Legal Software More Annoying than Most Viruses

Do you remember programs from Gator, MyWaySearch, Net.Net or 180Solutions? Are there still programs running on your computer that you really don’t want? 

You’re not alone! Most annoying programs now come from legitimate companies who know they’re not really adding value but do it to make share holders happy. There’s always been competition by companies to get their programs installed on the greatest number of computers.  When you notice your computer keeps getting slower you can blame it on these programs.  At least when AOL shipped out millions of CD’s you had the choice of installing it or not

I created my WinPatrol program to alert me if new programs are being added to the Windows startup procedure. Originally this popular feature was designed to prevent spyware from infecting your system. Now, the biggest problem doesn’t come from spyware or viruses, it comes from well known companies like Apple, Adobe, Google and even Microsoft. These programs have limited value but provide increased visibility and profit for software companies. Totally unrelated companies are encouraged(paid) to install these programs and receive a cash bounty if they can get you to install them. Sometimes it’s done without your knowledge, sometimes it because you don’t carefully read the purpose of every check box during setup.

In the past it was common for WinPatrol fans to report programs which were malicious, designed to steal data, monitor key strokes or create pop up ads. Sadly, the most common complaints I see now are for programs from legitimate companies.

Google continues to top the list of companies wanting to make sure you have their toolbar and updates of anything else they feel you need, like it or not. A large number of companies are paid to install the Google Toolbar via programs like Adobe Flash,  Cyberlink PowerDVD, IrfanView, PC Tools Spyware Doctor, Threatfire, RealPlayer, ZoneAlarm and more. The fact WinPatrol users are requesting Info on GoogleUpdater implies they have no clue how it was installed on their system.

Google Updater isn’t the only program that our users don’t understand why they have it. Continued below is a current, “Where the hell did I get this from, and how can I get rid of it” list.  I’ve made the top ten hot links so you can click and see an example of some of the extra value provided by WinPatrol PLUS.

	Program Request		Company Name
1	GOOGLEUPDATER.EXE		GOOGLE INC.
2	ADOBEARM.EXE		ADOBE SYSTEMS
3	JUSCHED.EXE		SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC.
4	READER_SL.EXE		ADOBE SYSTEMS
5	MDNSRESPONDER.EXE		APPLE INC.
6	WMPNSCFG.EXE		MICROSOFT CORPORATION
7	ITUNESHELPER.EXE		APPLE INC.
8	REALSCHED.EXE		REALNETWORKS, INC.
9	QTTASK.EXE		APPLE INC.
10	APPLEMOBILEDEVICESERVICE.EXE		APPLE INC.
11	CTFMON.EXE		MICROSOFT CORPORATION
12	IGFXTRAY.EXE		INTEL CORPORATION
13	IGFXPERS.EXE		INTEL CORPORATION
14	NVCPL.DLL		NVIDIA CORPORATION
15	MSFEEDSSYNC.EXE		MICROSOFT CORPORATION
16	SMSS.EXE		MICROSOFT CORPORATION
17	CLISTART.EXE		ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES
18	NWIZ.EXE		NVIDIA CORPORATION
19	ISUSPM.EXE		MACROVISION CORPORATION
20	MSASCUI.EXE		MICROSOFT CORPORATION
21	HKCMD.EXE		INTEL CORPORATION
22	HIDSERV.DLL		MICROSOFT CORPORATION
23	SIDEBAR.EXE		MICROSOFT CORPORATION
24	DUMPREP 0 -K		MICROSOFT CORPORATION
25	MSNMSGR.EXE		MICROSOFT CORPORATION

Not long ago our top requests were programs that served up spyware or adware like those below. Some free sample links below may not contain updated PLUS Info. Have you been around enough to remember these annoying infiltrations?

Common Name	Program Detected by WinPatrol
MyWebSearch.com Hijacker	MYBAR/MYWAY.DLL, MWSSRCAS.DLL, MWSOEMON.DLL
New.net	NEWDOTNET.DLL
WinTools	WTOOLSA.EXE, WTOOLSB.DLL, WTOOLSS.DLL
XUpiterSpyware - OrbitExplorer	toolbar.dll
eXact Advertising	NVMS.DLL, MSCB.DLL, MSBE.DLL
Internet Optimizer	nem21*.dll - nem220.dll
Gator / Claria	CMESYS.exe, GMT.exe, GAIN_Tickler*.exe
PowerREGISTER	POWERREG SCHEDULER.EXE
Uploader-R	TSM2.EXE
WinAd by TwistedHumor	Winad.exe, WinAdTools.exe Winclt.exe, WinTaskAd.exe
Intercosmos Media Group	SEARCHRELEVANCY.DLL
Addictive Technologies	ATPARTNERS.DLL
WhenU.com	VVSN.exe / Save.exe
180Solutions	MSBB.EXE
LocalNRD - Trandponder - Mindset Interactive	LOCALNRD.DLL
Neo Toolbar - Traffic Syndicate	TBPS.EXE, btein.dll, stoolsbar.dll
Bridge Search Page Hijacker	BRIDGE.DLL
W32 Supernova Worm	SYSUPD.EXE
eUniverse / Keen Value	WUpdater.exe, INCFINDFBO.DLL, PERFECTNAVBHO.DLL
CommonName Toolbar	CNBABE.exe, CNBABE.DLL

 

If you’d like to learn more check out the Calendar of Updates “Installers Hall of Shame” at

http://www.calendarofupdates.com/updates/index.php?showtopic=16109. You’ll be amazed at how common this business practice as become.  This topic already has almost 300 comments to there’s a lot to read.

Meanwhile, download WinPatrol and easily clean up your startup programs. Upgrade a specially priced WinPatrol PLUS now for recent information on these annoying programs. WinPatrol works well along side any of the popular AV and security programs on the market.