I hate all these programs ( Dashbar, Gator, PrecisionTime and Weatherscope ) people can live without this kind of crap software as they are not always alone when they come with a program. As far as I was concern it was a great program but like all things you got to be good to those who leech off others. If I want to test a program before I buy I should be able to do it without getting something like google search bar. How hard is it to type in www.google.ca and do a search. Are we getting so lazy we can't type and need idiot programs to do our job. It's a dog eat dog world and if you make a crappy program why do you deserve to make money. Spam program are designed to destroy spam and the above programs are spam to me! Enough said...bye

Not that it matters a whole lot, but Microsoft has responded to these allegations: http://software.silicon....0003100,39150242,00.htm

Still, I can't help but notice it is right after the talks with Claria. Coincidence? I doubt. Does this mean MS will distribute adware? Most definately not. Sure the whole 'alexa' thing and the WMP 'tracking' cookies controversy you may say MS already distributes spyware but face it: MS has no spyware on their software, tracking cookies do not directly send you ads.

It's like this... if you are planning on using Microsoft Anti Spyware... than you should also throw into the pot Adaware, Spybot - Search & Destroy, and probably a start up program such as Startup Inspector for Windows. An Anti-Virus program is always a good idea, but you should really also scan with the above mentioned programs as well. You can not trust any one company... does not matter if it is McAfee or Norton... do not depend on any one program to do all of your scanning.

Personally I am not nor have I ever been a Norton fan, too many tools for the average user to understand or even want to learn.

This sounds like a good way to kick up the Claria stock. I wounder if the FTC knows about this?

Once again, it looks like Ed Bott has the best take (and background) on this whole controversy in his post: Dear Microsoft: Why should we trust you to detect spyware? Read now.

I still remember using this so called Microsoft Antispyware software. After finding out it doesn't actually remove anything that is so called quarantine's, I removed it promptly. It looks like it quarantine's and/or removes the adware, spyware etc., however it does not, just moves it to a folder, even lets the spyware, adware etc. run in the background. I say never to install this software due to that fact. There is many pieces of software like this Microsoft Antispyware on the market today, they say they do something, however do not actually remove anything. Out of a 5 star rating system I would give this software a definate ZERO!

You are mistaken in its functionality... Perhaps you should have actually read all the options and prompts carefully. Not only can you actually choose to remove things rather than quarantine, you can also delete items in the quarantine.

Who really needs to be connected to the Net 24/7 anyway (besides Scott MacNealy)? Conserve bandwidth. Get on, do your thing, then get off. Nothing funnier than a trojan trying to call home over a dead line.

My thoughts exactly! Around 1990, that is... come on, this is the wired world (or wireless as the case may be).

Well said... except for the fact that people like me would find ourselves reconnecting every 5 minutes since our jobs and a large part of our lives revolve around the online world.

(And don't give me that "get a life" nonsense... I like my life just fine, thank you very much!)

Kerio Personal Firewall(Free for Home/Non Commercial Use)

http://www.kerio.com/kpf_home.html

Has a "stop all traffic" option on the icon in the system tray. You can use that to similate disconnecting, with one exception. Stuff already on your computer can't dial out, like it can with dialup.

didnt anyone notice the article about the court case with claria attempting to take its software off of removal lists because some people actually like the ads? Ad-aware isnt even displaying that it found anything related to claria. It just wont tell you.

If I liked ads I would watch TV! Seeing how I won't turn on my TV because of the ads, that tells you that I don't like ads.

I cant install it because I am on 98. I have Spybot search and destroy, Ad ware 6 Se, Spyware blaster and spyware doctor(has active shield). I also keep my IE setting very high and I use firefox.

:lol:

You like redundancy, eh?

Quick question for ya: Do you need constant admin access on your PC?

If not, enable fast-user switching, put a password on the admin accounts, and create a non-admin user account without a password. Use this account for daily activity.

As long as you trust folks with physical access to your system, the lack of a password on the non-admin account is not an issue.

