Software Goes Free--With Ads
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From PC World.com
Software Goes Free--With Ads
The price is right, but privacy and performance concerns linger.
by Diane Anderson,
The Industry Standard
March 21, 2000, 8:32 a.m. PT
Texas-based GlobalScape wanted to let the world
download its CuteFTP, a tool that helps you transfer files over the Web, and try
it out for 30 days for free. It retails for $39.99 in stores like CompUSA, so
the company wanted to disable some functionality when the month was up to
encourage purchases.
But the question of how to make money during that first month remained. In a
time when everything else--e-mail, PCs, Internet service providers--is free,
software companies are struggling to find ways to release their applications and
updates over the Web. The solution? Connecting free content, in this case
software programs, with ad dollars.
"We are like a DoubleClick for software," says Radiate cofounder Jeff Ready.
"But instead of letting you look at Web sites in exchange for seeing ads, we
give you applications."
The concept is simple. Radiate has a network of some 400 programs, including
titles such as Solitaire, MP3 Fiend, and LapLink FTP, which people can download
for free.
Of course the programs aren't completely free. You have to share demographic
information first so that marketers can target ads.
Protecting Your Privacy
Privacy is a huge concern for consumers, as Radiate recently discovered.
Radiate grew up in Indiana back in 1996; venture capital wasn't easy to come by,
so the three founders took out a $50,000 bank loan and racked up credit-card
debt to buy equipment and pay employees.
They didn't stay in the red for long. CMGI @ventures took notice and last
summer paid $5 million for a stake in the homegrown firm, which recently changed
its name from Aureate to Radiate, a rebranding effort with curious timing.
The name change came on the heels of an Internet company's worst nightmare:
being accused of not respecting people's privacy. The ugliness started when Dale
Haag, a Texas-based security consultant, sent concerns to a mailing list for
lawyers. His findings resulted in a torrent of newsgroup activity because people
didn't like hearing that companies were "stealing" information from their hard
drives.
Radiate execs maintain that the company only asks for information, but remain
wary. "I think there are still serious security concerns," Ready says.
Even observers who don't see a privacy problem think that there's a problem
of perception. "From what I can tell, the accusation that Aureate was using its
software to gather information from hard drives turned out to be unfounded,"
says Internet consultant Richard Smith. "But these companies need to do a better
job of notifying people."
In addition, performance could hamper free software's adoption. "Some
[software] runs when you are running your Web browser, so there's potential for
more crashes," says Smith. "Bugginess is an interesting price to have to pay."
Despite privacy and bug concerns, the free-software model is increasingly
popular with independent software makers because it gives information on users
and offers a way to make money.
The big software vendors have yet to adopt it, but that could change. "The
Microsofts and Adobes may want to license this network model," says Dave Nerrow,
general partner at CMGI @ventures. "We expect Radiate to be announcing big
customers in the next few months."
"The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws" - Tacitus
I find it a sad commentary when companies are more interested in creating databases on people (something sounds familiar here) than in creating quality software.
I'm a fanatic about privacy, but if this is simply a passive placement of advertising in free software, the Radiate system sounds like a good deal.
If Radiate starts tracking and targeting like Doubleclik, that would be a problem.
This is the answer! Follow the link to optout and read all the info there. If anyone remembers....I had a big problem with my computer locking up when I shut down after being on the internet.(Among other things). After I installed a fire wall program the problem went completly away. It turns out that this secret software is the cause. Read the user emails. Also it explain all those emails from China that people are getting. This is sick. I have not run this optout yet...but a few programs on the list are programs I have installed. It will be very interesting. I am wondering if this secret tracking software knows better to run when a firewall is up. It would be detected imediately with ZoneAlarm. My ports have been scaned many times however. Drudges page always does this. But it has happened randomly many times at FR to. I wonder if these now blocked port scans are what would wake this secret tracking software wake up. More tommorow. This is Huge...They are crashing peoples computers. Class action law suite to come.
I was so amazed at what I found that I had to post it. Registry #'s were replaced by numbers 1-5 for privacy reasons.
OptOut Activity Log & Report:
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
OptOut Registry Analysis on: 03 / 24 / 2000 at 05:09
• Searching System Registry
• Searching all seven system root registry branches
for the "SOFTWARE\Aureate" key
• Key found under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
• Key found under HKEY_CURRENT_USER
• Key found under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
• 3 Aureate keys were found in the registry!
• Searching the Windows registry "SharedDLLs"
key for known Aureate DLLs
• Reference found to Aureate DLL: amcis.dll
• Reference found to Aureate DLL: advert.dll
• 2 Aureate DLLs are referenced in the registry!
• Searching the Windows registry for Netscape
and IE web browser Aureate Process Parasites.
