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Windows AntiSpyware Downgrades Claria Detections
accihap writes "A week after word leaked out that Microsoft was negotiating an acquisition deal with Claria (See recent /. coverage), spyware researchers have noticed that the Windows antispyware application has downgraded Claria's Gator detections and changed the recommended action from 'quarantine' to 'ignore.' Screenshots of the new default settings."
Honestly...is anyone surprised by this? We all saw this coming.
Unfortunately, M$ can pull this sort of thing with near-impunity, as the only ones outraged by this are the ones who had issues with them in the first place (read: us).
The vast majority of Windows users out there are just going to shrug and say, "Oh well...if Microsoft says they're not a threat, then they must not be a threat."
____
~ |rip/\/\aster /\/\onkey
Captain Obvious strikes again.
~sigh~ At least they're still bothering to detect it. But seriously, there isn't a "WTF" big enough to describe this, since it's probably only the tip of the iceberg...
...how quickly corps like MS will sell out their customers to make a quick buck. This is not only found in the Spyware arena but also with companies such as Intel embedding DRM into their chips when coaked by the various entertainment industries.
My 3D Texturing Skinning work (under construction)
Ok. So the anti-spyware program lets the spyware continue operating without flagging it, because it has become spyware itself by association? So now we obviously need to develop an anti-anti spyware program, to fix the problems caused by the anti-spyware, right? That is, until the anti-spyware people declare our anti-anti-spyware to be spyware, in which case we'll have to develop anti-anti-anti-spyware?
This makes my head hurt.
One has to wonder if companies such as Microsoft do things like this intentionally or, as the comment in the article indicated, simply miss some things in the wash?
Either way it will certainly feed the gnashing-of-teeth syndrome that occurs anytime the words 'Microsoft' and 'spyware' are uttered in the same sentence.
We will bankrupt ourselves in the vain search for absolute security. -- Dwight D. Eisenhower
Why would anyone rely on a security product of any kind owned by the same people as the OS? Not only are users subjected to this kind of tomfoolery, but in general marketing a security product for your own operating system is like correcting your own spelling test... best left to a third party.
Spyware works because Microsoft designed their softwarein such a way that lets it work. The premise of trusting their anti-spyware tools is ludicrous.
Something made by Microsoft does not work? I don't believe it.
First thing is we need to make sure these images are real. We have been caught with faked images many times before. If they are then I think all it really does is reinforce the need to run multiple anti-spyware utilities.
When a for-profit organization releases a product that can adversely (or positively) affect another for-profit organization we must expect, at least sometimes, to have some negative effects on the consumer. Its a capitalist society and companies are free to do anything and everything they need to maximize profits, within the scope of the law.
If its going to treat spyware like Gator to exist, while everything else nukes it, then to me, MS Anti-Spyware has now officialy become spyware in itself.
It's not just Microsoft though. Pretty much the whole corporate sphere works to that kind of moral code, always laying the blame for their questionable actions at the door of "protecting shareholders' profits".
:)
Microsoft just happens to get caught at it a lot.
Shabby, very shabby.
"The question of whether machines can think is no more interesting than [] whether submarines can swim" - Dijkstra
This sort of thing boils my blood. There is a certain level of trust I have with a vendor who provides detection and removal of spyware, etc. I've not payed as much attention as maybe I should have, but what other vendors are strong in detecting spyware that don't give in or at least haven't thus far? The product they purchased from Giant was really good to boot. Doesn't take look for the MS taint to occur, does it?
Unrelated, I get the impression, MS doesn't need more competent competition to fail. Instead, they need to continue doing just what they are doing. Between moves like this, the failure to manage projects, etc. they are hurting themselves just fine and making everything that isn't MS look better.
Every so often the MS marketing machine almost gets me to believe they might be changing. The developer blogs have helped a lot in that respect. Then MS does something like this. On the one hand they say they are concerned about this threat and then, not too long into the future, they pull a move like this which says the exact opposite.
I'm sure there is the market for Microsoft's integration of anti-spyware software (e.g. non-tech-savvy users); however if it is so clear that they are not playing fair, shouldn't PC manufacturers that aim these markets be doing more to protect the users?
This doesn't surprise me, but I do want to see support and change from PC manufacturers, and perhaps an overseeing body for this sort of thing.
Anonymous Coward
http://www.webroot.com/
You were mistaken. Which is odd, since memory shouldn't be a problem for you
It's a feature.
Microsoft purchased the Sasser source code, and has now removed the Sasser definition from it's Antivirus Suites.
I am Bennett Haselton! I am Bennett Haselton!
I'd like to see independent evidence before jumping to conclusions. Anyone want to install Gator and test it themselves? :-)
I can't say I am surprised by this but it seems so shady. I don't know how those people sleep at night. . . but I'm guessing it is on very expensive sheets.
Not surprising, but still pretty damn funny. I'm fairly impressed tho, I really would have thought Microsoft wouldn't think itself able to afford this kind of press.
"Old man yells at systemd"
Previous rating.
Consumer Reports doesn't accept outside advertising - it'd compromise their ability to do their job.
This is why you want your anti-spyware company making anti-spyware software and nothing else. Of all the software I've installed at one point or another, I remember Gator (along with later versions of Kazaa) being the worst about installing obnoxious unwanted software, not mentioning it, and then the software is a pain in the ass to remove. It clearly SHOULD be targeted by any software out there purporting to keep the user's best interests in mind, but Microsoft the Fox is, once again, guarding the henhouse that is your computer.
Anybody who puts their sole trust in a MS spyware-protector deserves what they get, especially when MS starts buying up spyware companies.
Dare to Hope. Prepare to be Disappointed.
I use Ad-Aware, Spybot AND Microsoft Anti Spyware for spyware detection.
The chances of all 3 not detecting (and offering to remove) something are remote at best.
Its getting to the point where the owner of a Microsoft product must feel like he's on goat.se
Windows owners are shuddering not shrugging and wondering "What choice do we have?"
MSBPodcast.com The opinions expressed here are my own. If you don't like 'em... Think up your own stuff.
never mind the first post comment..... chould have known i was not gotn to beat the clock. one more thing in life i have faled at.....
"The problem with defending the purity of the English language is that English is about as pure as a cribhouse whore."
Microsoft were supposedly more interested in the long-term potential of Claria's personalization software than its pop-up ads. Yeah, right. Once again, Microsoft say one thing and do another. This also gives us a good indication of the trustworthiness of Microsoft's antispyware application.
A few people I have spoken with have been telling me how wonderfull this free tool is. I pointed out I don't need said tool as I just run a better OS but now I have a much better comeback next time someone praises MS for releasing this hehe.
