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Given Up to Spyware?
Khuffie writes "Wired has an interesting article about how some people have given up to spyware, knowing that the software they're installing virtually takes over their internet connection. What's even more ironic is that they claim it's a necessary evil for free software, when things like the Google Toolbar virtually replace Gator, and there are many spyware-free P2P programs available."
I'll blame sites like Download.com that started this trend.
Download software foo from us, but it would come with Gator and a whole shitload of spyware. And then, everyone else started following suit.
I still remember times when spywares and trojans were hacker-only. Greedy corps brought it to the masses, and now it's become an accepted part of the "Internet experience."
Oh great so now these authors of these spyware programs are going to think that we don't actually mind about their takeover of our pc's.
Spyware makers hear us - we do NOT like your damned "software".
In the Slashdot moderating system, humourless based offenses are considered especially heinous.
Foolish notions are stated, repeated and believed. Things like "if you haven't done anything wrong, you have nothing to fear" and "you get what you pay for" ring through their heads. These faiths are unshakable... might be easier to convince them there is no god.
I've had people swear up and down to me that I couldn't use OpenOffice.org in a business setting even when the software's license specifically states otherwise. People believe the craziest things. It will just take some getting used to... this whole free software thing.
To quote a few users from the article :
"I had a good idea what the Marketscore software does, though I didn't read the entire user agreement"
"I can't surf the web and I can't trade files if I uninstall the spyware."
"I can't afford a subscription to keep my antivirus software updated. Marketscore doesn't charge any fees."
"They said they'd opted to install it on their computers because they wanted the eWallet application that stores passwords and credit card numbers, entering them into web forms with one click. The users said you have to get the adware if you want the eWallet."
"In Hungary, many people who grew up under communist rule came to accept government interference in every aspect of their lives as inescapable. They were too tired to fight anymore, so they convinced themselves that communism was OK and even a benefit."
For those of you on the "Steam Rules" side of the debate: "Any of that sound familiar?"
THIS is the reason those of us on the "Steam Sucks" side of the HL2 debate have taken the stand we've chosen to take. We're not warez d00dz. And we recognize that Vivendi are a bunch of middlemen who aren't worthy to fellate a goat. And we acknowledge that Valve has gone to the dark side (as Kazaa and the other P2P apps did) of spywaredom - at least not yet.
But we see Valve's solution as a cure that's worse than the disease of piracy. And we see the main arguments of Steam's proponents as eerily reminiscent of the examples of clueless luserdom shown in the Wired article. And we ask: can your system's integrity be that easily sold?
Every time a Steam defender speaks, he or she should take a very close look at his or her argument... and the arguments presented by the spyware defenders in the Wired article, and ask yourself: but for the grace of Gabe, there go ye?
What we need is a good hacking job on one of these companies. Every now and then we hear "Amazon.com/newegg.com/etc Hacked, millions of credit card numbers stolen". But Amazon.com has deals with Visa, Mastercard, etc. and they happily protect their customers. What would happen if a company like this was hacked, and tons of information was stolen? Maybe people would wise up to the fact that no, its not OK for these people to monitor your activities, even if "it's not like there's anything interesting or criminal in my e-mail.""
they just get a new computer. wtf is with that?
People are rationally ignorant. They don't have time to fiddle with something they don't understand. I had to fix my grandparents computer once, and when I tried to explain what I was doing they just said, "honey, we don't care."
As for people just getting new computers, at school I see far more students just put up with the spyware that debilitates their system. They'll bitch about it occasionally but they won't bother to do anything about it. Its amazing the threshold for bullshit some people put up with for computers.
I used to use Bearshare, and still would today, if it weren't infested with things like NetDotNet.
It would be so nice if Kazaa would just work, instead of clinging to kazaa lite k++.
And I'd pay a one time fee for a product like MSN Messenger with working voice and camera functions, but they know they can make way more money long term by selling ads to me for the rest of my MSN-using-life.
Saskboy's blog is good. 9 out of 10 dentists agree.
OK, how many of you play the role of tech support for your ignorant friends and family members? I do it, and I hate it, as I'm sure many of you do also. So, here's what you do.
First, compile a list of good books for beginners to teach them about their computer. Many of the Dummies books are good places to start. Just get your list together.
Now, the next time that big support call comes...you know the one...the one where the computer is really hosed, take a copy of your list with you and present it to your ignorant user. Tell them that you're going to fix their computer for free one last time, and this is that time. If they want any more, and I mean any more support from you, they must get to work on your reading list the following day. Occasionally, you're going to check in with them and see what they've learned so far. If they stop educating themselves, the support stops, period. No more reformats, no more virus/spyware cleanups, no more help formatting a word processing document. Nothing.
If they look at you dumbfounded, put it to them this way. Most likely, their biggest investment is their home, followed by their car, followed by their computer. There's no good reason that they shouldn't spend some of their time learning how the thing works, especially since you're spending your valuable time fixing it for them. They don't ask you to come over and change their oil, clean their gutters, or unclog their sink, so there's no reason to expect someone to continually fix their computer.
If your plan works, you'll surely get some questions as the person starts to read, but at least they're starting to educate themselves. As for those who won't listen, a couple of trips to the local computer store, at $50 an hour, will sober them up.
And then there is the point where you realize that by helping them, your not. Like the silly old cliche "Give a man a fish, he has supper; Teach a man to fish, and he... er... knows how to fish." Cleaning off everyones computers once a month or so is really alturistic and all, but it really is futile. Sure, install FF, and hey sit around wondering what the silly red thing is doing to the earth, but they won't click it, no matter what you tell them.
I finally had to install Netscape for my father, because he would have nothing to do with FF because some radio people said that FF is geek chic, and in his mind that meant complicated. But Netscape has name-recognition (albeit from 10 years ago). (And on my side, it is based on Moz, so I know it won't kill his sys, only slow it down further)
Also, there comes a point in every geeks life, where we have to say enough is enough. I'm sick of doing the routine cleaning, and having some moron stand behind me either asking what I'm doing, and ignoring me, or telling me not to delete that little casino app. They ask for help, but take no advice. The only people I will help now are the people willing to LISTEN to me, and not just smile at my work, and come back a week later.
A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government. -edward abbey