MacKeeper: Difference between revisions

From CATUG wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(MacWorld review)
(→‎Conclusion: clarify)
 
(3 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 3: Line 3:
Its functions include anti-virus, cleaning up your Mac, backing up, encrypting data, and anti-theft features.  
Its functions include anti-virus, cleaning up your Mac, backing up, encrypting data, and anti-theft features.  


Comments about the app on Apple forums include many warnings from dissatisfied users, e.g.  
Some users say that it is difficult to remove the program once installed.
[https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2779849]
 
[https://discussions.apple.com/message/16460902]
Its original developer Zeobit, and the current owner Kromtech, have been widely criticised for aggressive and deceptive advertising.  
[https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3091745]
[https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3057579]


Some users say that it is difficult to remove the program once installed.
In 2015 Zeobit was subject to a class action suit over the product (see MacWorld reports [https://www.macworld.com/article/2968332/legal/mackeeper-customers-can-file-a-claim-to-get-their-money-back.html] [https://www.macworld.com/article/2996814/security/mackeeper-buyers-ask-for-refunds-in-droves-following-lawsuit.html]). Security breaches at Kromtech were reported in the same year.[https://9to5mac.com/2015/12/14/claimed-mackeeper-data-breach/]


CATUG members who have tried MacKeeper likewise do '''not''' recommend it, finding its frequent reminders intrusive.  
Although there are some websites that give MacKeeper positive reviews and explain how to use it, they appear to be designed to promote this product.  Recent favourable or less disparaging reviews by independent bloggers disclose that they agreed discount deals with Kromtech (e.g. [https://www.nerdgrind.com/mackeeper-review/]).


Although there are some websites that give MacKeeper positive reviews and explain how to use it, they appear to be designed to promote this product.   
CATUG members who have tried MacKeeper mostly do '''not''' recommend it, finding its frequent reminders intrusive. In 2016, one reported that the Apple GeniusBar eventually traced a slow-running MacBook to the product.  However, two others had found it helpful, for freeing memory and removing duplicate files.


=Conclusion=
=Conclusion=
There are other programs available that are as good or better, though not in a single package like this. MacKeeper is definitely one to avoid.
There are other programs available that are as good or better, though not in a single package like this. MacKeeper remains one to avoid. If your computer shows warnings of virus infection, they may be hoax popup adverts for MacKeeper; try [https://www.malwarebytes.com/ MalwareBytes] instead.


=See also=
=See also=
Line 22: Line 20:


=External links=
=External links=
*[http://www.macworld.com/article/151454/2010/08/mackeeper.html MacKeeper 0.9.6] review at Macworld: 3.5 mice out of 5 (2010)
*[https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3036 Do not install MacKeeper], Apple Communities op-ed, 2015
 
*[https://www.macworld.com/article/2861435/software-utilities/how-to-uninstall-mackeeper-from-your-mac.html How to remove MacKeeper], MacWorld, 2018
**[https://www.macworld.com/article/2861868/os-x/article.html Part II: removing pop-ups]


=Credits=
Summarised from an email discussion on the [[Mac-Ministry List]] in February 2012. Updated in January 2019 based on discussions in 2016 and 2017.




[[Category:Utilities]]
[[Category:Utilities]]

Latest revision as of 10:57, 21 January 2019

MacKeeper is a commercial app which covers a wide range of utility functions in a single package. It is widely advertised, and many readers will have seen its pop-up ads.

Its functions include anti-virus, cleaning up your Mac, backing up, encrypting data, and anti-theft features.

Some users say that it is difficult to remove the program once installed.

Its original developer Zeobit, and the current owner Kromtech, have been widely criticised for aggressive and deceptive advertising.

In 2015 Zeobit was subject to a class action suit over the product (see MacWorld reports [1] [2]). Security breaches at Kromtech were reported in the same year.[3]

Although there are some websites that give MacKeeper positive reviews and explain how to use it, they appear to be designed to promote this product. Recent favourable or less disparaging reviews by independent bloggers disclose that they agreed discount deals with Kromtech (e.g. [4]).

CATUG members who have tried MacKeeper mostly do not recommend it, finding its frequent reminders intrusive. In 2016, one reported that the Apple GeniusBar eventually traced a slow-running MacBook to the product. However, two others had found it helpful, for freeing memory and removing duplicate files.

Conclusion

There are other programs available that are as good or better, though not in a single package like this. MacKeeper remains one to avoid. If your computer shows warnings of virus infection, they may be hoax popup adverts for MacKeeper; try MalwareBytes instead.

See also

External links

Credits

Summarised from an email discussion on the Mac-Ministry List in February 2012. Updated in January 2019 based on discussions in 2016 and 2017.