I know a lot of people bash MS and a lot of people view the bashing as unfair and biased. Not that I am trying to defend one side or the other or speak for every basher but this is the exact type of behavior that a lot of the MS bashers like myself use to justify the bashing. You can add this to the list of about 100+ things over the last 15 years that MS has done to flex the monopoly muscle against the users and the competition. I'm sorry that the bashers remember these things but there are too many questionable things for many people to just ignore and brush off. Any one single incedent can probably be explained, add them all up and you have a company ripe for bashing.
How long before MS integrates Gator into the OS where it cannot be removed without corrupting the system?
If someone is passing you on the right, you are an asshole for driving in the wrong lane.
Therefore, I offer the following:
And, of course, the usual suspects: Firefox, Thunderbird, Open Office, etc... This is not just a good idea, it's THE LAW on the networks I manage!
Replace your Microsoft software today and avoid 90% of all problems that plague other Windows users.
You are welcome.
The right to offend is far more important than the right not to be offended. (Rowan Atkinson)
MS shure has a damn good medical team to fix them foot after all the times they shot themselves there....
What ? Me, worry ?
Bonzi Buddy really helps you orginize your computer!
Maybe now that Claria has allowed Microsoft to look at the code they can see that it is not malicious and not necessarily loaded with fuzzy intent. But rather a more crafty piece of ad-ware that is almost always put on a PC willfully.
CS: It is all sink or swim...oh and did I mention there are sharks in that water?
Microsoft is serious about security, unless it involves a potentially lucrative business deal. I seriously hope this is some gross oversight on a Microsoft staff member's part, and not some willful attempt to try and keep claria software on people's computers.
Oh, a lesson in history from Mr. I'm my own grandpa.
' Replace your Microsoft software today and avoid 90% of all problems that plague other Windows users '
I did not see "Replace Windows" in your list. Is this part of your plan?
Where were you when the voynix came?
I'd like to say I am shocked and surprised by this, but as with the rest of you, I pretty much expected MS to yield to the all-powerful dollar. Trusted Computing my ass.
This is why I use more than one Anti-Spyware program (I usually keep three installed - none of them are perfect).
Indeed. In fact, I have to constantly remind the Windows evangelists that the entire spyware and virus problem has created a cottage industry, and as long as Microsoft can make money off of it, they will choose never to solve it.
--Storm
but i say it's(hould be) irrelevant: just don't run as Admin and don't use IE and you won't have any spyware to remove...
This is my Sig, this is my Gun. One is for Slashdot and one is for Fun.
now we see the new true face.... the horns are coming out people..... open ur eyes.
I can see it now. Claria's software becomes integrated into the OS (like IE and Media Player). Since there would be no way to remove it, a large install base is guaranteed!
Just yesterday I was helping a neighbor clean-up his girlfriend's parents' computer (how do I get roped into things like that?) So, I install the 3 big ad-removers; Spybot S&D, Adaware, and MS AntiSpyware. I ran the MS one first since Spybot kept crashing when doing the cleanup (very mean buggers). I noticed that the Claria stuff was all set to ignore after it detected it. I didn't think much of it and set all of them to quarantine, but I did think it was a little odd.
Anyways, CONFIRMED.
Come on now, all, there is probably a completely reasonable explanation for this. You know, like their software can only handle 1023 programs being classified as "Quarantine". They just had to clear some out to make room. :P
Friggin' M$.
I tell people to use a separate hardware firewall. Most home users will be just fine sitting behind a NAT device with a "web-based" interface; and at least a little curiousity about using it. Anything but leaving the whole burden on Windows' shoulders. No doubt this is a frequently-covered topic on /., but this Claria thing just makes me more sure.
Don't trust anyone under thirty.
It's not like you can't still remove them. So just set them to remove...
The initial designation of the software has changed, big deal. If Microsoft made it so I couldn't set it to remove/quarentine, then I'd have a real problem with this but nothing has really changed. I am still able to remove that piece of shit software, although that hasn't been a problem for me because I don't get spyware.
/. response to this sort of MS stuff is acceptable but it has become a knee-jerk reaction and it's old.
Sometimes the initial
It's not so much that you can't beat the clock at first posting, it's the $$ that some posters pay to get a * after their name.
That way, they'll see articles before you do, and are probably able to post before you can.
The Hacker's Guide To The Kernel: Don't panic()!
Microsoft employee?
Honestly, I don't know why anyone would get attached enough to a stupid computer OS to bother to write or even copy and paste that.
We've all put up with fixing Windows for a living or maybe circle of family and friends. If your really unlucky, both. When I think about the time I've put into getting spyware off my [Pastor's, Father's, Sister's] computer, and then consider that Microsoft is (inexplicably?) getting into the Spyware game themselves, it's time to stop.
At this point I'm only supporting OS X and recommending anyone to get a Mac Mini when applicable. The world has moved on, the browser is the new platform, and it's time to stop supporting Microsoft if they continue to make the user experience miserable.
People might still complain a Mac Mini is expensive, but if you stop fixing Windows for them -- those Best Buy Geek Squad visits aren't cheap, either.
I mostly just call it "people". Set out a sign next to a box of bagels saying, "Bagels: $1" and about 85-90% of the people will pay for the bagels. And 10-15% won't.
In other words, it doesn't take a corporation for people to act dishonestly. It just takes an opportunity.
At first people thought:
1. MS buying Giant means putting a great anti-spyware product into Windows. Windows becomes *stronger* at stopping such attacks.
2. MS possibly buying Claria means that Microsoft could eliminate one of the biggest pieces of spyware out there. In other words, Claria/Gator becomes *weaker*.
Now, it's possible that things will look like this:
1. Anti-spyware becomes *weaker*.
2. Claria/Gator becomes *stronger*.
So much for doing the right thing(s).
...aligns with mine.
Tried MS AS beta but kept crashing PC so frucked it off the PC.
Bought SpySweeper yesterday to play with but usually freebies do a good enough job, so that's what I install for home user clients. Most important things are to get them using Firefox and use basic precautions. Ignorance and rank foolishness are the major risk factors IMHO, not compromised products.
Big thanks to all open source providers, fighting a good fight.
They claimed that they wanted Gator not for its popup software but for the personalization.
This sounds fishy to me. Microsoft doesn't want their products to look bad, and they know that people hate Gator's popup ads, at least in their present form.
Microsoft shouldn't be protecting old Gator products. They want to take it and modify it to be at least as invasive but less obvious about it. You should expect Gator to be arriving on your system via Windows update, less obnoxious but a lot harder to remove (and almost certainly called by a new name).
I have never relied on a single software package to keep my computer virus/spyware/adware/whatever free. I use three products. AVG anti-virus is running right now and it updates at least once a day and does a scan every morning at 3am. Also through the course of the day I run Adaware http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/ which is free for personal use. Also installed on my computer is SpyBot S&D http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html another freebie.