• Reference found to Aureate Parasite GUID: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID{1}
• Reference found to Aureate Parasite GUID: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID{2}
• Reference found to Aureate Parasite GUID: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID{1}
• Reference found to Aureate Parasite GUID: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
\SOFTWARE\Classes\TypeLib{1}
• Reference found to Aureate Parasite GUID: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface{1}
• Reference found to Aureate Parasite GUID: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface{2}
• Reference found to Aureate Parasite GUID: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface{3}
• Reference found to Aureate Parasite GUID: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Browser Helper Objects
{1}
• Reference found to Aureate Parasite GUID: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
\Stub.CIEStubCLSID\{4}
• Reference found to Aureate Parasite GUID: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
\Stub.CIEStub.1CLSID\{1}
• Reference found to Aureate Parasite GUID: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
\Stub.NetscapeStopCLSID\{1}
• Reference found to Aureate Parasite GUID: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
\Stub.NetscapeStop.1CLSID\{2}
• Reference found to Aureate Parasite GUID: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
\Netscape StartingCLSID\{5}
• 13 Aureate Process Parasite references found!
18 Adbot/Spyware entries were found in the registry!
OptOut Deep Drive Scan on: 03 / 24 / 2000 at 05:18
• Scanning Drive C: for known problem files
• Found Aureate file: amcis.dll. Last accessed:
03 / 24 / 2000 -- earlier today!
• File path: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\amcis.dll
• Found Aureate file: advert.dll. Last accessed:
03 / 24 / 2000 -- earlier today!
• File path: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\advert.dll
• Found Aureate file: 1.ctl. Last accessed:
03 / 23 / 2000 -- just yesterday!
• File path: c:\windows\amc\1\1.ctl
• Found Aureate file: 1.log. Last accessed:
11 / 12 / 1999 - about 133 days ago!
• File path: c:\windows\amc\1\1.log
• Found Aureate file: 8728.chk. Last accessed:
11 / 12 / 1999 - about 133 days ago!
• File path: c:\windows\amc\1\8728.chk
• Found Aureate file: 37.gif. Last accessed:
01 / 20 / 2000 - about 64 days ago!
• File path: c:\windows\amc\1\37.gif
• Found Aureate file: 31.gif. Last accessed:
11 / 12 / 1999 - about 133 days ago!
• File path: c:\windows\amc\1\31.gif
• Found Aureate file: 36.gif. Last accessed:
11 / 12 / 1999 - about 133 days ago!
• File path: c:\windows\amc\1\36.gif
• Found Aureate file: 35.gif. Last accessed:
11 / 12 / 1999 - about 133 days ago!
• File path: c:\windows\amc\1\35.gif
• Found Aureate file: 34.gif. Last accessed:
11 / 12 / 1999 - about 133 days ago!
• File path: c:\windows\amc\1\34.gif
• Found Aureate file: 33.gif. Last accessed:
11 / 12 / 1999 - about 133 days ago!
• File path: c:\windows\amc\1\33.gif
• Found Aureate file: 32.gif. Last accessed:
11 / 12 / 1999 - about 133 days ago!
• File path: c:\windows\amc\1\32.gif
• Found Aureate file: 16.gif. Last accessed:
11 / 12 / 1999 - about 133 days ago!
• File path: c:\windows\amc\1\16.gif
• Found Aureate file: 15.gif. Last accessed:
11 / 12 / 1999 - about 133 days ago!
• File path: c:\windows\amc\1\15.gif
• Found Aureate file: 14.gif. Last accessed:
11 / 12 / 1999 - about 133 days ago!
• File path: c:\windows\amc\1\14.gif
• Found Aureate file: 5.gif. Last accessed:
11 / 12 / 1999 - about 133 days ago!
• File path: c:\windows\amc\1\5.gif
• Found Aureate file: 4.gif. Last accessed:
11 / 12 / 1999 - about 133 days ago!
• File path: c:\windows\amc\1\4.gif
• Found Aureate file: 2.gif. Last accessed:
11 / 12 / 1999 - about 133 days ago!
• File path: c:\windows\amc\1\2.gif
• Found Aureate file: 13.gif. Last accessed:
11 / 12 / 1999 - about 133 days ago!
• File path: c:\windows\amc\1\13.gif
• Found Aureate file: 12.gif. Last accessed:
11 / 12 / 1999 - about 133 days ago!
• File path: c:\windows\amc\1\12.gif
• Found Aureate file: 11.gif. Last accessed:
11 / 12 / 1999 - about 133 days ago!
• File path: c:\windows\amc\1\11.gif
• Found Aureate file: 10.gif. Last accessed:
11 / 12 / 1999 - about 133 days ago!
• File path: c:\windows\amc\1\10.gif
• Found Aureate file: 9.gif. Last accessed:
11 / 12 / 1999 - about 133 days ago!
• File path: c:\windows\amc\1\9.gif
23 known problem files were found on Drive C: !
OptOut Deep Scan Finished: 03 / 24 / 2000 at 05:18
Also since I deleted all of this I am no longer having my ports scaned when I go to the drudge report.(Time will tell if this holds true).
Thanks! You have no idea how happy you have made me. I have posted another thread that concentrates on the lockups/Crashes that this causes. But I have linked it back to here for all the information.
Don't miss this one. This is not just about privacy. This secret Aureate program is causing major problems with computers on the internet. It may be the cause of many freeper complaints. The Optout link provides a ton of info.
There is no such thing as a Free Lunch. PS. You don't have to give them accurate info.
The privacy part is just small potatoes compared to the fact this stuff is causing major computer problems. I know. It happened to me. Please follow the optout link above and read the user emails. They are not fake. Believe me.
Thanks for the heads up. Most people have no idea whats happening on their systems. The reverse iplook-ups on these tracking bots are very interesting. They can do it thru gif images with imbedded software programs, too. Zone alarm warns you. Glad it helped you.