When you need to install something, or do anything that requires admin-level access, use Fast-User-Switching to switch to the admin account, do your thing, and log out of it. You end up right back in your non-admin account without having to close any programs/reboot/save/etc...

Then you can safely dump all but one anti-malware program, lower your IE security settings and drop FireFox altogether unless you are using it for reasons other than security (tabs, themes, extensions, etc..)

Windows XP is perfectly secure in non-admin level accounts simply because it will refuse to install anything that might adversly affect the OS. Why, in God's name, they don't have it set up this way by default blows my mind.

I have read that LongHorn will ship with this configuration by default..again catching up...slightly...with Mac OS X and Linux, which have been doing this for *years*.

I have had Windows XP installed on my system this way for 2 years and have *yet* to get infected. Of course, safe browsing habits go a long way in helping as well. (Or for the truely paranoid, browsing in a VM will take you even farther, ya tin-hat wearing freaks)

My computer is locked on admin, with no password, and has been secure since January when I got it.

No problems yet. Also, just recently I found out that all the services I've disabled are paying off, despite causing a few problems. My AMD Athlon XP 2800+ at 1.8ghz outperformed an overclocked 3400+ in a game, by like 30%. :D

That made me happy.

Logged in as admin with no password and an open internet connection would definately *not* be my definition of security.

Then find a hacker and tell him to hack me. It hasn't happened yet, and I'd be very surprised if he succeeded considering all the services I've disabled.

As long as my computer continues to perform at speeds far beyond spyware-free ones, I'm groovy. :P

If you were hacked, you probably wouldn't even know. Root kits 101 - root kits aren't detected by traditional process listing.

That's why I use a root kit revealer every once and a while. Nothing yet.

Edit: I actually sort of know what I'm doing. :P

The only way this computer is getting hacked is if someone has direct access to it, or hacks another nearby one. No WiFi, no network(although our modem has 4 ports), tons of disabled services. To do anything for the most part, you'd need direct access to re-enable the services(which is easy without a password). There's a reason microsoft software doesn't run on my computer anymore though. :P

To my knowledge my computer is running in stealth mode. If anything is sent from an IP not recognized, it is discarded. If anything is sent from an IP spoofed, then if it is bad data either the receiving program will crash or the IP will be blocked.

Nothing runs on my computer without it popping permission boxes up. :P

Edit2: Oh, and apparently I broke USB along the way, since plugging USB and UPnP devices in yields no results until installing drivers in a strange and round-about fashion. Can't use the driver CD's either, since they seem to go to the wrong place and the devices still don't work. I'm happy though, cause even with USB and UPnP services enabled, it doesn't work, which means anyone popping a USB memory stick into my computer will have one hell of a time getting it to find it. :D

Rootkits are a BS thing and 99% of them aren't but in the mind of the user in the first place on a windows computer. Go back to Linux.

Ignorance is BLiSS!

LOL that was pretty funny.

Okay...

MS AS still detects claria. Still flags it as spyware. The default action changed. Big frigging deal! If you accept all the defaults without so much as looking at it, you shouldn't be allowed to use a computer.

There are *several* other spyware/adware infections that MSAS detects and defaults to ignore.

*ANY* security based software is *COMPLETELY USELESS* unless you take the time and *reponsibility* to actually *use* the software instead of just letting it run wild.

Get a grip people. MSAS is still good SW. MS OneCare will be better. All you need to do is take some responsibility for your computing. Accepting the defaults given you by *any* program is the same as clicking "Okay" on every pop-up you get.

You're absolutely right... but the concern I still hold is that if Microsoft is making these decisions and changes without acknowledging feedback from and the needs of users, I'm not sure that (even as a Microsoft fan) I can fully trust what they're doing.

I also uninstalled the MS anti-spyware. Just like when they release anti-virus software, they will be choose what to block. Maybe when symantec integrates Norton Anti-virus, with anti-spyware that will be a good product.

O_o

It will be interesting to see what Robert Scoble has to say about this.

Kramy, Alexa is if i'm not mistaken a web service that takes a URL and gives you similar URLs. It's not actually a spyware in that sense -- if you trust alexa with the URLs you're browsing, you can probably even make use of it! What spyware scanners trigger on is the configuration and cookies located on your computer in order to let IE use this service.

And, do i have to mension that Alexa is *only* used by Internet Explorer, and afaik not by for example NS, Opera, or FF?

Ah, and also, i used to run MS Anti Spyware on my home computer. Normally microsoft programs work best with microsoft operating systems. Well, AntiSpyware freaked out -- consumed 100% CPU. And i couldn't kill the process either. Clicking "Terminate process" rendered a nice bluescreen. Managed to uninstall it tho :) Thank god.

Thank God*, indeed, since that was your goal to uninstall it... but I suspect the issue is more related to your configuration in some way than the program as a whole.

Haha, I beat you all! I never installed it in the first place! :P

Actually though, some people below are right - windows ships with alexa spyware installed.

Specifically, Alexa is the "What's Related" function on the Tools menu of Internet Explorer and is only "functional" if you click the item from the menu.

It is considered deceptive because of Alexa's history and because it submits info about the page you're viewing without warning you it is doing so, despite the fact that the function is kinda obvious that in order to learn what's related it might have to submit info about what the current page is.

Microsoft always has been in the spyware business. Their operating system is full of it. Take for example their recording every website you have visited since installing windows, in the hidden and locked index.dat file.

I also knew it was a joke that they bought out this antispyware software. And this is just more proof of it. I suppose if you buy out the spyware detectors, then you can get away with your spyware.

index.dat is nothing more than the table of contents for the Cookies files and Internet Explorer cache so that the browser doesn't have to look at the entire contents of the folders... stop misleading people with your posts.

http://searchwarp.com/swa7843.htm

I personally found 'hidden' files (not seen in Explorer) with SpaceMonger, a free disc-space utility. Yes, Microsoft is hiding all your cleared URL history & Outlook mails in various files and it's unlistable and unsearchable in regular Windows Explorer. Yes, even when you clear your cache and delete your mails. There's no magic or misleading anything there. You can test it yourself; this has been known for quite some time.

MS Anti... what? Not even that!

Uninstalled, registry cleaned, folders and related files in my profile REMOVED!!

bill gates should sell the company and move to china...

Don't think anyone could afford to buy Microsoft HAHA.

As the world becomes more wicked with all the wars and technology, who can we trust?

Guess it's a good thing I didn't depend totally on MS antispyware to scan my computer. Now this little bit of news comes along and people said I was paranoid. Looks like I was right not to trust Microsoft. Now uninstalling MS antispyware. DOWN WITH MICROSOFT!!!

Way to piss off more loyal customers. This is yet another sign that they really aren't the wonderful company that many see it being.

I think it is a little bit too early to pass judgement on the change. We have no idea what Microsoft's plans are regarding Claria.

Indeed, but the downgrade of Claria's products in Antispyware has happened, and it's not too early to be upset about that action.

I would not yet judge this move as indicative of all of Microsoft's actions... even Microsoft has gotten a lot of things right over the years despite their mistakes along the way, but then, we're all human and we all make mistakes along the way.

I am still angry over the downgrade of Claria products, and I'm still cussing about the potential buyout, but I'm not making any final judgements until this is over.

No, but it combined with many of it's other actions paint a pretty clear picture. ;-)

Am I the only one who thinks MS Anti-Spyware looks exactly like Giant Anti-Spyware?

BTW, the Linux evangelists seem awfully quiet on this..

Run MS Anti-Spyware then open task manager, look under processes, then find the anti-spyware processes name...

"Am I the only one who thinks MS Anti-Spyware looks exactly like Giant Anti-Spyware?"

Um, that's because MS purchased Giant sometime ago. One thinks you may need to keep more abreast of technology news! ;-)

This Linux evangelist can't think of anything to say. Apparently MS users enjoy the challenge of fighting spyware, since they stay loyal to MS.

