Geeky PSAs

[seasleepy]

Well, this is interesting: AIM's started installing spyware. (That may be where you got that WildTangent from, Am.)
Edited to add that upon asking, my sister did just upgrade her AIM, which did install WildTangent, and I know for a fact that Viewpoint Media thingy is an ad delivery system (not spyware per se, but it can't be uninstalled as long as you use AIM). So I can confirm that this is a true report.

For those of you who like to not have random things downloading all the time, here's some options:
-- Downgrade. AIM 4.8 is still just fine.
-- Use gaim. The Windows port is not as polished as the Linux version, but tabbed IM windows are handy as hell, and it's definitely usable.
-- Use Trillian or Miranda IM or you could check out Jabber if you have a short buddylist (it won't download it for you, but the clients are very nice once you have people on there).


I'm also amused/concerned that someone at the A&M sports office has gotten a virus or spambot on their computer, and has sent out about 3 or 4 messages tonight alone to the mailing list of people who have sports cards. Not that that affects really anyone on my friends list, but still....yeah.

Comments

[kraftyhorse.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Seas...I was so close to trying an upgrade again. (Per the recomendation of a completely computer illiterate friend) ;) But I'll just stick to my ancient version.

[ladydilee.livejournal.com]

Indeed, the upgrade was most annoying. Did amy get the wildtangent off of her computer? My mother and I spent about 3 hours getting it off of mine. Very annoying, as spybot knows it's spyware, but can't remove everything.

[eeyoreama.livejournal.com]

Yep. I did. Ad-aware, Spybot, VirusScan, and I all worked together to rid my computer of the evil WildTangent. Though, I have to say, I don't think it took me 3 hours to take it off. Maybe it did, and I just didn't realize it. Stupid spyware and other junk.

[ladydilee.livejournal.com]

Well, I went through and deleted everything myself, meaning getting all of the registry keys off personally. Not something you want to take lightly. It had also been on my computer for a while. I'm glad it worked for you.

[french-bow.livejournal.com]

viewpoint media player?? I just downloaded aim last week (upgrade) and i DO have this file now..tho i don't find anything called wildtangent. SHould i uninstall this viewpoint doohickey?

[seasleepy.livejournal.com]

If you uninstall it, Viewpoint will apparently just reinstall itself the next time you run AIM. It's not as bad as some spyware, but it is kind of annoying.