I have MacKeeper, do I need it?

Question

I've had MacKeeper installed on both of my Macs, and iMac (2007) and my MacBook (2009) both running OS 10.5.8. It has been pretty cool so far and I don't have the internet security features installed, only the Anti-Theft and I use it mainly to run fast clean ups. I bought the yearly package and its up for renewal. Should I keep it or get rid of it? Read a few posts about MacKeeper and I now can't help but be concerned that I'm wasting my money.
If a waste of money, how do I uninstall it?
Thanks!

Answer 1

Remove the "MacKeeper" crapware as follows.
Note: These instructions apply to the version of the product that I downloaded and tested in early 2012. I can't be sure that they apply to other versions, nor do I intend to repeat the test.
IMPORTANT: "MacKeeper" has what the developer calls an “encryption” feature. In my tests, I didn't try to verify what this feature really does. If you used it to “encrypt” any of your files, “decrypt” them before you uninstall, or (preferably) restore the files from backups made before they were “encrypted.” As the developer is not trustworthy, you should assume that the "decrypted" files are corrupt unless proven otherwise.
In the Finder, select Go ▹ Applications from the menu bar, or press the key combination shift-command-A. The "MacKeeper" application is in the folder that opens. Drag it to the Trash. A dialog will pop up asking why you want to uninstall it. You don't have to provide that information. Enter anything you like in the text box, then click the Uninstall  button. All the functional components of the software will be deleted. That's the only useful feature of "MacKeeper:" it deletes itself. Reboot.
Do not try to uninstall by dragging the MacKeeper icon from the Dock to the Trash.
Here are some general suggestions. If you want your computer to be usable, don't install crapware, such as “themes,” "haxies," “add-ons,” “toolbars,” “enhancers," “optimizers,” “accelerators,” “extenders,” “cleaners,” “defragmenters,” “firewalls,” "barriers," “guardians,” “defenders,” “protectors,” most “plugins,” commercial "virus scanners,” or "utilities." With very few exceptions, this kind of material is useless, or worse than useless.
The more actively promoted the product, the more likely it is to be garbage. The most extreme example is the “MacKeeper” scam.
The only software you should install is that which directly enables you to do the things you use a computer for — such as creating, communicating, and playing — and does not modify the way other software works. Never install any third-party software unless you know how to uninstall it.