Between these three products and routine updates from windows update and only using Firefox, I honestly cannot remember the last time I had a problem with adware etc. I find it rather disturbing that people put their trust in one single software package to keep their systems clean. Is it not good practice to keep backups in multiple locations? Why then would we not have redundant measures for cleaning a system? Other than the anti-virus running in the background these programs use system resources only when loaded and running. Otherwise they sit on my hard drive and take up a fraction of a fraction of my total space.
I would rather fix windows than have the person go out and buy a new computer.
Fixing windows ensures the person has a running copy and a working computer, so they would not need to pay the microsoft tax again.
Why read the article when I can just make up a snap judgement?
Hey, look at the bright side, at least it detects their software and doesn't ignore it completely! Can anyone else tell me a company that would not do the same? Anti-anti-spyware anyone?
He who knows best knows how little he knows. - Thomas Jefferson
You're suggesting people switch OS and buy a new computer just to use a different web browser. There's much simpler ways to go about doing that. For instance you could...you know...not use IE? Surely the /. masses have demanded you use firefox before.
I use Ad-Aware, Spybot AND Microsoft Anti Spyware for spyware detection.
The chances of all 3 not detecting (and offering to remove) something are remote at best.
I simply don't use any MS software and have no need for antispyware programs becuase my O/S and browser are immune to Microsoft Spywares in the first place.
I will take the Karma hit for this one. 1. At least I have the kohanas to put my name on a post. 2. The thrill of the prospect of getting the first post blinded me to my spelling errors I was drawn like a moth to the flame! Sadly my hopes and dreams have now been smashed to bits. I have no other choice but to go OD on caffeine now Thank you /. you have shown me my dreams will never come true
"The problem with defending the purity of the English language is that English is about as pure as a cribhouse whore."
Yeah I know cheesy subject but hey why not. In any case MS doing this is an embarrassment to themselves and really a discredit on their posture of trying to make a more secure OS... From the article it says that the default is ignore but hey you can change it to Quarantine or Remove, but then you would be trying to change a MS configuration so watch out for BSOD.
News Reporters Make Tasty Polar Bear Treats!
Will MSNBC provide an in-depth report later?
There is no right to feel safe thru security vaudeville at the expense of everyone's freedom, privacy and tax money.
I've got multiple boxes at my place, and while most of them are Linux / BSD, I keep windows on a laptop. I've brought this laptop (running win2k pro) to different wireless hotspots, different ethernet lan hookups, and even into my friends apartments and hopped on their lan, with insecure machines.
My laptop does not have an antivirus, spyware remover, or firewall. However, I've never had a problem. Probably because I update windows every time I use the computer and I disabled all but the imperative system services. And I've never had a virus, spyware, or any other sort of issue. Then again, I use firefox w/ flashblock & adblock and the like.
Is this the case for other slashdotters? Or am I the luckiest person this side of the Atlantic?
Remember this?
January 7, 2005
Betting a Billion
Bob's Predictions for 2005
By Robert X. Cringely
1) Microsoft's entry into the anti-virus and anti-spyware businesses will be a disaster for users. This is based on everything I know about Microsoft, having watched the company for almost 28 years. They will make a big fanfare, spend a lot of marketing dollars, but in the end, the company simply won't be able to keep up with the demands of keeping virus signatures current, which isn't the real point of this gambit, anyway. There is so much to this story and so much that I could write that I think I'll do so next week, and just move on to the next prediction.
I'm wondering: if anyone out there actually still trusts Microsoft (rhetoric: of course, some people do), is there any demonstrably good reason for that trust or are they just ignorant/apathetic?
I suppose another way to ask this question is why the Revolution(tm) hasn't come yet...
$p$g
If you can't beat them, buy them and then claim they are the good guys.
ok, admittedly, this post is a bit inflamatory, and somewhat off-topic, but I do understand the frustration, because I've felt it myself at times.
.NET has frustrated me to the point where a sailor would have been embarassed to hear the words coming out of my mouth, but I don't think they're the evil empire everyone makes them out to be. Just think about it this way...if this was apple, would you feel the same way? Would there be this much hostility?
Obviously, slashdot submissions are driven by the interests of the people that read and contribute to the site. These interests tend to run towards linux and apple and against MS, which produces a definate bias, but that's what happens when a community with strong opinions controls the content.
The frustration mostly comes from the actual comments. I can't tell you how many times I've been called ignorant for using Windows. The fact is (as I believe the parent was sort of trying to say) that there are compelling reasons for using Windows. Our server runs openBSD, and I still use mostly linux for coding, but it just makes sense to check in windows. My last project used hardware that was only supported in windows. Yeah, there were packages available for linux, but what if there were hardware problems? Where would my users get help? Not only that, but design stuff (can't afford a mac right now) and a bunch of games are SO much easier to do in windows. And it's not like this thing is breaking on me left right and center either - I've only had 1 virus in the past 2 years (my own stupidity) and although I occasionally have to wipe some spyware off, it's normally not more than 1 or 2 progams every few months, and I can usually pinpoint where the stuff is from.
Now, don't get me wrong, microsoft products are far from perfect -
Just something to think about...
...no two people are not on fire.
With MS AntiSpyware already installed, it does detect Claria (actually PrecisionTime, in this case) as Moderate threat. I put some quick notes down on my blog (shameless plug!) @ http://ralph.hogaboom.org/blog/archives/2005_07_01 _archive.html#112074529840613352.
The article seems to point to Claria stuff already being installed, then MS AntiSpyware flagging it as Ignore. I'm going to try that on a machine at work later on.
ralphhogaboom
I independently observed the same thing -- Claria set to Ignore within MSAS. See image on my site, final paragraph of http://www.benedelman.org/news/063005-1.html .
Microsoft will be outsourcing its Anti-Spyware division to eXact Advertising and will be HQ'd out of its BargainBuddy department...
Yes this is meant to be a joke so don't try to sue me for libel Bill!
News Reporters Make Tasty Polar Bear Treats!
It's all part of the master plan. Microsoft, in its never ending search for new revenue streams, has realized that there is an enormous market in the online targeted advertising and consumer metrics industries. Naturally, Microsoft would like to monopolize these revenue streams. But, due to the fact that the adware/spyware business is flooded with participants, it is a fractured industry that suffers operationally from all the competitors fighting each other on a single PC.
Microsoft has decided to eliminate the competing adware/spyware vendors. This frees up consumer's PC's, allowing them to run properly again. This pleases Microsoft's customers. At the same time, the PC's are able to run the Microsoft spyware unencumbered, collecting vast quantities of consumer data. This pleases Microsoft's new customers, the advertising industry.
It's a win/win for Microsoft and a lose/lose for the end user. Get use to it. It's nothing new its just more thorough than before.
