Monday, March 28, 2005
Google Using DivX to Install Toolbar?
Posted by Jason Dunn in "THOUGHT" @ 06:00 PM
I installed the freeware DivX codec on a machine I bought from Dell (a $299 ultra-basic number) for testing purposes. I also had Microsoft AntiSpyware installed to help me monitor things as I installed software to test. I've installed the free DivX codec before, but this is the first time I noticed that it automatically installed the Google toolbar, without even prompting or giving me an option. I have to admit, I'm shocked that Google would employ these tactics. Yes, I know the DivX codec is free and even free things cost money, but Google should give the user an option during installation - silent installs of third party apps is spyware distribution, plain and simple. Why would Google resort to such measures to get their toolbar out there? I lose more respect for Google each year it seems... :?
UPDATE: I was wrong, the install is not silent, and thus I have major mud on my face. :oops: I think I clicked next twice rapidly and didn't see this screen, so the fault is 100% mine. Google is piggybacking on the DivX install in a completely legitimate way, so I got nothin'. :roll:
UPDATE: I was wrong, the install is not silent, and thus I have major mud on my face. :oops: I think I clicked next twice rapidly and didn't see this screen, so the fault is 100% mine. Google is piggybacking on the DivX install in a completely legitimate way, so I got nothin'. :roll:
