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| Thread ID: 23702 | 2002-08-23 01:16:00 | Spyware | Kernal_Klonk (1574) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 73299 | 2002-08-23 01:16:00 | Hello everyone: I have noticed quite a lot of postings/comments on this forum, in regards to spyware programs. As a newbie here, can someone tell me what is so bad about them..... I have been downloading stuff off Kazaa, and have yet to have visits from the RIANZ, Patricia Bartlett or the SIS. My computer seems to run as smoothly as the day I brought it, and I hardly get any spam-mail or pop-up advertisements (the worst was the HP advt on the PressF1 homepage) I am starting to wonder if its all a bit of an urban-myth - perpetrated by some of those software companies, eager to sell computer programs. I would welcome any comments on this subject. Thanks KK..... |
Kernal_Klonk (1574) | ||
| 73300 | 2002-08-23 01:21:00 | The spyware allows advertisers/marketers to view your surfing habits and target you for advertising in the main. Its not usually a threat, it can chew up some resources and bandwidth I suppose, but its mainly the paranoia of someone watching that seems to affect people. Basically its not commoly harmful to the PC, just objectionable that they sneak it in without you realising it. Reading all the small print would make you aware, but who does? I dont consider it a big issue. |
godfather (25) | ||
| 73301 | 2002-08-23 01:29:00 | Spyware for marketing purposes is not too bad, but Kazaa is being used to spread viruses (virii?) at the moment. vil.mcafee.com If you use a file-sharing programme, keep your virus-scanner up to date. I've used the file-sharing programme iMesh for months with no problems. You still should get rid of spyware. Go to http://lavasoft.de & download Ad-Aware. Then bookmark vil.mcafee.com to keep up with the latest virus releases. Particularly important when using KaZaaa etc. |
Peter Johnson (650) | ||
| 73302 | 2002-08-23 01:50:00 | In this day and age of privacy issues, etc., I think that it is a BIG issue. Maybe folk would not mind what goes on, but it's not being told what is happening in the first place that is the irritation. To hot up the issue I think it is the same with cookies. They can be very useful from both sides of the fence, but it would be very nice to have explained what the particular cookie will do and how it will benefit the "cookee" not the "cookor". Crunn |
Crunn (1068) | ||
| 73303 | 2002-08-23 02:12:00 | Re kazaa, its not the spyware thats involved, its the dodgy and highly risky practise of P2P itself. | godfather (25) | ||
| 73304 | 2002-08-23 02:28:00 | > Re kazaa, its not the spyware thats involved, its the > dodgy and highly risky practise of P2P itself. How so? I thought downloading/sharing mp3 files was safe. Now you have me worried....... KK |
Kernal_Klonk (1574) | ||
| 73305 | 2002-08-23 03:27:00 | downloading mp3 files is safe (unless the record companies find you ;-) ) however p2p programs let you share anything, including virus's, trojens etc. just be carefull of what you download. as always virus scan any file you download p2p or not. spyware...(i'll try to be breif) biggest problems are underhand installing eg most spyware comes attached secrectly to another program. reporting back unknown info about you, useing bandwidth (slows up dailuppers and cost $$$ for those who pay by megabyte), a lot of system crashing/poor performance is often traced back to spyware (even microsoft has reported this). the offending spyware is often left on the system even after uninstalling the program it came with, so they continue to make money for a program you don't have. and tho rarly seen today is the spyware that reinstalls it self after it has been removed. very virus/trojen like. some antivirus companies have labeled some spyware as trojens. after all they are basicly a trojen just not (ment to be) harmfull. |
tweak'e (174) | ||
| 73306 | 2002-08-23 03:45:00 | Just a quick word re: installing unknown components; don't rush any install. Many apps, including peer-to-peer, give you the option to deselect components that you don't want. Just be sure to read every screen during an install & feel free to opt out of any "special offers". RealPlayer is notorious for this. |
Peter Johnson (650) | ||
| 73307 | 2002-08-23 03:53:00 | I believe the reason Patricia Bartlett hasn't made a visit is that she is dead. | Ferris (1087) | ||
| 73308 | 2002-08-23 04:28:00 | You may also want to note that Spyware and genuine site advertising are two different things . We do not agree with spyware, but we do have genuine banner and skyscraper advertising running on the site, served by a third party (DoubleClick), which uses cookies, and other ad technologies . There is a big difference, and these should not be confused even though they often are . Unfortunately, using ad blocking software tends to block genuine advertising along with the bad stuff, which doesn't help sites get revenues . Still, spyware is bad . Cheers Kerry Dodds Online Campaign Director IDG Online Network of Sites |
Kerry Dodds (1477) | ||
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