bokamba
Chengdu Rocks
Premium
join:2002-04-05
Falls Church, VA
 ·Verizon Online DSL
| reply to Camelot One
Re: Just not needed
Just because people don't know how to use a computer well doesn't mean they deserve to be spied upon. I can get rid of spyware, but I don't know how to thwart a wiretap; does that mean I deserve to have that happen to me?
Programmers need to be responsible when creating applications that have the potential to degrade people's privacy. |
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Camelot One
Premium,MVM
join:2001-11-21
Sarasota, FL
clubs:
| said by bokamba  :
I can get rid of spyware, but I don't know how to thwart a wiretap; does that mean I deserve to have that happen to me?
If you tried to install a free device that would allow you to make free long distance calls, and in the fine print it said "this also includes a wire tap" then yes, you absolutely deserve to have a tap on your line.
Spyware doesn't just magically appear. Now if we were talking about only tracking cookies, I would have a different view, but in general Spyware is the free software version of a free -ad-banner- supported website. If I have to go the extra mile, and use a pop-up stopper to get the site for free...fine. Don't require me to pay for it. The internet costs money, and I would rather it be paid for out of the advertisers pockets than mine.
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AMD XP2500+ @2300mhz/ Asus A7N8X Deluxe rev 1.04/ 2x 512Mb Kingston HyperX PC3500/ WD 120Gb on serial/ Gainward GF4 4600/ Enermax 465P-VE/Custom water cooler |
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bokamba
Chengdu Rocks
Premium
join:2002-04-05
Falls Church, VA
·Verizon Online DSL
| You're right that it doesn't magically appear, but the install dialogs are often vague or misleading, so even careful people like me have installed spyware without realizing it. They need to be up front about the fact that the software you're installing will hit you with ads or send information back to its creator. |
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TheNerdShow
join:2003-11-16
Anchorage, AK
2 edits | If you suspect you are running spyware, the intelligent thing to do is look and see for yourself. Most windows machines will let you view the task list by pressing ALT-CTRL-DEL. From there it is a simple matter of ending-task on those beasties, and searching the web for uninstall instructions. We've made this process even easier!
--Programmer & Consultant. Author of SafeTasks |
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bokamba
Chengdu Rocks
Premium
join:2002-04-05
Falls Church, VA | I know that. Most people don't. I think I've accidentally installed spyware in one instance. |
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