How to stop annoying AOL start-up??

[Guest]

I use AIM, but dislike the other stuff AOL "extorts" onto the computer. I
try to stop it by unchecking AOL or AIM on the Startup list, but AOL has some
way to force it back on. AntiSpyware is complicit by automatically accepting
this mod to the Startup list, and simply notifying. How can I stop MS
AntiSpyware from doing this?

 

[Bill Sanderson]

Microsoft Antispyware is not intended to modify the behavior of software
that doesn't fit the definition of spyware. It simply won't do what you
want. This isn't a matter of complicity--AOL's software doesn't cross the
lines specified here:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/isv/analysis.mspx

and thus Microsoft Antispyware won't interfere with its activity.

You can block the process on a per-startup basis, using the system
explorers, but these are designed to be a facility to enable a knowledgeable
user to get a system cleaned up--not for providing permanent blocking to
software the user has knowingly installed and can easily remove via add or
remove programs.

Get your feedback to AOL--don't ask Microsoft to clean up after them.

 

[Guest]

Microsoft Antispyware is not intended to modify the behavior of software
that doesn't fit the definition of spyware. It simply won't do what you
want. This isn't a matter of complicity--AOL's software doesn't cross the
lines specified here:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/isv/analysis.mspx

and thus Microsoft Antispyware won't interfere with its activity.

You can block the process on a per-startup basis, using the system
explorers, but these are designed to be a facility to enable a knowledgeable
user to get a system cleaned up--not for providing permanent blocking to
software the user has knowingly installed and can easily remove via add or
remove programs.

Get your feedback to AOL--don't ask Microsoft to clean up after them.

--




I haven' been able to find a way to communicate with Arrogance On Line. Do you know how to do that.

Anyway, if MS AntiSpam can tell me it just "allowed" the action, why can't
it ask me if I agree?

 

[Bill Sanderson]

Anyway, if MS AntiSpam can tell me it just "allowed" the action, why can't
it ask me if I agree?

I've never been a customer of theirs in any way, so I don't know any good
channels.

In terms of the latter question--Microsoft provides the platform for all of
the myriad software vendors that provide legitimate software for Windows
customers. If they did what you asked, they'd be interfereing with one
vendors software--i.e. favoring one vendor over another--they've got to
provide a level playing field unless there's a clearcut violation of some
standard by the vendor--and that's what the link about what constitutes
spyware is about. Otherwise, Microsoft needs to be hands off, and let the
customers choose which vendors they'll reward with their loyalty.

There is, of course, a whole lot more that could be said, particularly in
terms of the whole area of IM programs--but I've already said more than I
really know, so I'll shut up!