AOL's Force-Installed Viewpoint Spyware CAN Be Prevented
By Doug Edelman (03/06/06)
Computing.net has reported: "Both AOL's internet software and the AOL Instant Messenger program (AIM) are force installing unwanted software called Viewpoint Media Player on people's computers." http://www.computing.net/security/wwwboard/forum/9665.html
Antispyware programs like Xoftspy, PestPatrol, Spysweeper, Spyware Doctor and Spybot can detect and remove Viewpoint, however AOL reinstalls it EVERY TIME you open AOL if it's not there!
AOL has incorporated Viewpoint into it's AIM and Superbuddy features, and considers it integral to AOL "functioning properly". Therefore, even if your antispyware is able to detect and remove all vestages of Viewpoint, AOL will reinstall it the very next time you log on!
According to Paretologic, makers of Xoftspy antispyware software, Viewpoint is not only spyware, but it can slow your system down due to it's hogging of processor cycles and memory.
http://labs.paretologic.com/spyware.aspx?remove=Viewpoint%20Toolbar
Viewpoint tracks user information, installs without notice, uses immense system resources.
AOL DOES have a way to prevent this, though; but they are SURE keeping it a secret. In fact, the process CAN'T be found unless you know about it! Hence the reason for this article! EVERY AOL user should know about this.
Open AOL and go to "help" on the toolbar. Select "About AOL". Next is the SECRET STEP. You must then press "CTRL+D" to access a "secret" panel to disable all of the desktop and IM fancy features that are associated with viewpoint. This is the only way to prevent AOL from re-installing Viewpoint at AOL startup.
Most users will find their system performance improves once they have removed viewpoint.
Related Reading:
http://www.spywaredaily.com/2005/03/spyware.html What is spyware?
Copyright © 2005 by Doug Edelman
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