I seldom download any stuff. I have enough problems with trying to make the stuff I buy work.
Also be aware that I had no idea that this program or its files even exsisted. And as far as I know it never asked me for any infor unless it did it in a way that made me think I was responding to a program I was installing that was puting this bug in my computer. After reading the info on the optout page it makes sense where all the Chinese emails are comming from too.
There is also a list at the optout page of many of the programs that install this bug. I think it was over 200. Including Getright and Gozilla.
Bump and a bookmark. Mucho gracias
I know what you mean. I did that with a few of the Ip's that were pinging me and some of them were surrounded by ones with names like "satin", "Evil", and such next to there IP number.
The only thing I downloaded was a site for free phone calls, thru the computer. My daughter in law did it while she was visiting. However,I have Upgraded a few things. Otherwise I am practically a virgin on this stuff.
I installed the zone alarm software about a week ago and I am amazed at how often my computer is being probed by persons unknown. It's disturbing, to say the least. I got the optout program, and that reported a clean system.
Howdy nikola:
I don't know who this Tacitus feller is ...but if his statement is correct we'uns have a government that is totally corrupt: "The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws" - Tacitus. We must have billions of laws laying around. Wonder if anyone has ever tried "justice"?
Anyway..., when this here kumputer dies I'm gonna take it out and use it as a target for my gun control practice. A fella can't have e'nuff gun control practice.
The stuff fron the grc.com site is pretty simple and small freeware. IP_AGENT is a good one there, too. It links back to the grc.com website and runs a security check on your system. Its a good place to start. If you want to buy a firewall program (like zone alarm which is freeware), there are several reviewed at the web site. One complaint I have about the freeware, is it sometimes expires (like his aspe_me program).
That should have read "ASPI_ME program."
I need help. I just installed ZoneAlarm and then I couldn't access FR. What am I doning wrong? I uninstalled and then I could get back here.
I need help. I just installed ZoneAlarm and then I couldn't access FR. What am I doning wrong? I uninstalled and then I could get back here.
Are you sure you didn't install algore's OZONEALARM program ?
Seriously, did it let you access other websites ? you have to allow your browser access.
There is another useful program called AntiSpy I found in the newsgroups. Here is the .txt file from that program:
The following is a listing of all software known to install the Aureate spy on your system. The Aureate spy keeps track of your Internet activities and sends a report to Aureate every time you open your browser. The Aureate spy places the following files on a Windows machine. [It is not known, yet, to affect Macintosh or Linux machines.] > The installed files are some or all of: > adimage.dll > advert.dll > advpack.dll > amcis.dll > amcis2.dll > amcompat.tlb > amstream.dll > anadsc.ocx > anadscb.ocx > htmdeng.exe > ipcclient.dll > msipcsv.exe > tfde.dll > > Here is a review of the contents and > code contained in the DLL's that Aureate makes use of. Here are a > few of my findings up to this point: > > advert.dll > ======= > > This DLL creates a hidden window every time you open your browser. It > creates and sends 4 pages of information to the Aureate servers using > port 1749 on your system, these pages include: > > 1. Your name as listed in the system registry ( not the name you > installed one of the programs with ) > 2. Your IP address > 3. The reverse DNS match of your address. ( tells them what ISP and > area of country you are in ) > 4. A listing of ALL software that is shown in your registry as being > installed. ( Not just the companies they work with ) > 5. This DLL sends the following information to their server on all > URL's you visit: > A.) ad banners you may click on > B.) all downloads you do showing the filename/file > size/date/time/type of file(image, zip,executable, etc) > C.) full time and date stamps of all your actions while > using your > browser > D.) the remote dialup number you are dialing in on (taken out of > your dialer configuration) > E.) dialup password if saved, does not "appear" at first glance > to send this through to them. > 6. Contains programmers note: "Show me the money! I want to > be Mike!" > > > advpack.dll > ========= > > Used during the installation only to check for other needed files. > amcis.dll > ======= > > This DLL modifies the following registry keys: > 1. HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG > 2. HKEY_DYN_DATA > 3. HKEY_PERFORMANCE_DATA > 4. HKEY_USERS > 5. