Spy Plan

I ask the TMF members who are competent in this matter to view, comment, and critique this plan.

<I><B>Problem:</B> </I>Spyware sends reports out behind your back; kreeps

<I><B>Plan:</B> </I>

-1- Install the spyware in its own directory on the disk

-2- Use some sort of encryption to scramble that entire subdirectory. (Note the EXEs and DLLs are the main targets)

-3- Before using spyware, disconnect from the internet

-4- Decrypt the spyware directory

-5- Use it

-6- Destroy the files in the spyware directory

-7- Computer can now be used for internet connections

Um... What will this plan accomplish? Most spyware is hardwired into applications that need the computer to be online when used. Those that aren't, like RealPlayer, don't do much but send rather harmless reports back to a giantic database where they get thrown together in a humungous jumble of Terabytes that no-one can really use. Besides, for those uncomfortable with being spied upon (I sure hope you never use a firewall that alerts you to every incoming port-scan, or you'll go into conniptions - the internet is not even marginally safe), there are always programs that come without the spyware, like KaZaAlite, for example. Same goes for all other variations. And there's always Ad-Aware to get rid of hidden guests on your HD. So instead of going through all those troubles of encrypting, decrypting, de- and re-installing, connecting and disconnecting, just be picky about the sort of programs you use and run a nice diagnostic on your PC every month or so to make sure nothing unwanted has been added to your system.

This is much easier:

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/aaw.html

Uncle Steve