Also be advised that Counterspy is based on the Giant engine as well. The people at Sunbelt Software are doing a remarkable job with Counterspy a excellent program and far superior to any antispyware program out there today.

Microsoft Aquired Giant Antispyware earlier this year...

That about sums it up pretty well. I'm sure there are many things that could be said but there's no need to say them.

Or they simply feel the benefits still outweigh the negatives.

Windows: Huge hardware selection crossing all price ranges, huge selection of software convering all niches(freeware, shareware, OSS, etc), and endless avenues of support.

Linux: Limited hardware selection and slipshod driver support for said hardware, huge selection of software, but it's generall poorly documented and a pain in the a** to install, support that assumes you have a BA in Computer Science.

And just for grins..

Mac: Zero hardware selection, but it all works. Very limited software selection, but it just works. Worst support by the comany itself, best support by the community in general.

Yes, Windows is full of holes. But many people, myself included, stick with it simply because the alternatives are laughable at this point in time.

As Mac OS switches over to intel, this may change the Mac side of things. but Linux is doomed on the desktop...always has been, always will be. Too many distributions, to many conflicting opinions on how one thing should be done, and still too geared to tech-heads. It rarely ever 'just works'.

Flame on...

Windows: Huge hardware selection crossing all price ranges, huge selection of software convering all niches(freeware, shareware, OSS, etc), and endless avenues of support.

- Agreed, with the added benefit of an endless number of viruses spyware and poor drivers.

Linux: Limited hardware selection and slipshod driver support for said hardware, huge selection of software, but it's generall poorly documented and a pain in the a** to install, support that assumes you have a BA in Computer Science.

- How is the hardware selection limited? Drivers generally aren't as poor now that most vendors are releasing them. Windows is also plagued with poor drivers. Perhaps in 2000 you would have been able to make an argument for it. Software can be tough to install if you use a less than desktop friendly distribution but it doesn't get any easier than opening a GUI selecting one of 10K software packages and clicking install.

Yes, Windows is full of holes. But many people, myself included, stick with it simply because the alternatives are laughable at this point in time.

- How are they laughable? You yourself painted a pretty good picture of an alternative, the only problem was that you don't seem to have a good understanding of the advances of the Linux desktop over the last 3-5 years.

"
- Agreed, with the added benefit of an endless number of viruses spyware and poor drivers."

Unless, of course, you enable FUS and only use the admin account for that which absolutely requires it. Windows runs just fine in a limited user environment. Have yet to see a virus or apyware infection in my PC in the 2 years I've been running it with an LUA account. Aside from every once in a while having to switch to the admin account to install this-or-that, it's flawless. Warez sites, torrent sites, pr0n sites... not a problem.

"the only problem was that you don't seem to have a good understanding of the advances of the Linux desktop over the last 3-5 years...."

Wrong. RPM? Apt-get? God forbid...CnR? Right. These are far better than inserting a CD, clicking install and having a nifty little shortcut for it in your start-menu.

I've used the latest versions of RedHat(Fedora), SuSe, Debian, and mandrake. We use Fedora and SuSe here, I deal with them on a daily basis. Mandrake is closer, IMO, to 'real' useability, but still nowhere near intuitive.

And hardware selection? Interesting. It must be my ATI cards then.

Software? Sure, looks like a whole hell of a lot of it out there, and if you don't mind having to look through 10K apps to find one as useable as just about any windows alternative, go for it. Frankly, I have better things to do.

I'd mention gaming, but that's just too obvious. (I mentioned it, didn't I....damn.)

Please do! It's fun, and good for the soul. :P

Aside from the pricetag.

ATI drivers are crap for linux. Go out any get yourself any nVidia card, and you shouldn't have a problem.

Obviously, there can be a never ending debate between Windows and Linux. I suppose much has to do with what one is using the computer for, as well. Since my B.A. isn't in computer programming, I'm not qualified to debate the technical issues. About all I can cite is personal experience.

