Opting out
Internet security cognoscenti are already familiar with the ShieldsUp! page on Gibson Research's Web site. With your permission, ShieldsUp! probes your system's security in much the same way a hacker would and reports any loopholes. The related OptOut site provides information and tools for users who want to opt out of providing free marketing data through spyware. The site supplies detailed information on all known spyware programs, including the names and Web addresses of the suppliers, what information is gathered, and the programs that integrate them.
Gibson doesn't suggest eliminating such marketing tools; after all, some users adore free programs and don't consider privacy an issue. He proposes a "Code of Backchannel Conduct" for tools that work in the background and share your Internet connection. The code is fairly detailed, but this quote sums it up: "You may use my Internet connection, but you must first help me to understand why you want to use it and how you will use it, then receive my explicit consent before using it. Then, if I ever change my mind, you must cease such use and go away."
Central to the site is the OptOut utility, which searches your system for known spyware, reports its findings, and optionally removes the offending files. As of this writing, OptOut exists as a free prerelease program that removes only the Aureate dll. The final version should detect and remove them all. It will cost you, but you'll get indefinite free updates to handle newly discovered spyware.
There's no evidence that spyware programs are gathering private information or associating that information with individuals. You may feel that giving away some limited, nonpersonal information is a small price to pay in return for free programs. But the possibility of abuse exists, so it behooves you to know just who's sharing your Internet connection.
I have now removed this annoying and intrusive program from my system twice. I know this is "old news" but it is trully annoying and given it looks like I purchased a piece of software (0n cd, in a reputable store) that has this stinker on it! I'll be contacting that vendor for confimation of my suspicions and if they prove so, there goes my business to someone else.