EFF: Don't Use Google Desktop

[Vic Dura]

EFF: Don't Use Google Desktop

Ryan Naraine - eWEEK
Fri Feb 10, 2:45 AM ET

A high-profile privacy watchdog group has a terse warning for business
and consumer users: Do not use the new version of Google Desktop.

The nonprofit Electronic Frontier Foundation said a new feature added
to Google Desktop on Feb. 9 is a serious privacy and security risk
because of the way a user's data is stored on Google's servers.
Full article at
http://news.yahoo.com/s/zd/171267;_...IKIMtWs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3ODdxdHBhBHNlYwM5NjQ-

 

[Stuart]

Better I think to use Google Desktop together with freeware ZoneAlarm and
put big red Xs in the program control for the 4 Google programs that "dial
home". However, not mentioned by the article and a minor concern for me
since I only use the program locally, if anyone does successfully penetrate
your computer, you have organized your information locally to assist them. I
am trusting that Microsoft will put considerable muscle into their
Anti-Spyware program/service. TCPView is a good freeware program to monitor
what is going on with programs "phoning home". Anybody see anything better?
Stuart//

 

[Ned Goudy]

A high-profile privacy watchdog group has a terse warning for business
and consumer users: Do not use the new version of Google Desktop.

Well DUH! I am sure I need an online service
provider to put its hooks in my computer and
have access to every file on my computer just
so I can have an alternative to using My Computer
or Explorer (on PC machines.)

Google Desktop is SPYWARE masquerading as spyware.

Ned

 

[Renan]

From Ned Goudy to alt.comp.freeware:

Well DUH! I am sure I need an online service
provider to put its hooks in my computer and
have access to every file on my computer just
so I can have an alternative to using My Computer
or Explorer (on PC machines.)

Google Desktop is SPYWARE masquerading as spyware.

Ever heard about something called "firewall"?
Deny GDS any access to the Internet, except for 127.0.0.1.

[]s

 

[Glenn]

Are you referring to a program to be downloaded if wanted or are you talking
about the google toolbar? Need a little more information to know what you
are talking about, seeing as how I haven't ran across it yet.