Comments on: “Spyware maker sues antispyware maker”

By: David Schwartz

David Schwartz — Fri, 25 May 2007 11:56:41 +0000

“I have no proof, but I suspect that the same people who make spyware also make anti-spyware. The anti-spyware pop-ups can be downright invasive, once causing my computer to nearly shut down unless I clicked to purchase their product.”

Nope. The same people who make spyware also make malware that masquerades as anti-spyware. These pop-ups are not anti-spyware, that’s just their hook to get you to click on them.

By: LAN3

LAN3 — Wed, 23 May 2007 17:56:25 +0000

All the anti-spyware software I’ve ever used will warn the user that the anti-spyware software will also uninstall adware that was added with the user’s consent– it’s not uncommon to come across “Free” games and utilities that’re supported by ad views. Also, while I’m certain that major anti-spyware companies were started by programmers that were fed up with spyware, I’ve little doubt that there are plenty of predatory companies that release second-rate anti-spyware software and count on fearmongering and, yes, spyware, to get you to pay attention to them and shell out.

By: David Wilson

David Wilson — Wed, 23 May 2007 11:46:13 +0000

I have no proof, but I suspect that the same people who make spyware also make anti-spyware. The anti-spyware pop-ups can be downright invasive, once causing my computer to nearly shut down unless I clicked to purchase their product.

By: jb

jb — Wed, 23 May 2007 01:19:51 +0000

The best one is the May 18 article, which lays out Zango’s new “business plan.” I’ve never seen a more convoluted justification for a spyware company.

By: Albatross

Albatross — Wed, 23 May 2007 00:12:20 +0000

So, a software company makes a product that installs itself on your computer without your permission, inflicts ads upon you, bogs down your machine, makes it difficult to remove the unwanted software, and then dares to sue another company that magnanimously removes the invading code for you? Color me unsympathetic.

And, this is rich: “… alleging that Spyware Doctor removes Zango’s software without warning users that it will be deleted.”

How about a little warning that it will be installed?