(1) Displays ad banners or other types of advertising material during its runtimeSoftpedia reports that Comodo Internet Security strikes out on numbers 2, 3 and 4. Number 4, is the reason I stopped recommending Comodo firewall a year ago when the Comodo SafeSurf toolbar included the Ask Toolbar. Stefan Fintea, the Softpedia Software News Editor, explains:
(2) Attempts to change the homepage for web browsers installed on the system
(3) Attempts to change the default search engine for web browsers installed on the system
(4) Offers to download or install software or components (such as browser toolbars) that the program does not require to fully function
(5) At program startup/shutdown , opens web pages featuring advertising or similar income generating content
(6) Creates desktop or start menu shortcuts for items unrelated to the program's functionality
"Aside from the fact that SafeSurf is a component that the program (CIS) does not require to fully function, therefore it alone would be a good reason to mark CIS as adware, this utility also installs Ask Toolbar without asking for the user’s permission. This type of behavior is clearly not the one described in the Comodo email and could be easily classified as spyware (since adware would imply prior user consent)."For background on Ask toolbar issues see Edelman on 'Deceptive Door Openers' and Ask toolbars.
Via BillP
References
- Comodo Software Removed from Softpedia
- Edelman on 'Deceptive Door Openers' and Ask toolbars
- SoftPedia -> Adware in CIS ?!
- Security Garden Posts on Ask/IAC
- Software licensing models explained - adware
Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...
Wow, that's interesting. I still use their (old version) firewall. Stopped using their anti-virus b/c they stopped supporting Win2k with their newest version. Plus I'm not a fan of the 'suite' concept. I'll keep this in mind when I upgrade or change my OS.
ReplyDeleteas you might be aware of, or unaware..
ReplyDeleteYou can select not to install ASK when installing CIS. And you will end up just with CIS.. Clean and smooth.
Yes, Anonymous, I know that if I elected to install CIS, I could uncheck the option to install the "Comodo SafeSurf toolbar" because I know it is the Ask toolbar in disguise. The problem is that most home consumers are not aware of the questionable practices of IAC/Ask.
ReplyDeleteComodo is deceiving the users of their product by hiding the Ask Toolbar behind their product name. So, what do they have to hide? Deception as described by Wikipedia:
"Deception (also called beguilement, deceit, bluff, or subterfuge) is the act of convincing another to believe information that is not true, or not the whole truth as in certain types of half-truths.
Deception involves concepts like propaganda, distraction and/or concealment. . . " Personally, I do not trust a vendor who practices deception and applaud Softpedia for removing Comodo.
I totally agree with Softpedia on this issue.
ReplyDeleteIf Comodo is not trying to foist Ask on users,why not simply publish the software with check box's unchecked by default?
They could even post a little blurb over the box's to the effect:"we really recommend you to check this option.
It is a few extra bucks for Melih,
and after all we are providing a FREE software".
They will not do that because no doubt their agreement with Ask requires default install.
Comodo is the same crew who's motto is "Creating Trust Online"
Ever notice how ever crooked car dealer is called "Honest" something or another?
http://i40.tinypic.com/33vlo2c.jpg
ReplyDeleteUmmm, You do get asked for permission to not install it. And the policy by Softpedia is so stupid, the "click happy" policy. What a joke.
However, Comodo should also:
UNTICK toolbar by default
OR
remove it all together.
Either way, problem solved, and comodo is back on Softpedia.
Just my 2 cents. No disrespect to the blogger. I hope Comodo can make the right choice.
You guys are idoits. Comodo CLEARLY gives you the option to not install the toolbar. Even if you install the toolbar is it that hard to remove it. With your logic we should get rid of AVG AND CCLEANER FOR SHOVING A TOOLBAR IN MY BROWSER. Also ANY good security expert knows that comodo's defense+ is a good HIPS protection.
ReplyDeleteCCleaner is not a security software and I seldom recommend it. In its place, I recommend ATF Cleaner by Microsoft MVP Atribune. You can find it at his website http://www.atribune.org.
ReplyDeleteAs you will also note, I do not recommend AVG either, even though the Yahoo search bar is certainly not in the same league as Ask.