kyleandkelly.com

OK folks, let’s take a few seconds to talk about spyware and adware.

# Spyware and adware are pretty similar terms; spyware is a more sinister and generally reserved for stuff that does more than just advertise, and adware is just annoying advertisements.
# Both refer to software that gets installed on your computer in a very sneaky manner. Sometimes they get installed alongside other software, software that you want. A great example is Kazaa, one of the most popular file sharing programs after Napster’s downfall. Many people don’t realize the company that makes Kazaa gets some of their money by allowing other companies (advertising companies) to include their software with Kazaa. So you download and install Kazaa, and unknowingly, you’ve also just installed programs that will pop up advertisements and collect marketing information about you. Ugh.
# If you didn’t know what spyware/adware was before this, it probably means you’ve got a bunch on your computer.
# If you’re wondering whether or not your computer has spyware/adware, one of the most common symptoms: windows randomly opening up with various advertisements (*note*: some web sites also create pop-up ads, so if you’re browsing the web with Internet Explorer, expect to see pop-ups that are not created by adware).
# Relax; there are some good programs out there for removing them. I’ve had good luck with “Ad-aware”:http://download.com.com/3000-2144-10045910.html?part=69274&subj=dlpage&tag=button, from “Lavasoft”:http://www.lavasoftusa.com and some of my geek friends also recommend “Spybot”:http://download.com.com/3000-2144-10194058.html?tag=lst-0-1 from “PepiMK Software”:http://spybot.safer-networking.de/. Download one of these right now, run it, and exorcize your computer.
# Hey! I said download *now*! That means this minute, do not pass “Go!” until finished, etc. No going on until you are finished with the previous step. Unless of course, you already knew about spyware and you’ve already cleansed your computer. In which case, proceed on.
# Finished? Good. Now we get to the Dell part. If you don’t have a Dell, consider yourself finished–have a nice day. If you have a Dell, be aware that should you call tech support, “they will refuse to help you remove the spyware”:http://216.180.233.153/~swidotcom/2.html#dell. My guess as to why: basically it boils down to a legal thing on Dell’s part. They’re afraid that by helping you remove spyware, they may help you violate the license agreements that come with the software.

A license agreement is the big long text document you never read when you install software. You just click on the “I agree” button and go on. If that license said something like “I’m going to install these additional applications (aka adware) and it’s illegal for you to remove them an any way,” and you click on the “I agree”, then you’ve entered into a legal agreement with them. If Dell were to help you break that legal agreement, they might be liable.

Now then, keep in mind that I’m not a lawyer, and the above is just my interpretation of the situation. I’m sure there are legal nuances I haven’t covered, and I may just be flat out wrong in some of my assertions, so take it with a grain of salt.

Anyhow, if it bothers you that Dell refuses to help consumers remove an annoying (and if some lawmakers have their way, soon-to-be-illegal) software, you might be interested in this “open letter”:http://216.180.233.153/~swidotcom/support_letter.php.

written by Kyle