quote:
Originally posted by Oldtimer
That's B***S***
First of all, that dialog is purposely made to look like a standard license agreement, and we all know that noone reads those.
Secondly, I cannot agree to something which I'm not fully aware of the consequences of. "A sponsor program" is not the same thing as a stupid adware. Much as I like
to sponsor Messenger Plus, I don't want my computer riddled with adware.
Which I still think is akin to a virus.
Before you start rambling on how much you think the Sponsor app is like a virus or even adware learn what the terms mean.
Virus: A program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. Viruses can also replicate themselves. All computer viruses are manmade. A simple virus that can make a copy of itself over and over again is relatively easy to produce. Even such a simple virus is dangerous because it will quickly use all available memory and bring the system to a halt. An even more dangerous type of virus is one capable of transmitting itself across networks and bypassing security systems.
Spyware: Any software that
covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet; however, it should be noted that the majority of shareware and freeware applications do not come with spyware. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers.
Adware: (1) A form of spyware that collects information about the user in order to display advertisements in the Web browser based on the information it collects from the user's browsing patterns.
(2) Software that is given to the user with advertisements already embedded in the application.
Definitions used from WebOpedia.com
Now the reason why the Sponsor Agreement looks like a standard EULA is because it is. Its a standard EULA for an Application. Its not written anywhere in the world that EULA's have to be used for the program you are trying to install. Now since your given the option of installing it its not classified as Spyware/Adware, it also does no damage to your computer or even replicates itself so its not a Virus either. The sponsor simply adds Favorites, a search bar, and changes the homepage. I could do all that with a Plugin if I wanted to. But back to the point, the Sponsor program is neither of what you say it is. I rest my case.
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