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Download.com Bundling Adware With Free Software
Zocalo writes "In a post to the Nmap Hackers list Nmap author Fyodor accuses Download.com of wrapping a trojan installer (as detected by various AV applications when submitted to VirusTotal) around software including Nmap and VLC Media Player. The C|Net installer bundles a toolbar, changes browser settings, and, potentially, performs other shenanigans — all under the logo of the application the user thought they might have been downloading. Apparently, this isn't the first time they have done this, either."
Download.com have always done this... I thought this was how they funded the site.
This may be true, but doesn't shadow the efforts of those irritated enough to stand up and say something. Hats off to Fyodor for bringing it to light in hopes that things change.
And as knowledgeable as the average user has (been forced to) become about spyware and malware, Download.com should listen, because it's obviously not just those uploading content that keeps them in business. Let's hope they don't react and generate that stench of arrogance around themselves, not unlike many large businesses today that think they're "too big to fail", and could care less what their customers think.
I liked it years ago. They made it easy to search for a function and get a list of windows software that did it. Back then I usually couldn't find who made software that did what I needed done. I coudn't go to the software producer's site, because I didn't know who he was. Now I just google around a bit, search some forums and hope for the best.
In my eyes they already screwed up when they allowed sw developers to promote the features of the full (paid) version in the description of the free version without any indication the free version didn't include the feature.
Well, I might have a way, but it only works on a semi spherical planet in a vacuum.
Yes it is news for me.
I submitted something I wrote a while back and it used to offer the file the way I uploaded it. I just checked and sure enough my download is now wrapped in a Cnet installer. Now I need to dig out my account info and remove my software listing because this is fucking BULLSHIT!
Thanks Slashdot for pointing this out.
Rapidshare, for that authentic 90s warez feel.
Not hosting your own files, or torrents for larger stuff, looks about as professional as a hotmail address on a business card.
Just send them a DMCA takedown notice. If the system exists you might as well use it.
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