jafoman
join:2002-10-13
Porter Ranch, CA
2 edits | Adware Technically, the free version of Weatherbug does include adware. Does this mean that Opera is also shown as Adware? I also use a program called DVD Profiler which in the unregistered version, shows ads too. Are these all considered adware?
I always think of Adware as something that causes popups outside of any application, where all of a sudden you'll get a browser window with advertisements...
jafo |
 Doctor FourMy other vehicle is a TARDISPremium
join:2000-09-05
Dallas, TX | Minibug is targeted as adware by both Spybot Search & Destroy
and Ad Aware, but only because it displays ads in the program
window (which are easily blocked using ad filtering software
or a hosts file). It is also bundled (at least for version
5.03, which is what I have) with the My Search toolbar,
which can be opted out of. The EULA for this component is
pretty clear on what it does.
So Weatherbug as adware is mild compared to some of the
other junk out there. It doesn't hijack your browser,
display unwanted popups outside the program, track your
web surfing habits (except for the banner ads within the
program), alter your Winsock settings, and it doesn't
force an unwanted toolbar on you. I emphasized
'force' because if you opt out, it isn't installed.
--
"Kayura or Badamon, whichever you are, you should know that I will never give up this battle. By the will of the Ancient, I shall succeed!" - Shuten (Anubis) from the Ronin Warriors. |
| Weatherbug has actually been de-listed by the majority of spyware scanners out there since it's pretty clear as to what it does, and the search bar is opt-in and explained relatively well. We removed them from our own detection a few months ago (while still classifying them as a carrier and detecting the spyware itself).
--
In the interest of full disclosure I should say that I work for FBMSoftware, makers of ZeroSpyware a spyware-removal tool. Opinions posted do not reflect my employer's unless otherwise noted. |