I don't think you understand what he was trying to say. He WAS talking about manually choosing remove/quarantine.
if I stop fixing windows, then someone else will fix it in my place.
my family is not a place for petty OS politics either.
nothing accomplished, nothing gained.
You are suprised because...?
Proof that Bill Gates is the Devil The real name of "the" Bill Gates is William Henry Gates III. Nowadays he is known as Bill Gates (III), where "III" means the order of third (3rd.) By converting the letters of his current name to the ASCII-values and adding his (III), you get the following: B 66 I 73 L 76 L 76 G 71 A 65 T 84 E 69 S 83 + 3 -------------- 666 !! Some might ask, "How did Bill Gates get so powerful?" Coincidence? Or just the beginning of mankind's ultimate and total enslavement??? Before you decide, consider the following: M S - D O S 6 . 2 1 77+83+45+68+79+83+32+54+46+50+49 = 666 W I N D O W S 9 5 87+73+78+68+79+87+83+57+53+1 = 666 Coincidence? You decide...
WE know what Gator really is and what it's changed it's name to, but to tell the truth, the majority of non-techies have no clue. Changing the default to "Ignore" means most of the people running the MS anti-spyware will continue running Gator on their computers.
The techies will have a few extra mouse clicks, the masses will remain infected. THAT is the problem I see with a change like this. We're talking about a tool aimed at the masses. An annoying contractual change to regedit.exe that requires me to do a few extra clicks is a pain in the arse, but as the average user never uses regedit.exe, it's not going to have the kind of problems this change will have.
I was planning to recommend the MS Anti-spyware application to friends and family. From here on out I'll be warning people away from it. I now know the product can't be trusted.
"Live Free or Die." Don't like it? Then keep out of the USA
I don't know why anyone would think otherwise. Everything that Microsoft puts on your computer wants to call back home and report on what you do and how you do it. Everything Claria trys to put on your computer wants to call back home and report your every action and keystroke. So running any 'Microsoft spyware' in the first place is like letting a burglar watch your home. What did you expect would eventually happen?
Enjoy your Karma, after all you earned it. Feel your Karma Joe, feel it burn.
While we are at it, don't pirate Windows for mom, pop or sis, either.
Many people use pirated versions of windows but I doubt many people would still use it if they had to pay for it. Piracy ironically helps Microsoft keep their market position.
... are laughing.
Microsoft has an anti-spyware program? (First time for hearing about it for I)
Seriously though. I don't trust their built in firewall or really any "built in" functions that need to be very reliable (read: IE).
Windows is just the platform for which I base all of my decent applications, which consists primarily of OOS projects with many eyes on them that pass my paranoid threshold. (Why don't I just use linux you say? "Games" is the only reason from making the switch, although I'll most likely end up dual booting sooner than later)
I agree with the parent! I am a die hard PC fan, but for some of my more "computer retarded" friends, I recommend them to get a Macintosh. The Apple guys have really mastered how to make a computer idiot proof -- and with Macs having such a small market share (compared to MS), there is no need for anti-virus, etc software to slow you computer down even more.
Do you have to know somebody to get a story posted???
...to any shred of credibility they may have had. What an utterly stupid move--who is going to use a security product that is publicly acknowledged to ignore one of the most obnoxious, irritating offenders in the entire crap-ware industry? Certainly not me.
I didn't think it would be possible for MS to turn itself into any bigger leech than they already are--but here we are.
Who did what now?
A week after word leaked out that Microsoft was negotiating an acquisition deal with Claria (See recent /. coverage), spyware researchers have noticed that the Windows antispyware application has downgraded Claria's Gator detections and changed the recommended action from 'quarantine' to 'ignore.'
A week after I start dating some totally hot babe, event though she's a nagging idiot, I've downgraded my idiot detections and changed my recommended action from "quarantine" to "ignore".
-kgj
-kgj
The cult of denial has really taken over when obvious bad acts, coordinated in the purchase of one proven bad company by another, are denied as "conspiracy theories". Why do people think "conspiracy" means "imaginary"? We're surrounded by bad acts, all kinds of coordinated businesses preying on us. It's astounding that people are helping them by pretending it's all just a coincidence. That means the greater conspiracy lies in people helping the bad actors to prey on themselves, by instantly insisting on denial rather than the truth.
--
make install -not war
Waw! During long staying in the line in the airport, hundreds of people happend talking about why they hate their online experience because of your your company. THey are very very suspisious. They hate you so much, even if they don't even can't pronounse or remember your name corretly. Some calls you somewhere between Clear Gator, or Clariator. Could it help if you change your name again?
Why would anyone rely on a security product of any kind owned by the same people as the OS?
I think it's more to the point that security products shouldn't be trusted from companies who try to make alliances within the computer industry. Security products should protect the user, not contractual obligations.
Who would you trust more: a freelance movie critic or a movie critic hired by a movie studio?
Part of the article...
Sunbeltblog reports: A brief check of our database updates from Microsoft shows that Claria adware has been set to a default action of "Ignore" since at least early June (Claria continues to be listed in our database with a default action of "Quarantine").
You might recall that Microsoft acquired its antispyware application from GIANT, who had a close business relationship with Sunbelt Software. As part of the deal, Sunbelt continues to receive definitions from Microsoft until June 2007. Sunbelt, however, has its own research team and adds its own definitions to the database in addition to what they get from Microsoft.
In the current Spyware Weekly newsletter, Mike Healan of SpywareInfo.com comments:
I can't imagine what they are thinking at Microsoft. I would be hard pressed to think of a better way for Microsoft to alienate their users. I certainly hope that the opposition from within Microsoft prevails and that this deal dies on the negotiating table.
Ben Edelman has updated his write up to include the news of the changed detections.
This is exactly the kind of conflict of interest I worried about three paragraphs above--but I didn't anticipate how quickly this problem would come into effect!
Wayne Porter, blogging at ReveNews calls it Conflict of Interest 102 His site at SpywareGuide.com reports, interestingly enough, that Gator (Claria) is currently the top detection. See the site for full the top 10 list.
1 Gator 6.55% 2 MySearch 5.53% 3 CoolWebSearch 4.38% 4 180 Search Assistant 4.02%
You purposely run Windows and you're surprised by these actions? Sure, mod this down, but you know I'm right. Choose Linux, BSD, Apple...
MSAS leaves all "Moderate" threats at Ignore, because they are often relatively well-behaved components of ad-supported software.
MS isn't dumb, and they have criteria for determining what is a moderate/high/critical spyware threat. A lot of times it comes from feedback to SpyNet. If adware comes bundled with an ad-supported product, doesn't hijack your browser, and removes cleanly when you uninstall the software it supports, it's a only moderate threat.
MS is also a big legal target and a monster in the eyes of many smaller software companies. They'd be getting sued non-stop if MSAS indiscriminately removed the adware from ad-supported products.
