"Active Update" ?

[(PeteCresswell)]

I'm looking at a dialog that just popped on my
other PC:
----------------------------------------------
Active Update

AOL Core Services - Software update: This update
is necessary to enhance AOL's ability to resolve
potential problems with your online experience.
We recommend that you shut down all running
applications. AOL applications will automatically
be shut down.
----------------------------------------------

It did not pop on this PC - which also runs XP.

Can anybody describe the genesis of this?

I'm not an AOL user. I do have Windows' Automatic
Updates set to "..install updates after checking
with you." on both machines.

 

[Detlev Dreyer]

I'm looking at a dialog that just popped on my
other PC:
----------------------------------------------
Active Update

AOL Core Services - Software update: This update
is necessary to enhance AOL's ability to resolve
potential problems with your online experience.
We recommend that you shut down all running
applications. AOL applications will automatically
be shut down.
----------------------------------------------

It did not pop on this PC - which also runs XP.

Can anybody describe the genesis of this?
Nope.

I'm not an AOL user.

Why do you let unknown software enter your system. Scan the system
for Malware ASAP.

I do have Windows' Automatic Updates set to "..install updates after
checking with you." on both machines.

The Microsoft/Windows Update site does not offer such "update" anyway.

 

[Joe Grover]

You don't have to be an AOL user to have AOL installed on your PC by an OEM.

Does any user of that PC use AOL Instant Messenger? If so and they are
using the Triton version of the client (which is in beta) that could be the
explanation.

http://www.bigblueball.com/forums/a...te-aol-core-services-software-update-aim.html

Go down to the bottom of this thread and read the bold red text.

Joe

 

[(PeteCresswell)]

Per Joe Grover:

You don't have to be an AOL user to have AOL installed on your PC by an OEM.

Does any user of that PC use AOL Instant Messenger? If so and they are
using the Triton version of the client (which is in beta) that could be the
explanation.

http://www.bigblueball.com/forums/a...te-aol-core-services-software-update-aim.html

Go down to the bottom of this thread and read the bold red text.

That explanation rings true - especially since a 15-year-old is
banging on that box a couple hours every day.

Also, in the past, my virus checker has intercepted attempts to
insert various types of malware - but this one didn't trigger it.

But the web page begs a question: what is "Active Update
Technology"? Something connected with MS Windows Automatic
Updates?

Seems like it raises a myriad of
trust/authentication/verification issues.

 

[Joe Grover]

The Active Update technology is apparently something introduced with the
Triton AIM client for keeping it up to date.

Joe