I can say that I have used MS from MS DOS 5.0 through Windows XP Pro.

I can also say that I build a lot of custom computers and the ones I use personally have current hardware.

I can say that I have used three different versions of Mandrake Linux, currently using Mandriva 2005LE PowerPack and it just "worked right out of the box." There were no hardware conflicts, not searching for drivers and no issues with any drivers. And, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to install.

As for applications, I've not found anything I want to do for which I don't have an acceptable Linux application.

In fact, while still using Windows XP, I found that I had switched to the Firefox browser and prefer it to IE. I had switched from MS Outlook to Thunderbird for email(now I am using Evolution, which gives me sync ability with my PDA). And, I had switched from MS Office 2003 to Star Office 7.0. (Yes, I have genuine paid copies of Windows XP Pro and MS Office 2003 gathering dust, along with numerous other Windows programs)

I'm not a gamer, or I'd probably be frustrated with Linux. But again, that comes down to what one is going to do with the computer, I think. Personally, I find that I enjoy a lot of my Linux applications and would miss them, if I returned to using Windows.

When I hear about all the driver and installation problems with Linux, I really wonder. How long ago did the person try Linux? It's come a long ways. I have CD burners, DVD burners, dual hard drives in SATA RAID0 array, LCD display, NVIDIA video cards and so forth and everything just works....right out of the box...period. Oh, and I've never had a problem with updates nor RPM installations, either. I no longer update anti-virus definitions, run spyware removal applications, defrag the hard drive, remove tons of old history files and such, so in my particular case, it's just easy.

This is true. I had problems with ATI cards before I switched to Linux. Not a problem one, with NVIDIA.

roflmao!!!!!1!!111

Right. I'll just go spend $150 an a new video card so I can run that Free OS. Sounds like a great plan!

Thanks!

True, Linux is just fine for many folks. We use it here. But again, and my main point in the grandparent, is that it is not fit for general consumption. The average user is simply not going to accept the learning curve involved, and yes...there is a big one, even if it 'just works'. Same with anyone switching to or from Mac OS.

Oh, and...

THIS IS NOT AN OS ARTICLE!!!! (For Aries..who is wisely avoiding this thread, apaprently.)

Not accepting a learning curve is one of the main reasons so many of these users have all the spyware problems with Windows. There's a learning curve with anything, if you choose to use it responsibly.

"THIS IS NOT AN OS ARTICLE!!!!"

Classic haha!

I just loaded a brand new Dell gx280 with Ubuntu Linux, and I didn't have to go fishing for a single driver.

Sorry, hardware problems on Linux are a thing of the past.

fewt- You must keep in mind that Ubuntu is IMO the best Linux version out there!!!

ATI is crap on most computers.

Thank you, someone finally hits the nail on the head.

I wasn't instructing you to do anything, but perhaps if you do want to save yourself $150, you'll factor that in before you go out and buy your next-gen ATI card.

Apparently no one thinks Linux evangelists are doing anything worth spying on...

TIC TOC TIC TOC

The time will come that linux fans will eat their words on "we are better off", "we have better security". Take a look at the vulnerabilities in FF recently. Your time is coming. Not that I will take any enjoyment in it or throw it back in your faces, but your sense of security goes hand in hand with its ability to take market shares.

I too use Linux on 2 machines I have, but for the most part, work is done using MS in our society. Until that changes, go on thinking you are secure and continue to bash MS users, but he who laughs last . . .

The real issue that we are dealing with is trust. We are choosing to use programs that state they are adware/spyware removing programs, and though they can and have identified the threats are consciously ignoring them for their benefits - whether money or personal. It is even funny that those that claim they have secure systems don't know that anything is wrong until it comes out in these forums. Oh, they state that they are "super techies" and didn't install it for whatever reason, and try to give us some false sense of security by suggesting another product that they are using and have found "LUCK" with. That is just that "LUCK." We don't know what decisions these companies are making with regard to the security of our machines, unless we are privi to the programming or detection methodologies. We don't know until someone else points it out. This has been going on since March. Those that are using Spybot or Adaware - think twice before you spout off here. Keep looking at your definitions after each update!