I did a cleanup of a seriously crufted-up machine last night. Claria, 180Solutions, WhenU, Comet Cursors were all set to Ignore. Kazaa and BearShare were set to Quarantine, and quarantining them would have snagged the adware they came bundled with.
CoolWebSearch, VX2, and the other real bastards were rated "Critical Risk" and set to "Remove."
I set everything to "Remove" and MSAS did just that without problems. Can't really complain.
It was already +5. *sniffle* It's the most insightful thing I've read all week. Brings a tear to my eye and made me want to salute our flag! ;)
"Re:Sadly, no surprise. (Score:5, Insightful)
by bigman2003 (671309) on Thursday July 07, @07:21AM (#13003157)
(http://insidewoodland.com/)
Furry Wookie- this is not pointed at you directly...but at something you said which sounds like what a ton of other people are saying:
"...take control of your life..."
A lot of the MS vs. (everyone else) debate sounds like this.
My life? How is an anti-spyware tool on my computer going to really affect my life? Or how is my computer going to help me take control of my life?
My computer is just a stupid, noisy, power-sucking box that sits on the floor. I am the one that gives it life, not the other way around. Whatever operating system it runs doesn't really affect my life at all- I just use the thing.
Just like the hedge trimmers I bought last weekend- I went to the store, bought some, and used them. It wasn't a decision that would affect my life- just those few moments as I trimmed the bushes.
My whole point is...don't confuse a computer with real life. Real life is about people, love, adventure, relationships, hardships and successes.
Computers are about reading e-mail, and surfing for porn.
--
Read about my small town [insidewoodland.com]
[ Reply to This | Parent ]"
One thing I have not seen mentioned is the fact that Micro$oft is a powerhouse in the area of marketing. When (not if) they buy Claria, they will also get all the information sucked out of the computers of millions of people.
Think about this. You have your software in front of millions of faces, every day. You know their click habits, you know what kind of crap they buy, you know your customer. What do you think targeted advertising would be worth to another company trying to push their crap on your customer? What do you think targeted advertising on MSN is worth?
This is all about marketing and power.
Oh, yeah... PROFIT!
/me longs for the days when only the smart people had computers and programs that monitored your entire system like anti-spyware programs weren't needed. Personally, I would not be able to stand having a single program control every aspect of my system. I have designated myself as the only one who should have that kind of control over my system. I haven't run an anti-spyware program for months and that's because I don't have spyware problems. If you're not smart enough to distinguish spyware/adware from useful stuff, then you shouldn't be using windows. People who like to just "set it and forget it" as far as anti-spyware and anti-virus programs go, either need to get more computer-saavy or just all go out and buy a cushy, easy to use system, aka a mac. And I myself hate macs, but I believe that their biggest purpose is to provide an easy to use computer os for the stupid people who don't want to deal with all the crap and extra responsibility that using windows entails (that and video editing, I respect the people who do that and am by no means calling them stupid).
(yes, I know the "/me" wasn't going to show up as a user name, it was intentional)
Come on now. Bill Gates is only doing what the market demands he do. Its a simple law of business. People obviously want their system to be slower, buggier, and riddled with adware. Everyone installs it, so Bill is just cutting out the middle man. However this could have more long term effects. Such as weve seen a Gizmondo "Add supported" version. (An odd gadget thingie, that you can pay less for, if you watch ten to fifteen minutes of adverts a day). I can see this being integrated into longhorn. Possibly giving users an option to pay less for Windows, but have addverts right there. Or as a way to combat pirated versions of windows. See, if he does intergrate it into Longhorn, it would be excellent use of it (From an MS point of view) to activate it on all those pirated disks. The spyware element of explorer phones home, checks if the uniquie product id is being used elsewhere, and if it is, sprays a load of advert filled, income generating, goodness all over the nasty pirate/thief/terrorist, or whatever were calling people who copy software theese days. Either that, or you pay for Longhorn, and get the adds. That does sound more MS. But I can see an adware type thingie being intergrated into MS in the near future. Possibly too late for longhorn, but Longhorn SP1? Not a problem.
It's still a ridiculous decision, but I'd like to point out that it's been this way since February. I think people have only noticed now because of the conspiracy theory implications, given the recent talks of acquisition.
This is exactly how the medical industry operates when it comes to cancer, heart disease, malaria, etc. There's no money in the cure. It's all about never ending treatment. In the case of MS, Windows and Office sales may or may not be dwindling. But the perpetual upgrading and "treatment" for a sick system will keep the money train rolling. For them there is nothing to solve.
What?
Usual MS behaviour.
First slag spyware off, then adopt it as your own. Next will come the embrace bit where Gator will be integrated into the API so that no-one else's spyware will run as fast.
Hmmmmmm..... Deep fried and look like Squirrel.
Hey do you ever think that there is a reason why so many against microsoft? They are a f-ing monopoly, who have shoved their pos os down our throats for over a decade. They have brute forced OEM's to include their operating system. They have bullied competitors and put many out of business.
Linux users dream for a better world of software. Sure many of the items on your list are valid. THAT IS NOT THE POINT. Unless we strive for a computing world outside of Microcrap, we'll forever be forced to take their software as it is.
Note how many changes Microshit has done because of the outcry of IT professionals-patches, firewalls, etc.. These would not have happened if the "linux zealots" just took what microshit had to offer lying down.
Personally, i though M$ should have been completely broken up and their OS and software separated into different companies. But, as always, $$$ makes right, and the govt and courts were bought off.
It's time to dream of a world outside of microsoft. And even though that may mean the dissolution of your "brainwashed ms lacky" job at M$, we'll go dancing merrily down the street knowing that WE WILL HAVE CHOICES.
Without the dreams of what Linux (and mac osx) can become, we are stuck with M$'s putrid software for the masses.
This has been and always will be Microsoft's downfall. They just can't resist dipping their hands in the money jar. You can't compromise your alleged integrity and at the same time expect to be a trusted purveyor of security software.
Yes, my only tool is a hammer. And you're starting to look like a nail.
Um, I think you missed the point of the grandparent...
All I can say is I am glad to have this Macintosh right in front of me. I fully appreciate and adore this silver wonder. But, for those stuck in Windows hell, forever enslaved, I recommend using non-Microsoft anti-spyware, security centers, and most importantly any anti-virus monstrosities they might have cook up.
You don't have to be smart to use a Mac, you just have to be smart enough to buy one
Microsoft says to Claria: ."
"gee, that's some nice spyware you got there. It'd be a real shame if something were to, you know, happen to it. .
Claria pays the protection money.
MS Antispyware leaves it alone.
How conveeeeeenient.
Somebody ought to let my buddy RICO hear about this. .
These are my friends, See how they glisten. See this one shine, how he smiles in the light.
