Thread: Why is all this crapware bundled with free programs?

Hello all,

I've noticed this aggravating trend in free utilities and other small programs that I've needed to download lately coming bundled with unwanted programs.

The one I've seen most is OpenCandy, coming bundled with ImgBurn and several others I can't remember. Also I've found Conduit toolbars on nearly all the computers I've looked at in the past month (no one even knew it was on their computer, or what it was). Even the new AVG antivirus comes with advertisements to install "Secure Search" which is also crapware.

I guess what I'm wondering is why? Why would the makers of these programs allow these things to be bundled with their products? It would be easy enough to explain with money, but aren't they losing potential customers?

Thanks for any explanation, it is really baffling.