Is there some way to keep random websites from changing my default search engine?

I believe it can only be changed if you approve it in Windows. There’s a pop up, a checkbox, or something along those lines during the install that you’re breezing over. They work to make it something you won’t worry about, and get paid each time you allow it.

Slow down during installs and read what’s on the screen.

I don’t mean the “terms of service”, no one reads those.

If you are using WIndows, this page might be helpful:
http://en.kioskea.net/faq/29435-how-to-remove-delta-search-delta-toolbar-delta-holmes

Sourceforge.net is pretty shitty now.

My mom gets the search changing thing a lot too. 75% of the time it is from installing a bad browser extension. My advice is to disable them all and see if the problem persists.

And once again. Never instal anything to watch a video in your browser unless you download it from Adobes website.

@johnpowell Sourceforge.net is pretty shitty now.

Well that sucks. When did that happen?

What @funkdaddy said. You’re requesting a browser change, you just aren’t noticing that you’re doing it. The checkbox is checked by default – look over all of the installation options carefully as you go. The price for assuming everything is as you want it by default is… getting things you don’t want.