Beware False Freeware

J

Jaime Littlebeaver

After searching Google for "Raster To Vector Freeware" today I ran across
the following:
_________________________________________________________________________
<Quote>
Title: Raster To Vector
Author: Stas Semenov

Version: 1.2.0.0 Submitted: 8/17/2004
License: Freeware Added: 9/3/2004
File Size: 1430 KB Type: NEW
Platform: Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP
Price: $0.00 Downloads: 54
Our Rating: Contact: Email

Author's Description:
<snip>

Raster To Vector converter is the most powerful and absolutely free
solution for digitizing vector data from image sources. It combines the
power of outline vectorizing technology with many unique features such
as: - Customizable noise suppression; - Autoincrease quality for small-
sized objects; - Intelligent nodes optimization; - Bezier Spline
smoothing; - Automatic contours creation; - Full True Color support; -
Ultrahigh conversion speed and many other. You can use Raster To Vector
PlugIn to process charts, drawings, maps, schemes and other similar
images. Palette and True Color images are supported in BMP, JPG and GIF
formats. Raster to vector conversion process is fully automatic and needs
no human intervention. R2V Converter is an ultimate platform for
industry-oriented solutions and has different tools to get a perfect set
of vector data faster and easier. The unique intelligent conversion
algorithms is the result of our extended research effort.
<EndQuote>
________________________________________________________________________

Thinking this to be a very rare find, I downloaded and installed the
aforementioned "freeware" with Total Install ver. 2.34 available at
http://www.geocities.com/ggmartau/)

During the installation process I noticed that there was a statement to
the fact that: Pro Grapher from http://www.script-debugger.com/ must be
loaded to use the 'PLUG-IN' for Raster to Vector Conversion.

In researching this 'interesting' bit of information I found the
following:
________________________________________________________________________

<Quote>
Pro Grapher is a vector graphics platform oriented for creating business
and technology solutions with powerful Raster To Vector (R2V) Converter.
Based on COM technology it can be used by other applications to process
graphic documents, analyze and visualize any kind of processes. Whether
you're designing for any purposes, Pro Grapher is the ultimate graphics
solution for creating logos, advertisements, signs, technical drawings,
illustrations and presentation, training material and business reports,
charts and diagrams and much more. As application for design and page
layout, it offers a wide range of new features and enhancements designed
to increase productivity and extend your creative possibilities.
<Unquote>
________________________________________________________________________

Pro Grapher is 30 Day trialware and must be registered after the 30 Day
Trial>

Price for one to three copies is $250.00


Jaime Littlebeaver
 
J

John Corliss

Jaime said:
After searching Google for "Raster To Vector Freeware" today I ran across
the following:
_________________________________________________________________________
<Quote>
Title: Raster To Vector
Author: Stas Semenov

Version: 1.2.0.0 Submitted: 8/17/2004
License: Freeware Added: 9/3/2004
File Size: 1430 KB Type: NEW
Platform: Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP
Price: $0.00 Downloads: 54
Our Rating: Contact: Email

Author's Description:
<snip>
(then regarding another program needed to run the "freeware")
Pro Grapher is 30 Day trialware and must be registered after the 30 Day
Trial

Price for one to three copies is $250.00

Hmmm. What would one call it? "Misleadware" perhaps? Regardless,
you're right. It's a pretty slimey trick all right.
 

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