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suziPremium
join:2004-05-01 | reply to keith2468
Re: WhenU Enters the Anti-Spyware Market Since we are discussing definitions and example, perhaps it would be helpful to look at COAST's own definitions of spyware and adware, keeping in mind that Aluria is one of the founding members of COAST.
»www.coast-info.org/glossary.htm
Partial definition of spyware:
quote:
While some spyware is installed with the user’s knowledge (although the user may not understand exactly what s/he has done), much of the time it is installed surreptitiously as part of another program installation. Even if the bundling of software and information tracking practices are disclosed to the consumer through the End User License Agreement, such disclosures are rarely noticed by users or give them any real understanding of what information will be collected by the spyware and how the collecting party will use it.
Emphasis mine.
Partial definition of adware:
quote:
Often used as a term for spyware, it is preferred and used by makers of software that include ad-serving mechanisms. Adware is advertising-supported software that displays pop-up advertisements whenever the program is running.
The "more info"link says this (partial quote):
quote:
The majority of programs that use ad-serving software disclose its existence during the installation process. In many cases, the software will not function without the adware component. Some adware can install itself on your computer even if you decline the installation.
Excuse me, but that says "The *majority* of programs.... disclose its existence during the installation process."
So then if some programs "DO NOT disclose their existence", wouldn't that make them very close to spyware by COAST's own definition?
And this:
quote:
Although seemingly harmless (aside from the intrusiveness and annoyance of pop-up ads), adware can install components onto your computer that track personal information (including your age, gender, location, buying preferences, surfing habits, etc.).
(emphasis mine)
I don't see much difference in spyware and adware based on those definitions.
--
aka Suzi, Spyware Warrior | |
| What Comes To Mind... Several things come to mind here....
1) Trust No One. (remember a few years back when that quote was popular?)
2) Money is the root of all evil.
3) AND, it reminds me of the movie, Underworld, where a few dark characters are attempting to crossbreed the vampires and Lycans, and the whole thing is a thick and complex plot. And it's hard to know who the "good guys" are.
I USED to think of Ad-Aware and Spybot S&D as "the good guys". Now I don't trust any spyware vendor at all, and never will again. Instead, I place my unwavering trust in Deep Freeze. | |
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