IMO . . The best software practices are those that will show you everything that will be install or ignored and let the user decide which they want installed or removed. Education is the key, but even that is a joke in that we are educated in this field, but we don't know everything and are being taken advantage also. Multiply that times 100 for all the end-users out there and you see the bigger problem. I even laugh when one of these "super techies" ridicule the regular-joe only to find that they are being played the same way.

Nothing should be left to the individual software developer as to what is ignored or installed. Adware/spyware/antivirus companies that claim to protect your PC should be held accountable for that very claim. It is false advertising and misleading to claim you remove them, but do not for personal/monetary gain. These companies, MS included, should be subject to legal penalties that would sharply detour these business practices. If you say you remove adware/spyware and have the definitions to a particular adware/spyware threat, but choose to ignore it, then you should be held accountable for the PC left infected. We hold other professions to these very same standards, why not the PC industry?

And, "the sun never sets on the British Empire," "Spain rules the seas" and let's not forget the Roman Empire, either. Everyone has their day....MS may be having theirs. But, history has shown that what we "know" to be mighty today, is nothing but a memory, tomorrow. Call it paranoia, but I'd never put all my trust in any one company, using code they will not disclose and call it, "secure."

I wouldn't expect anything less from these guys. There's other applications out there that do a better job anyways.

microsoft is trying to take over the world! Guys listen im telling u...first they get everyone to buy their OS. Ok, now that they have 90% of computers controlled with windows, they come out with an update for windows update that is a permannant install which "reduces update size". Ok. Then they want to buy Claria.....sounds fishy.

So use software from another company. I don't see Microsoft with a gun to your head.

Paranoid are we. Your watching too much Twilight Zone TV.

No, that's Intel these days. LOL!

I thought Google was trying to take over the world....

Google isn't trying to take over the world. They're just trying to be the most innovative so that everyone depends on them.

Google definitely isn't a monopoly, yet, anyway.

Edit: That was supposed to go on PhoenixPath's post :/

I fully understand the comments of GoodThings2Life.

I posted by concerns about the buyout when it first was anounced, and this reverlation is quite thought provoking.

If they were origionally identified as a threat enough to make in into the program, this was obiously because they needed to be because of what they did. By removing it are they saying they were wrong ? I dont buy that and think not. And i think the opinions on this product is severly tarnished at best to declassify this threat on financial reasons. They are treading a critical line with the scanner if they wish to charge for it when it goes comercial in the future ms security package to be released in the near future.

Luckily i still have pest patrol to double check my system.

I think allot of other doubters will be installing a secind scanner as a result of this and wonder if a few competitor companys are in delight of this news.

I do however think its still better to have it rather than reach for the uninstall button just yet, since to seams to be in depth and quite powerfull in removing thre rest of them, and benefits from the spynet comunity to catch the up and coming ones early.

Actually, I already continue to use Ad-Aware and HijackThis. I haven't uninstalled Antispyware yet, but if this is how Microsoft will operate, when the product is released, I probably will.

Here's the thing... if Microsoft left the old definitions alone, and then announced, "Look... we're going to continue to detect the old software and remove it, but now that we're buying the company, we are going to clean up their act and not detect the new stuff" I would be mostly OK with all of this (although I don't really like the thought of them buying Claria at all).

No biggie as long as it still detects it just switch it from ignore to remove.

My thoughts exactly.

You are exactly right for fixing this current problem. But, the problem is that we would not have know this unless it was pointed out and these crapware would be installed or potentially be installed without knowing how or why. The concept of adware is being distorted. In our opinion, there is no such thing as good adware - just bad. Whether they clean up their act or not, I still do not want it on my computer, and MS thought the same as I did. Now, for their benefit alone, they are changing it to ignore. Not even giving me an opportunity to do so. That is a bad move on their part.

MS Antispyware? POOF..............GONE!