Shut up you are a idiot for using windows, and don't make it sound like you have any sort of experience because you are only a student with no damn job history.
"We can't take the spyware out, your honour. It's integrated into the OS."
"Live as if you'll die tomorrow." Ridiculous. You could die later today.
This argument only holds water if you consider your time to be worthless. After several instances of repairing a Windows PC by uninstalling Spyware, Adware, and removing viruses, the costs in terms of human labor could easily exceed the cost of a brand new computer.
Personally, I get tired of getting roped into fixing Windows machines for friends, so I either charge them for my services now, or I make them get a Mac.
Except that the person to whom you are responding clearly stated that he was steering people away from Windows computers and toward the Mac Mini, which runs Mac OS X, not Windows. Therefore, there is no "Microsoft tax" or "Windows tax" to be paid.
It really helps to pay attention to what people have to say instead of responding blindly.
So this is Microsoft's policy on spyware? It's only malicious until it does something for the company?I can easily see this getting out of hand campaign fund donation style.
By now you should have guessed...I'm your magic negro.
See: http://yro.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=155113&thr eshold=1&commentsort=0&tid=158&tid=172&tid=201&mod e=thread&pid=13002447#13002585
Could you, perhaps, have been running an older version from before they downgraded the Claria alerts?
Personally... I don't fucking care what I'm running xBSD, Linux, UNIX, OS X... whatever...
...BUT I DON'T RUN M$ WINDOZE...
...oh btw. I am NOT a teenager...
Microsoft announced, today, that they will mount an exhaustive, yet satisfying, marketing campaign with famed pop star, Britney Spears. The customer-grabbing theme of the campaign will be Britney's new hit song, I think we should just trust Microsoft in every decision they make. Already, millions rocked along with her on The Today Show, and they think the real clincher will be purchasing the next two weeks' air time on Cable TV news stations. A Microsoft spokesman said, "Yeah, people believe anything that looks like news, and if the next two weeks are the same thing over and over, it isn't like anyone will notice...the subtlety is genius."
How I pointed this out last week in the Slashdot post where MS was reported to be buying GAIN. No mod points for me then, I am sure no points for me now :(
Never any third party applications (besides rebranded antispyware). Microsoft knows that bundling Flash and Quicktime capabilities with Windows increases the popularity of the formats MS couldn't control and would want to write their own replacement for. If anything, MS would just clone the application and include it themselves. Who knows, maybe IE 7 will include this functionality and Claria will move back to spyware as the spyware features are the only features that would separate it from any other version of some such application.
I'm sure everyone *CANT WAIT* to get it on their systems!
Just look at past history:
1) Microsoft creates/acquires technology to do ???
2) They force ??? on everyone making it a part of the OS or recommending it on Windows Update
3) Other vendors of ??? get run out of business as MS takes a large share of the ??? business.
Now just substitue "spyware" for ??? and you can see that in a little while, we will only have one spyware vendor to deal with. Much easier!
Claria makes ad networks from CJ to Fastclick to I imagine every other such company quite a chunk of change(think sizable % of revenue). They're aware of what Claria does but when it comes to meeting numbers, do stockholders care? They only care about money. The trick is to not make a big fuss about it. Claria quietly reaps millions and it's in their best interest to keep it under wraps.
So, no, this isn't a conspiracy, it's just microsoft looking to boost revenues and maximize profit like all good capitalists.
Kinda makes you want to pick up the hammer and sickle and go commie.
2 years and no mod points. Join reddit. Because openness is good.
If you're spending a lot of time fixing things for friends and family without compensation comparable to what you expect from clients, you need to lay ground rules. First time offender: fix it and strongly recommend security changes (new browser, antivirus, real firewall, anti-spyware). Second offense, recommendations not followed: implement your recommendations and tell them you will only fix further problems on a pay basis. Stick to that policy if they continue to infect themselves!
Keep in mind that fixing these problems confers a benefit back to you in terms of holding further spread in check, preventing denials of service, etc. If some of your clients get uncomfortable about the cost of the cleanup, you then can pull out your recommendation for OS X and tell them they'll avoid all of it. But be honest, too, about what they can expect in terms of shrink-wrap software supported on the platform. If there is a program they love that is only supported on Windows, you're not going to get positive feedback if they switch to a Mac and can't use it any more, unless you give them a work-alike on the Mac, and even then, it may still be a problem for them.
Logic is a wonderful thing but doesn't always beat actual thought. -Terry Pratchett
Wouldn't you do the same thing? Could you honestly say you would hurt a company you were about to buy?
Slashdot community: COULD THIS SPARK RENEWED INTEREST IN ALTERNATIVE ANTISPYWARE PRODUCTS?
compared to Microsoft Trusting ISTSVC, which is a much more effective computer killer. Man, I tried warning about this (istsvc)..... before Microsoft even announced their acquisition of Claria. Check my submission history, if anyone can, it's there...
Still waiting on Serviscope_minor to wake up to fucking reality and realize that Jessica Price isn't going to fuck him.
May I suggest you run MS apps within Windows under an emulator, so that you only run the Windows OS as long as it takes to run one application? I personally use Win4Lin, as it's faster than VMWare, but both work ..
And both avoid encouraging or requiring you run other Windows apps the way dual-boot does.
--dave/ 10/win4lin.html
[Longer discussion at http://www.linuxdevcenter.com/pub/a/linux/2004/06
davecb@spamcop.net
Does MS bundle it's antispyware product in its OS?
It seems that bundling an antispyware product that does not remove your own spyware while still removing others would be a fairly blatant monopolist act, and subject to antitrust litigation.
One is not suprised, however that MS desires a MONOPOLY ON SPYWARE.
At what point does Microsoft open itself up to libel suits for calling it an anti-spyware application?
Relax people, this is just a part of Microsoft's "Trusted Spy-ware" initiative. It's going to make Spy-ware more secure, and easily available for everyone, while protecting the rights of the Spy-ware intellectual property holders.
Now my Windows-to-Linux migration business will increase!
God, it's wonderful to have a stupid, greedy fuck like you running Microsoft!
Can I interest you in robbing a bank while you're at it? Obviously you're up for anything that makes you money, no matter how sleazy.
Richard Steven Hack - This sig is TOO GODDAMN SHORT TO DO ANYTHING USEFUL WITH! MORONS!
'nuff said.
Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, START
Would you trust a vendor peddling software to solve a problem it was largely instrumental in creating?
If MS had willingly seen & corrected their mistakes long ago, without the constant prodding of the security industry, I would be more inclined to trust this product. But with the current state of affairs, this is akin to someone cutting your arm with a knife, then offering to stitch it up for you.
No thanks, I'll find another doctor.
akad0nric0
This sentence no verb.
Was floating around somewhere the other day.
