Another download to be ignored

[andsome]

I was having a look round the Virus Bulletin website. I followed a link to a SO CALLED free download by the name of Spyware Doctor. I downloaded the program and ran a full system scan. It found three items of Spyware. When I tried to delete them I was told that I would need a paid for licenced version. This was the first hint that the program was NOT free. Needless to say I uninstalled it and ran a registry cleaner. YET ANOTHER fiddle to avoid.

[scuzzman]

Well, it was a "free download", just not "free use" :D

[andsome]

Well, it was a "free download", just not "free use" :D

I still class it as A CON. I don't expect everything for nothing, but if a thing is to charged for, that should be made clear at the beginning. A computer novice may well download this program, and then be scared into parting with money to get rid of the so called malware which the program claims to have found. I found another such program recently, and posted about it on here.

[-pops-]

The so-called malware was most likely planted by the program as a come-on to purchase the working version.

So many of these things to prey on the unwary.

[MJL54]

The so-called malware was most likely planted by the program as a come-on to purchase the working version.

So many of these things to prey on the unwary.

You are absolutely right. I found out about these kinds of scams a while back, when I bought my first computer. I quite agree, it's a scam and nothing more. There are so many neophytes on the internet at any given time, it's like shooting fish in a barrel for these scame artists!

MJL54

:ninja:

[rong]

Don't use it until the experts have recommended it.

[dadyassa]

Just a few that put false positives in to sell their product :unsure: click here

[andsome]

Just a few that put false positives in to sell their product  :unsure: click here

I checked there but it was not on that site. It should be.

[Redhat]

I'll email Eric Howes, see if he can put it on his list.

ALWAYS check this list before downloading anti-spyware programs:

http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

[Redhat]

I do doubt if it will be considered for his list though, on their website it does say:

Please note the trial version is limited to scan only.

But I will bring it to his attention.

[Redhat]

From THE expert, and the person that wrote the list of Rogue programs:

Spyware Doctor from PC Tools is a completely legitimate anti-spyware utility. It's installed on on my box right now, and I test with it regularly.

EDIT: link to thread I made on DSLR

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13633093

[andsome]

Thanks for your attention to this matter. I certainly did not notice any mention of scan only. It would be better if these programs were offered on the same basis as Adaware, Spybot etc. In that there is a limited but useful free function, but that a full version can be paid for. It was on this basis that I paid for Diskeeper, in that I knew in advance that the free version had limitations, but that it was mine to use as long as I wanted. I was so pleased with it that I paid for the full version. I think all programs should be on this basis, and they would stand more chance of selling the full version.

[expertec]

...the same basis as Adaware, Spybot etc.

That's not quite right, Spybot is not limited in any way whatsoever. If you pay, that's a donation (totally voluntary) to the author to help keep the program going.

[Redhat]

Thanks for your attention to this matter.  I certainly did not notice any mention of scan only.  It would be better if these programs were offered on the same basis as Adaware, Spybot etc.  In that there is a limited but useful free function, but that a full version can be paid for.  It was on this basis that I paid for Diskeeper, in that I knew in advance that the free version had limitations, but that it was mine to use as long as I wanted.  I was so pleased with it that I paid for the full version.  I think all programs should be on this basis, and they would stand more chance of selling the full version.

I brought this up in that thread on DSLR, and Eric agreed with me. It is quite off-putting and suspicious when a program almost teases you.

[andsome]

Thanks for your attention to this matter.  I certainly did not notice any mention of scan only.  It would be better if these programs were offered on the same basis as Adaware, Spybot etc.  In that there is a limited but useful free function, but that a full version can be paid for.  It was on this basis that I paid for Diskeeper, in that I knew in advance that the free version had limitations, but that it was mine to use as long as I wanted.  I was so pleased with it that I paid for the full version.  I think all programs should be on this basis, and they would stand more chance of selling the full version.

I brought this up in that thread on DSLR, and Eric agreed with me. It is quite off-putting and suspicious when a program almost teases you.

Not good business practice by any means.