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > 6. HKEY_CURRENT_USER > 7. HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT > > Unregisterss oleaut32.dll from memory as provided by M$oft and > replaces with its own calls. Switches back to M$oft's when browser is > closed. Creates stub processes to be started anytime your browser is > opened. > > > amcompat.tlb > =========== > > This guy tracks any multimedia clips ( video/pictures/sound ) that > you view It tracks the rating level on the video/picture/sound and > title / location Contains references to DblClick ( still digging on > this one! ) > > > amstream.dll > ========== > > Setups TWO way communications between your system and theirs. > Used to send info and receive update commands/files > Open port 1749 for communications > > ================================================== > > The programs that are known to install the Aureate spy are: > > 123Search > 3d Anarchy > 3D-FTP > 3rd block > Abe's FTP Client > Abe's Image Viewer > Abe's MP3 Finder > Abe's Picture Finder > Abe's SMB Client > Access Diver III > Acorn Email > AcqURL > ActionOutline Light 1.6 > Active 'Net > Add URL > Add/Remove Plus! > Address Rover 98 > Admiral VirusScanner > Advanced Call Center > Advanced Maillist Verify > AdWizard > Alive and Kicking > alphaScape QuickPaste > ASP1-A3 > Auction Explorer > Aureate Group Mail > Aureate SpamKiller > AutoFTP PRO > AutoWeb > AxelCD > Beatle > Binary Boy > BinaryVortex > Blue Engine > BookSmith : Original > buddyPhone 2 > Calypso E-mail > CamGrab > Capture Express 2000 > Cascoly Screensaver > CDDB-Reader > CDMaster32 > ChanStat > Charity Banner > Cheat Machine > Check4New > ChinMail > Clabra clipboard viewer > Classic Peg Solitaire > ComTry Music Downloader > Crystal FTP > CSE HTML Validator Lite > CuteFTP 3.0 > CuteFTP 3.0 > CuteFTP/Tripod > CuteMX > CutePage > Danzig Pref Engine > DateTime > Delphi Component Test > Delphi Tester > Dialer 2000 > DigiBand NewsWatch > DigiCams - The WebCam Viewer > Digital Postman > DirectUpdate > DL-Mail Pro 2000 > DNScape > Doorbell 1.18 > Download Minder 1.5 > Download Wonder > DownLoader v.1.1 > Dwyco Video Conferencing > EasySeeker > EmmaSoft ChatCat > EmmaSoft dBrow > EmmaSoft KeepLan > EmmaSoft Soundz > EnvoyMail > EZ-Forms FREE > File Mag-Net > FileSplit > Folder Guard Jr. > FourTimes > Free Picture Harvester > Free Solitaire > Free Spades > Free Submitter Pro > FreeImageEditor > FreeIRC > FreeNotePad > FreeSite > FreeWebBrowser > FreeWebMail > FreeZip! > FTPEditor > GetRight > Go!Zilla > Go!Zilla WebAttack > GovernMail > Grafula > Gunther's PasswordSentry > HangWeb > hesci Private Label > HTML Translator > HTTP Proxy-Spy > Huey v1.8 Color Picker > Iban Technologies IP Tools 3.1 > Idyle GimmIP > Idyle GimmIP > iFind Graphics > imageN > Infinite Patience > InfoBlast > InnovaClub > InstallZIP > Internet Tree > Internetrix > InterWebWord Companion > JetCar > JFK Research > jIRC > JOC Email Checker > JOC Web Finder > JOC Web Spider > KVT Diplom > LapLink FTP > LineSoft Download > LOL Chat > LOL Chat > Mail Them > Meracl FontMap > Meracl ImageMap Generator > Midnight Oil Solitaire > MirNik Internet Finder > More Space 99 > MouseAssist > MP3 Album Finder > MP3 Fiend > MP3 Grouppie > MP3 Mag-Net > MP3 Renamer > Mp3 Stream Recorder > MP3INFO-Editor > MultiSender > Music Genie > MX Inspector BIG AD > My Genie Patriots > My Genie SE > My GetRight > NeatFTP > Net CB > Net Scan 2000 > Net Vampire > Net-A-Car Feature Car Screensaver > NetAnts > NetBoard > Netbus Pro 2.10 > NetCaptor 5.0 > Netman Downloader > NetNak > NetSuck 3.10.5 > NetTime Thingy > Network Assistant > NeuroStock > NewsBin > NewsShark > NewsWire > NfoNak > NotePads+ > Notificator 1.0b > Octopus > Pattern Book > People Seek 98 > Personal Search Agent > Photocopier > PicPluck > Pictures In News > Ping Thingy > PingMaster > Planet.Billboard > Planet.MP3Find > PMS > ProtectX 3 > ProxyChecker > QuadSucker/Web > Quadzle Puzzles > QuikLink Autobot > QuikLink Explorer > QuikLink Explorer Gold Edition > QuoteWatch > QWallet > Real Estate Web Site Creator > Recipe Review > ReGet 1.6 > Resume Detective > RingSurf > RoboCam 1.10 > Rosemary's Weird Web World > SaberQuest Page Burner > SBJV > SBWcc > Scout's Game > ScreenFIRE > ScreenFIRE - FileKing > ScreenFlavors > Sea Battle > Shizzam > Simple Submit > SimpleFind > SimpleSubmit v1.0 > SK-111 > Smart 'n Sticky > SmartBoard 200 FREE Edition > SmartSum calculator > SonicMail > Sound Agent > Space Central Screen Saver > Splash! Siterave > StartDrive > Static FTP > StockBrowser > Subscriber > SunEdit 2K > SuperIDE > Sweep > SweepsWinner > Text Transmogrifier > The Mapper > TheNet > TI-FindMail > TIFNY > Total Finger > Total Whois > Tracking The Eye > Trade Site Creator > TWinExplorer Standard > TypeWriter 1.0 > UK Phone Codes > Vagabond's Realm > VeriMP3 > Vertigo QSearch > Virtual Access > Visual Cyberadio > Visual Surfer > VOG Backgammon Main > VOG Backgammon Table > VOG Chess Main > VOG Chess Table > VOG Reversi Main > VOG Reversi Table > VOG Shell > VOG Shell > VOG Shell History > W3Filer > Web Coupon > Web Page Authoring Software > Web Registrant PRO > Web Resume > Web SurfACE > WEB2SMS > WebCamVCR > WebCopier > Web-N-Force > WebSaver > Website Manager > WebStripper > WebType > WhoIs Thingy > Win A Lotto > WinEdit 2000 > Word+ > Wordwright > WorldChat Client > Worm > www.devgames.com > xBlock > Your ESP Test > Zion > Zip Express 2000 C0Ke2000/AntHraX/HeadHunTa's/The Rookery/IPA C0KeBoTtLe 2000
It asked me if I wanted to allow AOL acess, and I said yes. I got into AOL and then clicked on the internet button, typed in FR and couldn't get in.