Some new bitch has been hired as Microsoft's "Chief Security Officer".
The interviewer asked her if she had the power to stop shipment if a security showstopper problem was detected by her group before Microsoft software ships.
She evaded the question.
That tells you everything you need to know.
Richard Steven Hack - This sig is TOO GODDAMN SHORT TO DO ANYTHING USEFUL WITH! MORONS!
I'll continue to fix my clients computers running Windows, BUT...
I will also make sure I tell them Windows is CRAP and they really should look into Linux and Mac as alternatives because they're much easier to use, much more reliable and MUCH MORE secure.
And I'll make sure to tell them Linux is FREE and the Mac Mini is VERY inexpensive.
Richard Steven Hack - This sig is TOO GODDAMN SHORT TO DO ANYTHING USEFUL WITH! MORONS!
Wouldn't even bother to respond, but....
You know it's a classic case of penis envy
You know that your post clearly shows that you're the most classical example of that???
God, it's got to be hard to be you. So bitter and angry, but I guess Windows does that to people
Signature Pro version 1.13.2-3 release 83.5 beta3try7 after-breakfast edition
The USERS are. There has been in this world a growing sentiment in the masses that things should just work the way they want, expect, or imagine them and it is SOMEONE ELSE'S job to make that happen.
Microsoft has succeeded at this to a degree that a scant ten years ago would have been scoffed and laughed at had anyone made the claim then. Windows XP simply works, does so very well, and very very stably when run properly and conscienciously . It is NOT Microsoft's fault that their product is sitting in a world full of people looking to abuse and vandalize any machine they can and willing to immediately take advantage of so many of the things that Microsoft put in specifically to enhance the experience.
In a well run environment, much of Windows supposed weaknesses are actually great ways to expand upon Windows and do new things. But the world is not a well run environment and the users themselves are often the same blend of evil, incompetence, and negligence that composes things like the US Postal Service and the people who decided what kinds of shoes to make in the Soviet Union.
I use AV software and antispyware. I almost NEVER get hits on them because I don't install things in my e-mail, don't go to bad sites, don't do all the things basic pc education says repeatedly not to do. Most users don't behave that way. Heck, you're lucky if you can get your support customers to understand the concept of shutting Windows (or Linux or Mac) down properly.
Simply put, Microsoft has been very anti-malware proactive in my experience, they've bought Claria, and are probably satisfied that there's not that big an issue with it. I'm not going to get all tinfoil hat and join a FUD screamfest about it. If I download and install stupid crap, that's not Microsoft's fault, that's MINE.
If my grammar and spelling are off, I am [distracted/tired/careless] (take your pick)
My experience is exactly the same. The free AVG misses many viruses that Norton & Virusscan find each and every time. Perhaps the commercial verion does a better job, I don't know. Does the free AVG even detect any viruses?
Hmm, $50/year for something that works well, or use a mediocre product for free? No contest.
.. when you can buy someone who will be evil for you?
I'm still trying to figure out what people mean by 'social skills' here.
If your users would still like the weather in the system tray, here is a great Spyware-free alternative to WeatherBug: Weatherwatcher.
A slashdotter who didn't build his own computer is like a Jedi who didn't build his own lightsaber.
Really? What makes you say that? Thanks for blindly making assumptions about my knowledge and my job history. Incidentally, why on earth would you assume that I have no job history? I work for a software company.
Also, why would you assume that a student would be too stupid to understand what system worked best for them?
...no two people are not on fire.
Just to fill your points:)
7. You cannot admit that there is no professional printing capabilities in linux.
haven't looked into printing much, i'll take your word for it.
Bot, linux and OSX use cups (icc patches are now in linux version too). So, parent poster should expect now flamatory responses from OSX users.
8. You cannot admit that you are a masochist (otherwise why would someone spend hours playing with scripts,
and recompiling programs that are available for Windows?)
Yes, i like to tinker with my machine. People who rebuild there classic cars are also probably masochist.
Most of the programs on Windows are either ugly, without any kind of HIG or don't fill up my expectations. Where's the difference? Even on Windows I ended up writing most of the little tools my self. Except that I can fill most of the holes with bash and use them as easy as possible. Never looked back.
9. You cannot admit that there is no professional desktop publishing done on Linux.
haven't looked into it, i'll take your word for it.
Actualy, quite a few books and newspapers are published on linux.
13. You have problems in pointing a clicking, but have no problems in wading through cryptic scripts written by lunatics.
I usually can start editing a file in a folder 4 layers deep before i can finish double clicking on the folders to find said file.
It is not that linux z... have problems with clicking. It is just a matter that clicking is too slow and too limited.
16. You feel angered because you were left out by microsoft's Media technologies, they support Mac, Sun sparc, but not linux.
Haven't looked into it, sorry.
Why would anyone envy the lack of WMV or WMA???
17. You feel inferior deep inside but unable to admit it, you don't have a database as easy and powerful as Access.
Yeah, I heared that martian verion of access rules. We poor people on Earth have to live with the sucky one.
btw. OO.o2 Base
20. You don't have DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW support in your pathetic OS.
Don't have a DVD burner yet, so i'll just take your word on that.
All three of mine work without any kind of tweaking. Install OS and it works.
23. You don't know commercial support in Linux is almost non existent.
Haven't had to look for it yet.
Same as Microsoft. I cannot even remember one competent support company for Windows either.
Even solutions to problems are hard to be found on Microsoft support, funny thing is that Google finds them right there on MS support page.
25. You are unaware that linux has no terminal services (there is a lame one that no one uses), and commercial support for it is not happening.
For 'MS Terminal Services' rdesktop works nicely for me. As for remote control of a Linux machine, SSH for command line (almost all the time it is all you need) or SSH+X for GUI for that 'one program'.
LTSP and FreeNX????
27. You cannot admit that support for USB on linux is laughable at best.
Guilty, haven't had any problems with linux USB support.
Agreed and I own USB HDD, USB printer, USB stick, USB wacom (whis one needed a little tweaking with xorg.conf, but it was my fault, GUI is available), USB Camera, USB Phone
Imagine, all of this worked without popping a single driver into my computer or needed any kind of my interaction but connecting USB. Not so long ago three were problems with unmounting but as far as I can say even those dissapeared.
Signature Pro version 1.13.2-3 release 83.5 beta3try7 after-breakfast edition
You're obviously an idiot since you think that just because some project of your company's needed "Windows hardware" or that some companies limit their game development to Windows that this somehow absolves Microsoft of every shady practice they indulged in for the last twenty years.
Which is why another poster assumed you were a student with no life - because you obviously reflected zero experience with the world and Microsoft's history. I make no assumptions - I base my opinion that you're an idiot on your specific words.
