The latest Grokster version contians what many consider “spyware”. Much like Imesh you must install it, and if you remove it with Adware Grokster will not function
The statement is taken from grokster support forum: Grokster must earn enough to pay for its development, licensing, servering, bandwidth, support, management and last, but not least, the RIAA and MPAA lawsuits. This adds up to quite a substantial sum each and every month. We have tried many solutions up to now to develop revenue from the advertising window. Most did not result in even enough revenue to pay for a server monthly, while another resulted in a massive amount of unapproved popups (everyone remember the “bouncing monkeys”). The only solution that was left was Cydoor, as they have figured out how to effectively sell that advertising slot for P2P programs like Grokster. You agreed to the Cydoor being there when you agreed to the terms and conditions in the current download. It was right at the top, where it could be seen without scrolling down into the other terms and conditions. We put it there to be as visible as possible. To quote: “The software program you are about to install is an “adware” program, meaning that we have partnered with Cydoor Technologies to deliver small ads to the lower left corner of the main window of the application, in order for Grokster to bring targeted advertising to you. These ads will display web content such as banner ads, e-commerce offers, news headlines and other value-added content. Cydoor Technologies created this technology, and provides it to software developers to implement in software programs. In turn, software developers choose to display ads so that you can enjoy their products for FREE, and they can still earn revenue from advertising.
How does it work? The Cydoor component of this software is simply a caching mechanism, which stores ads on your hard drive, and displays them only while the software program is open. When the ads have expired, the component deletes old ads and contacts Cydoor’s servers in order to receive new ones. To do this, the Cydoor component uses your Internet connection, which was designed to take up the minimum bandwidth on your line. Each ad banner on your hard disc is about 10Kbytes. Finally, Cydoor Technologies wants you to feel comfortable using this software. Be assured that respecting and maintaining your privacy is Grokster and Cydoor’s top priority ethically and legally. If you have any questions or concerns, please visit the Cydoor website, www.cydoor.com, where you can review its privacy statement.
” And from Cydoor’s website: “We can assure you that no personal information about you or about your computer is gathered and sent to us. We collect no personal information unless the user voluntarily supplied it. Our component runs on your computer only to bring you new banners and to send our servers information regarding only as to the banners you saw or clicked on.” Ok, so practically what does it do? Cydoor transmits advertising metrics (ad displays, clicks, etc.) and uses cookies just as advertising.com, doubleclick.com and all online ad agencies do. And if you delete it, then Grokster will cease to function properly. Please set your AdAware or similar program to ignore Cydoor, thus allowing Grokster to continue to operate.
Well here is it Link “still listed as 1.3.3″ You can decide it is fair marketing or an ivasion of your privacy.