I also tried Lucianne just to see if I could get into another site, but it wouldn't let me in there either.
It asked me if I wanted to allow AOL acess, and I said yes. I got into AOL and then clicked on the internet button, typed in FR and couldn't get in.
If you're not kidding, Try accessing another site on the internet- If you are kidding, I'm laughing.
By the way, that's quimby with a small q- kinda like gay with a small g-
I also tried Lucianne just to see if I could get into another site, but it wouldn't let me in there either.
Try typing in WH.ORGY
That'll work.
Thanks for the info; I'll spread it around. I got the 'OptOut' and ran it while here; my system turned up nothing. Then again, i think we keep Jim and John too busy to track us all! ;^)
No, Quimby, I am not kidding. I am just not as "computer literate" as the rest of you. That's why I asked for some help. There is probably something else I should be doing to allow the pages to come up, I just don't know what.
Sorry I didn't see your post about the small "q" before I replied.
Lynne - once ZoneAlarm is installed, you have to tell it which programs are allowed to talk to the internet. As each program attempts contact, you should get a pop up box asking you if you will allow it to contact. Or you can open ZoneAlarm, click on the "Programs" tab, and check off under the "allow Connect" column, which programs have permission. Make sure your Web browser has a green checkmark next to "internet" in this column and you should be set.
Well, if you are not kidding, try some other sites on the web. Zonealarm may have a compatability problem with AOL (like me).
Its really not necessary to uninstall Zonealarm. All you need to do is turn it off-
Thank you. I will try that. But a pop-up box did appear asking if I wanted to accept AOL and I said yes. When I first installed it and looked at the Program tab, there wasn't anything in it. I'll reinstall and try again. Thank you again.
I'm very inclined to think AOL is the cause of your problem, not ZoneAlarm. AOL screws up 50% of the 'net programs my brother tries to install. He just won't learn I guess.
Nik; Thanks, this is a thread with info needed by everbody. I want to commend you for the effort. I recommend that all Freepers at least read this. Even if you're not very computer literate. On the most "aware" website in the world (freerepublic) this thread or one like it should be available for updates regularly. The internet and telecommunications in general is changeing at an astonishing rate. That damn computer is a GATEWAY into your house or business. I have a friend of a friend that can hack into someones PC take a look at that house(room) with the video camera attached to their computer(if they have one). Blew my mind. Not to speak of download anything at will from their computer. And the person just posting or emailing don't have a clue. Sad to say it can even get worse than, that.
I would say........this thread is required reading for any that don't want "CRETIN" stamped on their foreheads. Cause thats what you'll call yourself if the cretin spoken of above invades you're computer.
Good work Nikola.....Thanks again.
Well thank you all. I'll have to reinstall and try it again later. Got to go to work!! Sigh!!
I'm back at sea on the new boat, using the satellite link. Installed ZoneAlarm a month or so ago and was shocked to see the number of people trying to access my computer.
[ There is probably something else I should be doing to allow the pages to come up, I just don't know what. ]
Read the instructions. Thats my problem I don't read the intructions.
For you and others using AOL, this is from the zonealarm website:
12.When I use ZoneAlarm and AOL, I cannot access the Internet. You can get AOL to work by setting the Security level, for the Internet Zone, to medium. After you successfully connect to a website outside of AOL, you can reset the Security level, for the Internet Zone, back to High.
You will need to repeat this process every time you reconnect to AOL. We are currently working on getting the high security level to work with AOL.
Here's the web page address:
http://www.zonealarm.com/support_quick.htm#12
bump
I just installed ZoneAlarm, seems to be working well. I've had a few port probes. When I tried to find out through domain/whois where they're coming from I've gotten this message: No match for host "216.225.4.86". Any suggestions?
BTTT
I have the zone-alarm on. What does it mean when those red bars start lighting up as I connect to web sites? Is this an OK thing or is it indicating that there's trouble? Also, how do I tell when someone is trying to 'break in' to this 'puter? Does zone-alarm stop that from happening and set off warnings? I've read their help section but don't understand a DARN thing. LOL!!!
Isn't that free phone call thingy connected with doubleclick? I WAS going to download the free fax, but then saw the doubleclick name as the puter was making the connection to the fax site. Have to go delete some cookies some time SOON.
