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To Slipe: Here is what someone wrote, "Once you give DAP clearance to access the 'net to do your download then Zonealarm is bypassed! And I quote from the installation agreement:
3. You acknowledge and agree that SpeedBit may gather information and usage pattern, and as well registration parameters provided by you, your software and configuration, provided that if published, it will be done only in aggregate form without user names.4. You agree that SpeedBit may use this information provided by you and the Software, or information related to, for the purpose of target advertising, marketing, co-registration to other services by SpeedBit or other parties, provided that if names are part of this information you had been given the advanced opportunity for omission of your name; "
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As I understand it programs that contain Aureate/Radiate, Comet Cursor and a couple others put a small utility on your computer that can actually extract information from your computer. It calls home any time you are on the net and continues even if you uninstall the program that put it on your computer. It even gathers information when you are not connected to the internet – supposedly to follow off line browsing. You are pretty much at their mercy as to what they consider ethical to access.
DAP does not put such a utility on the computer that I know of. It calls home for fresh ads when it is online and installs cookies to follow your browsing patterns. There is a BIG difference between the two approaches. The reason AdAware and OptOut find no spyware is that there is no utility on your computer gathering information from it.
If you register with DAP they are saying that they can include information that you give them like configuration but that they will not attach your name. Aureate/Radiate considers that if you fill out the registration you have given permission for your name as well as other information given to be included and distributed with the information gathered. Again a big difference.
I’ll be sure to include my signature as it might well apply to my attitude toward DAP.
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If you can keep your head while others around you are losing theirs then there is something you don't know.
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slipe,
I understand what you are saying about the two different approaches taken by these pieces of software. However, I would consider what DAP does to be spyware of a different degree maybe. It is for this reason that I continue use it despite what it does. All things considered, I would much rather have DAP on my system than Aureate/Radiate. I dealt with that garbage with Jetcar and it was a mess. I don't know what an internet dictionary would consider to be spyware, but anything that watches what I do on the net, then reports back, is called spyware in maxximilian's internet dictionary. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
Oh, by the way slipe, I wonder if you could explain this DAP method a little further. I have my cookies disabled. Can DAP still deposit cookies under this setting? Once in awhile I find a couple of cookies that somehow got through anyway. Is it possible that DAP is responsible? Also if DAP can't access the cookie file, can I assume that I am not being tracked? Frankly, this cookie approach, is news to me.
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Just to add my 2¢ worth. I was going to switch from DAP, but I don't think I could find anything better. In ZoneZlarm I have it set to ask permission to connect and so far the only time it does is when I want to download something. I guess to work it has to connect. My ISP claims to have a cap set at 512 kbps, but I often see bursts at around 625 kbps. So think I'll keep it.
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Si Hoc Legere Scis Nimium Eruditionis Habes.
(translation: If you can read this you're
overeducated)
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maxximilian:
I’m not as fastidious as you about restricting and tracking cookies. I had just read somewhere else that it placed a cookie but haven’t checked. There is so much misinformation on the net I guess you are often passing around garbage.
If you don’t control the cookies as you do there are many sites that gather the same amount of information from you as DAP without providing the utility of DAP. I haven’t bothered to check this rampant tracking of my web browsing, but I draw the line when someone wants to be able to extract information directly from within my computer.
By the more general definition of spyware, everyone who allows cookies on his computer has spyware comparable to DAP.
DAP gives me some eye watering download speeds on my cable when it finds the seven fastest sites and downloads from them all simultaneously. I feel that allowing them to follow my inane surf pattern is reasonable payback, especially considering that a lot of other people are doing the same without providing me with such a great utility.
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slipe,
I'm on cable too and the difference that DAP makes is impressive. And I agree it is an equitable trade to let them know what I download as long as it is part of an aggregate report without identities attached, which is what they claim. Don't get me wrong. When someone asks whether they should get DAP, I usually tell them absolutely. But I also tell them about the tracking feature. I do this because not too many people read license agreements and other fine print and should be aware of some of this stuff. I actually read license agreements. And I am fastidious about cookies. I won't accept them and keep an eye on that folder. I also run anti-virus, a firewall, file and printer shares off, and if necessary an occasional exorcism by the local priest. The way I see it...when everyone is out to get you, paranoia is just smart thinking...LOL. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
In all seriousness, slipe, this kind of discussion is helpful. People need not be paranoid, but what seems minor now could get alot worse if we don't occasionaly question motives and methods. Your points are well-taken. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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To Maxximilian: The latest version of Octopus is spyware free and the article you point to is outdated. There is another download manager I have found calle DL Expert which is also free of spyware (not true of previous versions). This can be downloaded at the site listed below. Perhaps, this 2 are leading a change which other software manufaturers can follow, but don't hold your breath. As long as people continue to use their applications why would they?
http://www.yanew.com/english.htm
(Note: make sure you download version 0.97, should you choose to do so.)
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rubicone,
Yeah, I saw DLexpert listed on that page (Adcop.org) that I posted awhile back. It does appear to be worth a look and could be a viable alternative. It would be nice to see a trend to removeing such items, and no, I'm not holding my breath either. Remember what a public outcry it took for Real Networks to back off this sort of thing.
By the way, I bet you never expected that your question was going to give birth to a thread this long. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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I favour netvampire, for no other reason than it works well for me from home (56k dial up) and works lan connection.
Its also got a pretty decent search facility built into it.
Simple layout, no frills really but functionally fine and thats what i look for.
Ray.
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This one was recommended from another help forum and the program claims no spyware of any kind.
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This one was recommended from another help forum and the program claims no spyware of any kind.The address is for the free version they also have a pay.
http://www.download.com/Star-Downloa...ml?tag=lst-0-2
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I've tried a few and settled on Download Express. Works great, no spyware and it's free.
http://www.metaproducts.com/mp/mpPro...tail.asp?id=18
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LeechGet 2004 is supposed to be quite good...I believe its free for private use...
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fresh download from fresh devices
http://www.freshdevices.com/
this is a really good one to consider
