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Post by jojo on Sept 29, 2012 9:32:35 GMT
 I needed a codec, Xvid. Two different places tried to covertly install a tool bar. At first glance, it seems to be just part of the loading sequence. Why installers need to use all these beats me. It may appear that, by removing the ticks, the tool bar isn't installed. In actual fact, the ticks are just a diversion. By clicking on the accept button, the bar is installed anyway. Only by clicking on Skip All which is clearly intended to be difficult to see, can you avoid this. I was reluctant to install at all, but needed that codec. I don't think there is anything particularly dodgy about the codec itself, but it has simply been hijacked by scam artists. Who uses Ask or Babylon anyway? |
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Post by vikingken on Sept 29, 2012 13:56:38 GMT
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Post by jojo on Sept 29, 2012 15:56:12 GMT
I have it, but not the relevant codec. I'm sure it is in there, but couldn't find the relevant program to switch it on. I'm sure it must be there, but no doubt, something thought it would be cool to hide it.
Anyway, got impatient and downloaded it anyway.
But we were having a discussion on thse sort of scams recently. Thought I'd post this one.
Incidently, I recently ended up with Ask while trying out a copy of VideoPad. It's a rubbish program anyway. VirtualDub seems a lot better. Though using FormatFactory to convert files seems to be a safer method than finding the relevant codecs.
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Post by vikingken on Sept 29, 2012 18:04:37 GMT
I haven't got Format Factory installed at the moment Jojo, but I have got a copy of it and its a very good useful program.
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Post by johnnybee on Sept 29, 2012 20:58:23 GMT
These so-called clever buggers seem to think we're all as daft as they are; I've lost count of the times these downloaders tried to con me into changing my homepage, changing my search provider, changing me underpants, shoes, socks and anything else you can think of.
I s'pose they must be on some sort of commission - like 5p per hit or similar, but what they don't realise is that the more they try to con you, the less likely you are to fall into their trap.
If it were up to me, I'd keel-haul the buggers, every one of 'em!
JB.
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Post by vikingken on Sept 29, 2012 21:51:56 GMT
Windows has its own downloader that is good enough for most things. Legitimate software that uses its own downloader; like Intel, AMD, nVidia and the like, you click Download and the downloader is part of the installation. Users of a normal computer and not using specialist websites, never get asked to sign for a downloader. Anything that asks for you to, "Agree" to a downloader, has to be a con. As John says; the cleverer they think they are, the more obvious they become. I have got my pet websites; but if you Google something and the link looks dodgy, hit the back button and try another link. Read carefully what you are Clicking to, is the order of the day. I put Downloader; but take that as Installer as well, its the same difference in this context.
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Post by jojo on Sept 30, 2012 10:12:51 GMT
Anyhoo. These aside, it's an interesting approach to sneeking advertising software onto your machine and one which some might find useful.
Sad really. The powers want more people to use the net, they seem more than happy to go after some but refuse to take the most basic precautions or action against most, especially spammers and these rogue companies.
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Post by vikingken on Sept 30, 2012 11:21:34 GMT
The Internet is world wide; but there isn't an international governing body, or any international rules of conduct come to that. Actions which are illegal here can be performed from accounts set up in other countries. You could sell missiles to Iran and not leave your bedsit in Bournemouth. You might have men in black coats banging on your door, but in theory you haven't done anything wrong. If you live in a bedsit in Bournemouth, they would nail you for something. If you live in a mansion in Belgravia, they wouldn't even bother you.
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Post by jojo on Sept 30, 2012 12:31:34 GMT
Don't buy that.
Ask is a large company, based in California. Babylon is also a large corporation, based in Israel.
Frankly, that excuse, which is generally wheeled out, is tired and lame.
I read recently that most people use the Ask toolbar after they have it. Yet a better explaination is they don't know how to remove it!
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Post by vikingken on Sept 30, 2012 14:30:49 GMT
Neither company is doing anything wrong and they are perfectly legal. I personally have got no use for toolbars whatsoever, but other people like them. If someone wants to use a toolbar, good luck to them. They are easy to exploit and can be a bad chink in your defenses. Its the exploiters that are the wrong doers, not the taskbar companies. You could argue their sneaky installation practices are a teaching aid, for people trying to avoid installing them. If someone does accidentally install one, they should know how to go into Uninstall Programs and remove it. Until you have learned that, you shouldn't be downloading anything in the first place. Its websites who offer things using unnecessary things like Optimum Installer, that should be clamped down on. If you can download a box full of codecs without an additional installer, why would you need an installer to install one of them?? The trouble is, a novice probably wouldn't know that and there are more learners about than teachers.
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