Does the idea ever cross your minds that one of the profound basis of this world's economy is the rule "create needs, then satisfy them"?

A second basic rule says "create an all-in-one system, be a system provider". So, if you sell mines, make sure to have minesweeping vehicles and, at its best, also crutches to sell, too. Maybe some hospital supplies and the like also.

Here it means: create virii, spyware, trojan horses and the like, then go and sell anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-trojan horses programs. And, at its best, let the anti-spyware software take care of the REAL spying...

Cynical? - I don't think so. Realistic.

Are you crazy. For the most part, excluding "fake antispyware" applications, the people who write spyware are completely different than the people who write antispyware applications.

Well - if that is the only ground on which you stand, that's not much to stand on.

Ask any economically trained person if these two rules are not basic rules.

BTW - who defines who is "crazy"?

How says ICECUBE in his film "All about the Benjamins":

"A little more grip, low less lip!"

Nope, try again. Reality is still reality, even if you want it to be something else.

Yeah.....typical.

I just uninstalled Microsoft Anti-Spyware. Too bad for them. I'm tired of MS doing this kind of stuff. Daily I'm more inclined to purchase a Mac.

Plenty of other products to rid spyware anyway...

That's MS for ya!

The community protecting themselves from harm should be the ones labeling what is Spyware, not companies who are protecting themselves financially :/

As everyone on this forum knows, I am a very pro-MS individual generally speaking. However, today even Microsoft has p|ssed me off!

This is by far the worst move I've seen the company take, and it seriously undermines the efforts of administrators and the legitimacy of their Antispyware product (and potentially OneCare). What more can we expect? OneCare to ignore viruses that strike a deal with MS to avoid prosecution?

To the top brass at Microsoft... you've really let down a lot of users with this move, and if you continue on this path, it will only serve to outrage even more. I hope that you reconsider and reverse course.

Me too...

How about an advertiser on MSN uses a questionable tactic to, say, add a line on IE. It could be considered adware. But would OneCare vanquish this? Today's actions suggest that it might get a pass...

I don't believe this is what the article is saying at all.

I just reread my post and I don't seem to recall implying that it was? I posed the question of whether that's what's next/ if that's how we can expect them to behave from now on.

Um, this sucks. I really liked it's clean integration and features. Now it's ignoring known adware. WTF?!

START MENU->CONTROL PANEL->UNINSTALL...

It doesn't 'ignore' it, it still detects it and shows you that it is there. It just sets it to an ignore status. MSAnti-spyware does the same thing with DameWare. You still have to manually choose what you want to do with it (which you should be looking at everything and choosing what action to take instead of blindly saying 'remove' and move on) Just change its ignore status to remove.

If you don't know how to use the product, you shouldn't be whining about it. Look at what the change does before you climb on the AntiMS bandwagon.

DIS-GRACE-FUL. Microsoft, oh Microsoft! I am truly at a loss for words on this one (and beliveee me that's rare with my usually 'controversial' opinions!).

M$ You really will stoop lower than dirt; pond-scum has to reach way down to touch you. F* MS pro-spyware... The sh*t didn't really work well anyway and Ad-Aware etc.. are way better.

would this be the eagerly awaited "wolf in sheepsclothes move"? by microsoft ? it would be a lethal combination. arent they already monitoring about just every computer running windows software ? and that "we are not gathering any personal information" crappy statement doesnt satisfy at all. what if mcafee, norton, trendmicro,avast. ad-aware, and all the other spy and malware detectors decided to flag "windows" as such ? time for a first global digital world war !

I use more than one program to sweep spyware and adware from my computer, but this is serious lowballing from MS if done purposefully. I, for one, will wait to see the response from MS before making my decision on riding my PC of this program.

In addition, what are we then to expect from their new OneCare software?

I--am at a loss for words. I certainly hope MS responds as well...

I was going to say... OneCare lost a lot of credibility today.

I never held OneCare as being a credible option in the first place. I say this for one reason. Microsoft and the words Internet Security in the same sentence is laughable.