700w 80+ Bronze
    Case
    Zalman i3 NEO
    Cooling
    ARCTIC Freezer 7 X
    Keyboard
    Corsair
    Mouse
    Amazon Generic with Cord
    Internet Speed
    Download: 295.11 mbps Upload: 65.35 mbps T-Mobile Internet
    Browser
    Firefox and Edge
    Antivirus
    MS - Defender
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch ProMedia 2.1

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