Read my lips - Bill Gates is a FUCKING ASSHOLE as every bio of him and an anti-trust trial has proven. And his company runs on his say-so and has produced numerous DELIBERATE LIARS as employees.
Get a fucking clue.
Richard Steven Hack - This sig is TOO GODDAMN SHORT TO DO ANYTHING USEFUL WITH! MORONS!
Having a programmer test his/her own code is like having your books audited by the same person who prepares your financial statements...
LedgerSMB: Open source Accounting/ERP
What I didn't really see mentioned in the comments is Microsoft's whole strategy in buying Claria. They want to use the web user data collected by Claria to combat the huge amounts of web user history data that Google already has. The problem and the big difference is that Google is in the business of information and have tools that are directly related to this. They get their data by the ads that people click on and the search statistics they generate. Microsoft is going into waters they shouldn't be treading in the first place and have taken a back door to try and get the same data. My big beef with Microsoft is that they spread themselves too thin in the market and use the brute force of their capital to stay in the game. They don't dare want to see another business in the IT market one-up them. They should stick to developing the OS and maybe then they might provide a better product. Stop trying to be the big dog in everything computers.
Even before I read the past /. article, I would have sworn that both programs were under microsoft
I didn't say "microsoft hardware", I said hardware that was only supported in windows. They only update the drivers for windows. Their diagnostic software is written only in windows. Works just fine in linux with the right libraries, but for this project, windows was the best way to go. and I am NOT saying that that this absolves the company of ANYTHING. What I am saying is that there are times (and this was one of them) that windows is the better option. A lot of the posters on this site seem to think that linux is the answer to every problem, and it is not.
I am aware of Microsoft's history and I do realize that they engage in some pretty shady pratices. But so do a LOT of companies. That doesn't not, on the other hand, mean that every product they turn out it automatically a crappy and useless product. Just because you don't agree with microsoft's practices does not automatically make Linux the best prduct for everything.
...no two people are not on fire.
Hah!
cringely predicted an entirely different thing. he predicted microsoft wouldn't be able to keep up with virus signatures. he didn't predict that microsoft would deliberately sabotage the product.
so cringely's prediction FAILS.
So it detects it as spyware; but, the recommendation is to ignore it. In a survey I read a while back, most users go with the default or suggested settings.
Spyware is spyware and there's no if's, and's or but's about it. If Claria doesn't like its software being displayed as spyware, it should be up to Claria to clean up their act. If we didn't care about being spyed on, we wouldn't be running anti-spyware software in the first place. Would we?
This is exactly why Microsoft should stay out of this market. If they're not going to stand their ground and defend the simple fact that Claria IS spyware and SHOULD be removed for ALL computers, than we should be using software developed by a company that will defend itself.
My lame blog.
"You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make a silk purse out of a pig in a poke."
I guess if they merge gator into longhorn, the new ad-drive for Microsoft will be 'I know what you did last summer.'
Goody. A new horror in the making.
Since the invasion George W. Bush has downgraded Iraq from 'quarantine' to 'ignore.'
-
- - You can't take something off the Internet! That's like trying to take pee out of a swimming pool.
I wonder what Jesper Johansen and Jason Garms @ Microsoft would have to say about this?
Not playing with a full set of oars in the belfry.
When you sympathize with stupidity, you start thinking like an idiot.
Actually he was saying that his friends and family are welcome to use whatever they darn well please (it i^Hwas a free country after all). He's simply saying that he refuses to provide free field support for MS and will not recommend their products. I personally think that is a great idea and pledge to do the same.
A $20 cordless. Where?!
So the better drill now has a cheapo cord I gots to babysit?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/artic le/2005/07/07/AR2005070700698.html
The article is quite informative, actually. They even mention Firefox by name, and a big picture of the logo!, tho they managed to not make that nice logo link to Firefox.
But note the last 2 paragraphs:
The St. Petersburg Times did an interview with Reed Freeman, chief privacy officer at Claria. That company, once known as Gator, took a licking in the public forum over its adware deliveries, but Freeman told the paper that the company has changed its practices:
"Consumers shouldn't have to go hunt for disclosure of that nature," he said. "Adware companies that are interested in broad consumer acceptance ought to be putting their disclosures in the download process as they are getting the product so they can make an informed decision about what they're getting."
This is The Post, after all, so you can be Absolutely Certain that 'Claria' has, indeed, changed its spots.
Now, where the hell do I find (a big enough check to retain) that PR firm?
Pathetic.
Web2.0: I love when people Flickr my cuil and digg my boingboing until my google is reddit and I start to yahoo
I see a third possibility. Microsoft incorporates Gator into Longhorn. Sounds far fetched? We already know it will have DRM, current Office products already send error reports, and Windows has already been bundled with spyware apps on the desktop (AOL, Real).
I am calling my brother right now to remove ms anti spyware I installed.
Will also either buy or donate known, real anti spyware as spybot and ad aware.
I mainly use OS X for 3 years so, sorry if I miss if something else exists.
Comment removed based on user account deletion
As stated in my sig, I don't hate Microsoft. Initially, I was shocked by this /. article, but after a little bit of thought, I could see this as being a very reasonable change.
Hear me out...
Microsoft buys Claria/Gator/whatever-it-is. Microsoft shuts down the server that collected the stollen customer information. The "spy" part of the spyware is now completely harmless. Additionally, Microsoft may have examined the source code and discovered that it's installation makes some change to Windows that may be dangerous to undo. An ad-supported application could cease to function, or worse.
As this spyware is effectively no longer spying, it is less of a threat and removal of it could be potentially problematic, so the default should be the safest choice: ignore.
I may be wrong, but I think this is a perfectly logical and moral change.
http://brandonbloom.name
I think you've sort of addressed your own observation...
Yes indeed, many hardware firewalls (read all that I can think of, too) are embedded linux or bsd systems with a web-based gui. This dedicated 'hardware' reference is of course the conventional sense in which I was referring to a 'hardware' firewall. I was not, in some literal sense, referring to some sort of solid-state 'hard-wired' firewall.
As you yourself observe (emphasis mine):
No one actually uses hardware firewalls because fabricating new chips (thousands or even millions of dollars) each time you want to open a new port is just not practical.
Since in that literal sense that is, of course, true. I'd suggest that you might be one of very few people, if not the only one, who might have construed that I was intending to refer to anything other than a conventional dedicated embedded system (such as a Linksys, D-Link, or some other such).
that Microsoft had agreed to remove weatherbug (made by Claria) from their spyware definitions almost as soon as it was released as part of vendor dispute resolution processes.
Unfortunately, I am not joking.
If only we could ask Bill and the boys over at Redmond what their default action is for handling Claria. Do they let it sit on their machines and collect data about them? Is it safe for them to ignore it? I guess now that Bill owns Claria, he wouldn't mind. But did he mind before?