$ nslookup 216.225.4.86
Server: mydns
Address: 192.168.xxx.xxx
Name: tux.freei.net
Address: 216.225.4.86
$ whois 216.225.4.86@whois.arin.net
FreeI Networks, Inc (NETBLK-FREEI-BLK1)
909 S. 336Th St Suite #110
Federal Way, 98003
US
Netname: FREEI-BLK1
Netblock: 216.225.0.0 - 216.225.255.255
Maintainer: FRNT
Coordinator:
Bourg, Gus (GB130-ARIN) gus@FREEI.NET
206-484-2687
There ya go. Hmm...tux.freei.net is running Apache web server, but it's the default page installed with the software.
ping -a 216.225.4.86
pinging tux.freei.net [216.225.4.86] with 32 bytes of data:
I usually tried to do a ping myself and when that doesn't doesn't work i go to and type ip address in search box @ http://www.arin.net/whois/arinwhois.html
I don't know. Dialpad is all I know. Having a few problems when I use it. maybe the cheap earphones I bought or have to shut off speakers when we call. It is my wife's project and I don't need her Headaches.
Got this from amnesi.com:
Result of the reverse lookup IP address Result
216.225.4.86 tux.freei.net [more info for this domain name]
WHOIS Query Result:
FreeI Networks, Inc (NETBLK-FREEI-BLK1)
909 S. 336Th St Suite #110
Federal Way, 98003
US
Netname: FREEI-BLK1
Netblock: 216.225.0.0 - 216.225.255.255
Maintainer: FRNT
Coordinator:
Bourg, Gus (GB130-ARIN) gus@FREEI.NET
206-484-2687
Domain System inverse mapping provided by:
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Beat me to the punch. :-)
What happened, did Carol get you expelled?
From Steve Gibson's site:
I HAVE NO EVIDENCE WHATSOEVER that Aureate (recently renamed to "Radiate" because it's possible to pronounce) has -- at any time in the past or present -- transmitted personal information of any sort from the user's machine. Their advertising-based system does not rely upon any such transmission, and I see no reason why they would have ever done so. The fact that they COULD HAVE does NOT MEAN that they did, or ever will. It's true that I can't yet state with certainty that they haven't because that research is still pending.
My use of the term "SPYWARE" does NOT reflect my knowledge that any data is being sent from a machine -- in the case of Aureate, I have no knowledge that any ever has -- and I never said, nor meant to imply, that any was. My use of that term is meant to demonstrate that software is operating "in the background" and communicating without the user's knowledge. While that certainly DOES describe any such advertising-based system, it does NOT mean that the user is being "spied" upon in a way that sends their personal and private information out of the computer.
The Aureate system does record and "phone home" about the user's use of Aureate's ad-enabled applications, but I have NO KNOWLEDGE of it doing anything more. Amid the present uproar, which the awareness of the presence of Aureate software in so many machines has caused, I have not yet had the opportunity to examine the exact nature of Aureate's communication across the Internet, but I will be looking into that immediately!
In the mean time I BEG YOU NOT TO PRESUME THE WORST. On Monday, March 20th, I had a long and very productive meeting with the executives of Aureate/Radiate and I was very pleased by their intention to "do the right thing", including immediately repairing many of the problems I outlined stated below this box. They also stated -- flatly -- that at no time have any allegations about violations of personal privacy ever been true. I have never made any such allegations myself because I have no knowledge one way or the other.
I like the idea of advertising-supported software. I believe that it fills a need in the industry alongside free eMail, Web, and Internet access. It "makes sense" to me. So I would NOT want to see Aureate/Radiate, any other company, or the whole idea becoming needlessly damaged because people presumed the worst.
As I said above, during Monday's meeting, the executives of Aureate/Radiate clearly expressed their desire and intention to resolve my present complaints about some of the ways their product operates (see below). I am told that their developers were pulled off their current projects that afternoon and have set about fixing things immediately.
Until I know precisely how their software has been operating -- and what information it has the capability of sending "home" -- I believe that the only fair thing is to take their statements at face value and give them the benefit of our doubts. That is what I am going to do. I ask you to do the same until I know more.
I'll know more soon.
More disturbing is the fact that these kinds of 'data base builders' and privacy trackers are done to you WITHOUT you knowing it. If it were so innocuous why couldn't radiate (and others like them) simply notify you upon installation that they are going to be tracking - and specify what they are tracking. You nor I should support covert activity of this sort, regardless to what you perceive as the current practice of what they are tracking. I really suggest that anyone who hasn't done so go to the OptOut website and read it. There is also a great Free e-newsletter that I get weekly you can subscribe to called the langa list. (For tons of background on adware./spyware, what it does to your
system, and what you can do about it, please seeIF
in this case a very big concern.
http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2000/mar-2-00.htm,
http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2000/mar-6-00.htm,
http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2000/mar-9-00.htm,
http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2000/mar-16-00.htm.
excerpt from www.langa.com
It is also important to note that after running optout or following practices suggested for deleting files like advert.dll, the software which requires it will not run. One piece of software I was particularly disappointed to lose was GO!zilla. I loved that program for keeping track of my downloads. But I felt my privacy was more important than the software so I choose not to run software which requires this little "parasite". That's a choice you must make when choosing your privacy over free software.
You don't have to give them accurate info.
A+, have you found a way to cause this hidden software to report only what you want it to report, and modify it so that it is not accurate. The problem is not what you give them upon registration. The problem is this software reports your activities, and other information from your computer, without your control or knowlege.
