My Antivirus/Antimalware program found an infection and its name starts with PUP: Is that a problem?

PUP is an abbreviation for "Potentially Unwanted Program."  This abbreviation is industry-standard.  The definition is:  "A potentially unwanted application is a program that contains adware, installs toolbars or has other unclear objectives."



I can't begin to list all the "free" software that delivers these programs to your computer.  For a partial list, see http://www.mcafee.com/apps/search/threat.aspx?q=PUP.&region=us&v=malware  


I just had one in a free download from CNET, mp4towmv.  In fact, if you use CNET for downloads, they (CBS is the parent company) have made a habit of delivering their downloads with a downloader provided by CBS Interactive that is responsible for delivering a lot of these free "optional" programs before you click through all the screens to get to the program you wanted to download.  Shame on CBS.  They've destroyed the brand.   I no longer recommend CNET (Download.com) as a respected download site.

When I run Malwarebytes or when AVG is running, they will detect these PUPs and list them as malware.  You have an option, after detection, to not delete them, but I can't think of a reason to do so.  (Other antimalware may leave detection of PUPs as an option, with the default to not detect them.)  .