Why are installation programs connecting to the internet?

[taq8ojh]

I've noticed this after switching to ESET Smart Security with its highly configurable firewall.
When running most installation programs, I see some weird connection attempts.
Can anyone explain why is this happening?

(when I start the installation from explorer, I get notifed it's explorer that is trying to connect instead)

Moved from OSes to SFW
-ViRGE

 

[ArisVer]

Maybe to download the latest version?

 

[corkyg]

Maybe to download the latest version?

Yes. Especially security programs - the latest AV definitions are always needed. And, in other cases, if the program involves Internet access, then the installation needs to verify that it exists, and it prepares the proper cookie to facilitate timely access.

 

[Elixer]

It depends on the installer.
For example, when you run the installer, and you see explorer is trying to connect, that is when it tries to check that the certification is legit.

The installer itself then can connect to download, or phone home, or ...
If the installer is really small, then, it needs to download the actual program.
If the installer is big, then, it has the program in it already, and wants to do something 'extra'.

 

[corkyg]

BTW - this thread belongs in Windows Software - not OS.

 

[taq8ojh]

For example, when you run the installer, and you see explorer is trying to connect, that is when it tries to check that the certification is legit.

This is the best answer so far. I didn't think about that. I assume that's part of the mysterious ways Windows security works, eh?

Funny thing is it only shows once. If I run the installer again, it doesn't connect anywhere (even if I chose deny before).

BTW - this thread belongs in Windows Software - not OS.

I thought Windows Installer was integral part of Windows OS.
It belongs to networking just as well.
I mean... does it even matter?

 

[Mushkins]

If you deny once, most security software including windows firewall remembers your choice and you need to manually go into the security settings and allow it if you want it to connect. Kind of a pain when you accidentally deny something you wanted to allow.

It also could be caching whatever it did need to access the internet to download just in case you cant access the internet the next time you run the installer. I bet if you wipe your temp files and run it again, it'll attempt to download it again (but you might not see it because you already allowed/denied that program access).

 

[taq8ojh]

The funny thing is the connection is NOT needed for anything. All the programs install just fine, and always have.

I am just curious what exactly is going on rather than being concerned with security, btw.

 

[G73S]

I have an Eset Smart Security license which also allows you to install NOD32 only and it'll activate just fine. I always choose to install NOD32 only as ESS slows down your internet and torrent downloads drastically. Windows Firewall is more than enough nowadays along with a good AV and common sense

 

[taq8ojh]

ESS slows down your internet and torrent downloads drastically.

That's not true at all. Sometimes it might take a LITTLE (like, barely noticeable) longer to load websites, but download speed is absolutely unchanged.

 

[gevorg]

Many reasons, such as:
- version update check
- serial/trial check
- tracking count/location/etc of installations

Programs can ping home at anytime, not just during installation.