I can't speak about OptOut, but I've been running ZoneAlarm for a couple of weeks and have been quite satisfied. If you are using a ADSL or cable modem, you need a firewall since your computer is always connected to the internet. Dial up users are not as much at risk since they are usually only on the internet for relatively brief periods of time, but they are still at some risk. The link to www.grc.com offers some other links that will explain the nature of the risks and why firewalls make sense.
I use ZoneAlarms because it's free. I have two computers at home both linked via cable modem. Multiple licenses gets expensive if you're using other than freeware.
The best suggestion to you is that it is probably "AOL" that is causing your problem NOT zonealarm. I personally would get rid of AOL not zonealarm if it were me. Of course, if you have installed AOL 5.0 I understand that it can be next to impossible to remove it from your system, it screws up so much of your internet stuff. Good luck, ZoneAlarm is a necessary piece of software if you access the internet at all believe me, you will be surprised at how much activity is going on with your machine that you are totally unaware of. What's more amazing is that if you installed a Windows 9X os, it leaves you totally insecure, it opens every port and access route you have to the outside world, and you don't even realize it unless you go to Steve Gibsons or some similar site to check your security.
Forget Zone Alarm...I used it for a few weeks. Now I use this
Cost a couple of hundred bucks, but well worth it...
Thank you kindly, gentlemen. I think I'll let those come through before FreeI figures out I am accessing on a DUN I made myself so I didn't have to look at their cheesy ad banner.
I have the zone-alarm on. What does it mean when those red bars start lighting up as I connect to web sites? Is this an OK thing or is it indicating that there's trouble?
Red means outgoing transmission from your computer. Green means incoming transmission from the web. This is normal activity. Nothing to be concerned about.
Also, how do I tell when someone is trying to 'break in' to this 'puter? Does zone-alarm stop that from happening and set off warnings? I've read their help section but don't understand a DARN thing. LOL!!!
Yep....Zone Alarm will give you a "pop-up" indication when you get a "port scan" (meaning another computer is trying to "feel out" yours for an access point).
Incidentally, folks, there's a new beta version of ZoneAlarm posted which adds event logging and solved several problems for me in Windows 2000.
That is called...I have been threatened by that company. And I have to cover my butt. Believe me this is not a case where I am just passing along a kooky email. This is real. I have experienced it first hand. So have many others. And to think about all the stress I had trying to figure out what was wrong with my computer. There should be a class action law suite on this one.
I believe the red bar shows outgoing activity and green bar shows incomming activity on your internet connection.
Thanks, Leroy. I would like the event logging feature. Going to download it.
I would strongly doubt that your hardware problems were caused by the Aureate "trojan". If that were the case, then the hobbyist and technical newsgroups I frequent would be full to the brim with those claims......they aren't.....
Sure, Steve is covering his butt...we still have libel laws in this country for big companies, small companies, and private citizens. What he stated was prudent and correct.
"I would strongly doubt that your hardware problems were caused by the Aureate "trojan".
Wrong answer. I know it was. And I am no longer getting scanned when I go to the drudge report either. You should read the emails posted at the bottom of steves site if you think I am the only one. Oh by the way they were software problems not hardware problems.
Thank you, thank you!!! I had a panic attack when I couldn't access FR and just deleted the program. I did print out the instructions, but hadn't gone into the support page.
I get a similar thing that happens when i using netzero.
Also I am not complaining about His disclaimer. I understand that. I apreciate the fact that if you read below that there is alot of information on what is going on.
One answer to all this stuff is to make your internet pc a UNIX box.. i.e. Linux, Solaris, UNIXware, or SCO. All of these are free, with Linux being the most used -- Solaris being the most stable.
If you cannot afford two pc's, then configure the one pc to run both Windows and UNIX in a separate partition.
I myself use UNIX exclusively, but I realize that is not realistic at this point for everyone. However, I do not have to worry about viruses either. Nor, do I have to worry about sneaky programs that like to bury themselves in my filesystem. UNIX does not allow it. Only someone foolish enough to log onto the Net as [root] has any security worries at all.
Before all you MS pundits ping me for pushing UNIX, let me say I could care less what platform you choose..I am a Senior Systems Integrator for a major defense contractor, and in this capacity I manage NT, Solaris, DEC, SGI, Linux, AIX, and even Wang platforms across a multi-site and international pipe. I deal with security issues a great deal. So, to me, it's whatever gets the job done. While NT has some great security features, the Win 9x flavors leave you naked. This, unfortunately, is what 99 9/10% of you users are running on.
Linux will run happily on a 486, or even a 386. Thus, for a couple bucks, and a fast modem connection you have all you need for the internet... that is, if privacy and safety is your main issue. The UNIX filesystem is virtually impossible to hide a sneak-attack or spy program in. You get to know the filesystem and you know instantly what belongs and what does not. There are no .dll's or registries to contend with. Programs generally unpack in a specified directory and do not write to system files or directories.. in fact, they CANNOT.. unless you are logged in as [root]. I generally run a < snoop> process in a console window while on the Net to monitor ip traffic and requests.
I know this is not a solution for everyone, but some will, perhaps, find it feasable.
Oh.. one other thing.. with UNIX, you will forget what the [Control] [Alt] [Delete] keys serve purpose for ;-)
bttt
Okay, is Red Hat a good choice?
