Re: Beta anti spyware
From: Lanwench [MVP - Exchange] (lanwench_at_heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmail.atyahoo.com)
Date: 02/20/05
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Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2005 13:40:52 -0500
Philly lawyer wrote:
> I just went back and went through the entire download site again,
> including clicking on and reading every single link to additional
> information. As an attorney, I perform critical, close reading of
> documents on a daily basis and I'm good at it. As a matter of fact,
> the site in fact does not ever explain that this is a test program,
> does not specifically invite feedback from consumers, and in no way
> suggests that the software is anything other than a finished product
> similar to other free software often provided by Micorsoft to its
> users. (I know, I know, there's that "Beta" thing, but I discussed
> that in my previous message.) I now realise that since when I went
> back the second time (contrary to your implication, I had gone
> through it thoroughly before I downloaded the software) I had the
> inside info about the meaning of "Beta," I could pick up on the very
> few references in the literature that suggest not that there is some
> testing going on, but only that some additional "tweaking" is going
> on with the product. You can throw some more nasty comments about my
> failings and flaws in this whole episode if you wish, but I stand by
> my critique of Micorsoft's conduct in all of this.
Bottom line: do not install any software unless you understand *exactly*
what it is. You yourself signed up for security updates from Microsoft -
this was an announcement of a new product they plan to release. If you
didn't understand what it was, and what everything in the EULA meant,
perhaps you should not have installed it - having done so, you should not
blame anyone other than yourself for having done so.
Perhaps it should go without saying, but a computer is not a toasteroven. I
agree that hardware & software company marketing departments continually
reinforce the belief that you don't need to do much beyond "plug it in &
go", but we all know that isn't true. These newsgroups are always full of
people who are finding that out - and ideally, having learned something
once, they will be more cautious in the future. And remember - these groups
are 'staffed' only by lowly volunteers like myself, and it's *free tech
support* - so don't look a gift horse in the mouth. If you don't like the
tone of someone's reply, ignore it - you never know what you're going to get
in a public newsgroup. You can always call Microsoft directly & pay for a
support call if you want something else.
It really sounds like nothing traumatic whatsoever happened to you or your
computer through your installation of the software, which is a Good Thing,
right? All you posted about was "why is the system tray icon looking like
X??" which does not imply a sudden, unpleasantly acrid aroma, and black
smoke billowing out of your computer.
So no harm has been done, but you've learned something new - there's nothing
wrong with that; we all do, every day. Consider it AFLO - (another ***
learning opportunity). ;-)
Not sure what else you think anyone in here, or even Microsoft, can do for
you. You misunderstood something, and the end result is that no harm was
done, right? So let's all just it go. Pax.
>
> "Shenan Stanley" wrote:
>
>> Philly lawyer wrote:
>>> Thanks for the explanation. I had no idea that this was a "test"
>>> version of the program. I, and probably millions of other
>>> unsuspecting users, received an unsolicited e-mail from Microsoft
>>> that raved about its new anti-spyware program and suggested I
>>> download it to "Try it Now!"
>>
>> First of, if you received an email from Microsoft, it was not
>> unsolicited. If you did not sign up for email from Microsoft and you
>> tik you received one - you got spam from someone else - likely
>> someone phishing.
>>
>> When I don't know the meaning of a word/term - I go here:
>>
>> http://www.dictionary.com/
>> and/or here:
>> http://www.google.com/
>> and/or here:
>> http://www.webopedia.com/
>>
>> --
>> <- Shenan ->
>> --
>> The information is provided "as is", it is suggested you research for
>> yourself before you take any advice - you are the one ultimately
>> responsible for your actions/problems/solutions. Know what you are
>> getting into before you jump in with both feet.
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