All Entries in the "Main" Category

Software Like McAfee Scan Plus Installed Without Permission – Arrogant Software Companies

Now, whenever you open Firefox, it says you need to update Adobe Flash or other Adobe products, then it installs McAfee Security Scan Plus onto youir computer, which is really just Adware for their products. Adobe didn’t have an update at all. Adobe just wanted you to install McAfee Security Scan Plus.

So by having Adobe products  on your computer, Adobe considers your computer their own. They sell the rights to other companies like McAfee to use Adobe products as a conduit to install other software and adware that you didn’t ask for.

A trojan does the same thing. It installs unwanted software on your computer. Adobe products install unwanted software on your computer like McAfee Security Scan Plus using Firefox to facilitate the install by calling it first a Firefox update.  McAfee participates in the process of installing unwanted software on your computer.

So what makes Adobe, Firefox and McAfee any different from an illegal trojan? Nothing except they are big companies and no one will pass legislation to make them stop installing unwanted software and adware on your computer.

These software companies are arrogant as hell. They make deals with each other to bundle their software and adware inside of other downloads. Many times they are basically hidden and insall automatically with the software you actually wanted. Some give the option to “opt out” of the extra download but it’s easy to miss. After all, you downloaded program A and should not have to read the fine print to make sure you are not also installing program B, C and D.

From Techie-Buzz.com

Techie Buzz Verdict:

Their suggestions are sound – if you have the money to pay for their solutions. Each recommendation is designed to offer McAfee a good chance to sell you something. This isn’t good free software – it’s a good marketing tool. I was very disappointed, and I only posted this review so that I can save others the trouble of downloading unwanted advertising. I would classify it as “Adware”.

Techie Buzz Rating: 1/5 (Poor)

Below is info from the McAfee website if you want to spend your time uninstalling McAfee Security Scan Plus adware after they installed it on your computer without your permission. After all, your time is their’s to waste because they have a big company and can do whatever they want with your computer and your time.

Back to all Corporate KnowledgeBase http://us.mcafee.com/en-us/local/docs/adobe_mssp_faq.pdf.

Corporate KnowledgeBase ID:

KB68706
Version: 3.0
Status:
Published
Last Modified:
June 03, 2011

Summary

McAfee Security Scan Plus is a free diagnostic tool that detects the security status of computers for antivirus software, firewall protection, and web security. It can co-exist with any existing security software.

For more information, see

Cause

Security Scan Plus was probably installed when another McAfee program or third-party application such as Adobe Reader was installed.

To avoid installing Security Scan Plus, the next time you install or update Adobe Reader or similar software, ensure that you deselect the Free McAfee Security Scan Plus option under Also install.

NOTE: This option is selected by default.

Solution

To remove McAfee Security Scan Plus:

1. Click Start, Programs, McAfee Security Scan Plus.
2. Select Uninstall.

Facebook Spam

Facebook loses more credibility every day. I really like facebook, but the Facebook spam is getting too much for me. If people can spam me with porn constantly because I am a facebook member, then I will stop being a Facebook member.

Pretty simple. And I doubt I’m the only one who feels that way. I’m really hoping Facebook rids their site of facebook spammers. But, there are other social networking websites to join who do have it under control.

have you been receiving a lot of Facebook spam?

Buying From TemplateMonster.com Not Worth The Hassle

I understand the need for security with online purchases and advise clients on that all the time, but TemplateMonster.com takes the cake.

I find a template i like. I order it. Simple right? No. I even have to look up my bank’s phone number to include in the form. No big deal right? Just a little more time. A little more chance for me to change my mind. But I do it.

Then I get an email saying that since they could not reach me immediately by phone, (I was on with a client), they can’t send me my download link for the template I purchased.

Does TemplateMonster.com actually want to make a sale? Do they actually want more business? Why not go ahead and ask for an in-person appointment while you are at it. Require the names of my children, my mother’s maiden name, a secret question, the street my family lived on when I was born, where my mother was born, and to top it off, put in a captcha that is really hard to read.

TemplateMonster.com, you need to understand, you are not doing us a favor by allowing us to purchase what you sell. We do you a favor if we decide to buy something from you.

EDIT: Oh wait. It gets better. The email says I must respond right away if I want the template I paid for. But when I email them, the email bounces. So now I had to get their number and call them.

A lot of work just to buy something from someone. The exact way NOT to set up your purchasing system.