Yep. It's not my favorite, but it is the most user-friendly (with the exception of Caldrera) and will end up being the Linux standard. It's a cinch to install.. easier than Windows IMO.
Most folks don't realize that all Linux is, is the kernel itself. All the rest is third-party packaging (generally GNU), and this is what companies like Redhat make their money at.. packaging the kernel with programs that make it usable for the end-user.
Thanks. I think I won't have any trouble pulling off the installation and use. Do they support ICQ? I wouldn't want to go through chat withdrawal.
Yes.. there are several 3rd party options. They come with the package, differing according to which packaging you go with.
You mean they sneak into my computer when I am not looking?
ICQ is a security hole (the protocol is easy to subvert, it's a pain to IP-filter because it uses UDP instead of TCP), don't use it, use IRC instead. There are secure instant messaging tools in development, but until they're widely available, IRC is a much better choice. If you haven't already tried it, get mIRC or Pirch and log on to the Free Republic IRC #free_republic channel, or #free_republic on dalnet.
Thanks for the info, it is very much appreciated.
You're welcome. Try this site for anything to do with Linux you could possibly want. Their prices are excellent. Have them send you their catalog.
This article is annoying. Nowhere does it state exactly what the Radiate/Aureate company is- where are they located, what they produce. You just have to read between the lines.
Glad you all liked the post :-) Removing that spyware stuff made my computer really stable now all of a sudden. Also, thanks for that link to beta of ZoneAlarm!
Wrong answer. I know it was.
Like I tell my Natural Medicine taking friends, if it works for you, who am I to argue....
I just bought a new Dell, that came with some software called "Attune" I'm still not quite certain what this does- something to do with keeping me updated. But I had to disable it, because my hubby's games would freeze up, right when he was sneaking up on some terrorist.
Does anyone know about Attune?
Does anyone know about Attune?
ATTUNE is a "pre-emptive support" program licensed to many manufacturers (including Dell)from Aveo, Inc.. Basically, it's a customer support tool which allows Dell to send you timely information about upgrades , etc. as well as aiding if you ever need to get on-line or telephone support. If you wish to keep it, you may want to visit the Dell Customer Support pages to see if the conflict with hubby's game is mentioned there.
ZoneAlarm has really helped me,a freebie, too. To check your computer's security click this link and let it check you:
It says my systems are completely cloaked.
I also found advpack.dll and deleted it from my computers.
Downloaded and installed optout, works great. Another program to detect probes is BlackICE from the Network Ice company you can find it at http://www.networkice.com. It costs 40 bucks but it is super easy and effective.
You forgot about VMS- that way you'd have some reasonable semblance of system security as well. Most UNICES, out of the box, have more (security) holes than Swiss cheese.
Furthermore, UNIX is where most of the so-called "HAcK3R DoodZ" play...
I read a report that indicated that most UNIX sysadmins spend 30% of their time either trying to plug security holes or repair damage done by hackers who got in. Don't get me wrong, UNIX can be made relatively secure, but you've got to know what you're doing.
I was gonna suggest finding an old VAXstation or MicroVAX (they can be had cheaply- check E-bay), joining DECUS (it's free) and getting a hobbyist VMS license (1 year, also free).
Netscape and PGP are available for it, VMS is totally virus-immune, and Windows, UNIX or MAC executables with bad intentions can't hurt it...
Actually DEC comprises both in our infrastructure. I do not administer the VMS platform though, that is the task of one of my collegues. Digital UNIX is my cup. I will agree with you though.. there are NO stability or security problems vis-a-vis VMS. We've got some VAX systems that we do not know who booted last or if they still work at the company.
; -)
Re: UNIX security.. yes out of the box there are some holes, but they are easily patched. The issue, of course, is providing for unlimited root priviledges. If the design were security as a main focus, then the power inherent in root would be compromised. Thus, by default, loopholes exist. These are a result of root-centric (can that be a word? < g>) focus of priviledges. One of the sides has to suffer. However, as you alluded, the issues of security can easily be solved, whereas, were the platform bound by security features that limited the latitude of root from the box, this could present inoperable problems to administrators.
The best way to improve security is get rid of Microsoft Windows. Those dangerous dlls are not a problem if you're not running Windows.
Check out Linux Mandrake. This is the hottest new version of RedHat Linux on the market. The installation is fairly painless, and it has Netscape ready to run on the desktop. It's getting great reviews, and you can get it at Best Buy.
For the average user, the new iMacs may be the best computer that the industry has ever produced. When Mac OS X is available later this year, it will be the state-of-the-art for operating systems.
If you would follow the link to OptOut along with some of the other links here you would have those questions answered.
Where do you do your NSlookup?
I like that format.
Thanks for the info.
That output is from the 'nslookup' utility included with the BIND (Berkeley Internet Name Domain) server toolset on Linux. I think there may be an equivalent available in recent versions of Windows, but I'm not sure, I don't know about Mac OS; if not, there is probably a shareware/freeware version available somewhere. 'nslookup' just queries your DNS and resolves the name to an IP, or if theres a reverse lookup record available, can give you the name associated with an IP address.
You can use 'whois' (uses rs.internic.net by default) to find out who owns a domain, or 'whois nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn@whois.arin.net' to find out who owns an IP address.
Use WSFtp.. It's true freeware..
bttt
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