StopBadWare.org Blasts AOL 9.0
In an open inquiry on its site, anti-malicious software research outfit StopBadware.org recommends that users not install the latest version of AOL’s software. According to StopBadware, AOL 9.0 installs additional software like RealPlayer, and QuickTime without user consent, adds the AOL toolbar, as well as additional icons and favorites to Internet Explorer. It also adds the AOL Deskbar utility to the user’s taskbar, fails to fully uninstall, and provides no way to opt out of automatic updates.
“We currently recommend that users do not install the version of AOL software that we tested, unless the user is comfortable with the level of risk we identify or until the application is updated consistent with the recommendations in this report,” says StopBadware.
The site recommends that AOL change the software to inform users what additional software packages will be installed and require their consent, tell users what changes will be made to Internet Explorer, not force users to accept auto updates, and not leave processes running once the program has been uninstalled.
In response, AOL says that it is taking steps to change 9.0 based on StopBadware’s recommendations. AOL also attributed 9.0′s faulty uninstaller to a software design flaw and said that it was working on a patch.
Reader Comments.
I look forward to each Adotas.It’s great to be informed and entertained, all without turning one newspaper or magazine page.
Kudos to your staff and contributors.
Leave a Comment
Article Sponsor
More News
-
Loading ...
Latest News
- Sponsormob Leads the Way Into RTB for Mobile February 3rd 2012 ADOTAS – For more than half a decade, Berlin-based tech [...] more »
- Weird Study: Mobile Purchasing While in the Bathroom on the Rise February 3rd 2012 DM CONFIDENTIAL - According to 11mark, three-quarters of Americans with mobile [...] more »
- This Week’s New Hires February 3rd 2012 ADOTAS – Another week, another round of new gigs. Here [...] more »
- Two Surveys: What Are We Doing with Mobile Devices During the Super Bowl? February 2nd 2012 ADOTAS - With the Super Bowl fast approaching and the [...] more »
- Facebook Files for IPO, Seeks $5 Billion February 1st 2012 ADOTAS – Well, it finally happened: Facebook filed with the [...] more »
- ToneMedia Targets Customers Based on Music Tastes February 1st 2012 ADOTAS – Today ToneMedia launched its new ad platform, which [...] more »
- Forrester Releases Wave Report on Cross Channel Campaign Management Tools February 1st 2012 ADOTAS – Late yesterday, Forrester Research released its new Wave [...] more »
Features
- Sponsormob Leads the Way Into RTB for Mobile February 3rd 2012
- Video: Social Media Monitoring Comes to “The Future of Engagement” February 3rd 2012
- Facebook’s Timeline: Meant for Brands All Along? February 3rd 2012
- Taking Social Media Analytics to Fashion Week February 3rd 2012
- Going Beyond Click-Throughs to Rope In Consumers: A White Paper Excerpt February 3rd 2012
Spotlight
Sponsormob Leads the Way Into RTB for MobileADOTAS – For more than half a decade, Berlin-based tech firm Sponsormob has remained relevant in an industry characterized by [...] more...
Reader Favorites
Classifieds
- Interactive Project Manager
- Media Buyer
- PHP Software Engineer (Facebook Platform/Social AP
- SEO/Marketing Internship at Green Education Startu
- Site Producer
Recent Comments
- Google’s “Good to Know” May Not Be Good for Me | Money Maker Machine: [...] Permalink [...]
- Jennifer Peterson: I love how your newsletter expands my thoughts. I can always count on your articles
- Google’s “Good to Know” May Not Be Good for Me | Connecticut News | Connecticut Breaking News Headlines | News Directory: [...] Permalink [...]
- Technology: 8 Reasons Why Social Media is Essential for Your Business « Mom it Forward: [...] their social media efforts, there are some real returns that companies report. According to
