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Serge · Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 3:31 pm Post subject: free software = trouble ware?

i came across this interesting article and thought that the vds community might like to read it
http://www.stickysauce.com/articles/misctipsarticles/free_software_how_not__to_get_more_than_you_bargained_for.htm

serge

Skit3000 · Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 4:18 pm Post subject:

Don't believe everything they say... Smile

Until about 1 month ago, I didn't use to use a firewall, virusscanner and (active) anti-spyware programs... Smile

Right now, this computer is running for 2 years without having to reinstall or format it, and without ever having major problems with virusses or spyware... Smile

Serge · Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 4:23 pm Post subject:

i am concerned that with such narrow minded very wide generalizations on the part of the author of a such an article which is read by people who don't know better and who will believe such possible sensationalism - it can't be good for those of us who do produce freeware with no malware attached

let's hope that people will know better Smile

serge

PGWARE · **Web Host** Joined: 29 Dec 2001 Posts: 1566

From what I take on his article he's saying be careful what you download, that there are legit sites and soft but you can never be sure. This obviously is common sense.

Skit3000 · Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 4:28 pm Post subject:

If you go to the butcher, you also do not know if the meat is 100% safe... Rolling Eyes

(Although everybody expects it to be... Embarassed

)

Garrett · Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 4:38 pm Post subject:

What many overlook as they are speaking the evils that may await one in
freeware is that shareware and commercial software are also prone to
such evils.

Common sense works in all directions if one uses it.

-Garrett

jules · Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 5:38 pm Post subject:

I have to say that I basically agree with the article. A lot of free software does contain adware and spyware. Some of the less reputable stuff does so maliciously. More often, it's done "legally" by including a clause in the license agreement saying that the user agrees to this. An example is the Cd burner "Burn4Free" which recently moved over to adware. You wouldn't know unless you read the small print.

There are also rogue download sites with links to freeware that exploit IE security vulnerabilities to do browser hijacks and other nasty stuff. This kind of thing is one of the commonest problems I encounter as a technical advisor to a computer magazine. The article's basic message is pretty much what I have been saying in my magazine articles. Not all freeware is bad, but the user must exercise common sense and decide who to trust.

jules · Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 5:40 pm Post subject:

Serge · Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 11:41 pm Post subject:

i guess that it is the typical case of the majority suffering because of a minority - this seems to happen so much in life Sad

serge